How to enable Windows 11 Auto HDR for gaming

You can now enable Auto HDR on Windows 11 to convert compatible games from SDR to HDR, and here's how to complete the task.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 enable Auto HDR
Windows 11 enable Auto HDR
  • To enable Auto HDR on Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display, under “Brightness & Color” click “HDR,” and turn on “Use HDR” and “Auto HDR.”
  • Auto HDR for games on Windows 11 converts games from SDR to HDR automatically.
  • You’ll need an HDR monitor to configure the feature.

UPDATED 9/4/2023: Windows 11 lets you enable the “Auto HDR” feature to improve your gaming experience on your computer. This is the same feature available on Xbox Series X and S consoles, and it has been designed to convert compatible games from standard-dynamic-range (SDR) to high-dynamic-range (HDR) automatically to unlock the brighter and bolder colors available on compatible displays that use this technology for a more immersive and realistic experience.

Once you enable the feature, you can enjoy a more immersive and realistic gaming experience with an increased range of color and luminance in more than 1000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 PC games. However, Windows 11 only supports Auto HDR in certain hardware, which means that you will need a monitor that supports HDR.

This guide will teach you the steps to turn on or off the new automatic high-dynamic-range feature for compatible games on Windows 11. 

Enable Auto HDR for games on Windows 11

To enable Windows 11 Auto HDR, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the Display tab.

  4. Under the “Brightness & color” section, turn on the “Use HDR” toggle switch.

    Windows 11 open HDR settings

  5. Turn on the “Use HDR” toggle switch (if applicable).

  6. Turn on the “Auto HDR” toggle switch to enable Auto HDR on Windows 11.

    Enable auto HDR for gaming

Once you complete the steps, compatible games will automatically be upgraded from SDR to HDR for richer color visuals.

To check if your monitor is HDR certified, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, and on the page, you should be able to confirm whether the display is HDR compatible.

Disable Auto HDR for games on Windows 11

To disable Auto HDR on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the Display page on the right side.

  4. Under the “Brightness & color” section, click the HDR setting.

    Windows 11 open HDR settings

  5. (Optional) Turn off the “Use HDR” toggle switch.

  6. Turn off the “Auto HDR” toggle switch to disable Auto HDR for gaming.

    Windows 11 disable HDR

After you complete the steps, the automatic high-dynamic-range feature will no longer be available for games.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].