How to Turn On Auto HDR in Windows 11 for Older Games

Open Display settings for your HDR display

1. Connect an HDR-capable display to your Windows 11 computer.
2. Select the Start button.
3. Type settings, then select Settings.
4. Select System.
5. Select Display.
6. Choose your HDR-capable display at the top. You only need this step with more than one display.

Turn on Auto HDR

1. Turn on HDR.
2. Expand the HDR toggle section.
3. Turn on Auto HDR.

Microsoft says Auto HDR raises the color range and brightness of games that are SDR only. The page lists some older games that use DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 as examples.

Make sure your display and PC are ready for HDR

If you can’t find the Auto HDR toggle or HDR looks wrong, check these points first.

• 🖥️Display: Use an HDR10-capable TV or display. (How to check your HDR settings)
• 🔄Drivers: Install the latest graphics drivers (WDDM) through Windows Update in Settings.
• 🪟Extended screens: A new external display starts in duplicate mode, and HDR doesn’t work there. Select Extend these displays near the top of Display settings.
• 🔋Laptops: Playing in HDR on battery can shorten battery life, and HDR can turn off when you unplug.
• ⚫Black screen: Your display may look black for a moment when HDR turns on or off.

If HDR is still missing or the picture looks wrong, try our Windows 11 HDR troubleshooting guide.

Our HDR calibration steps show how to fine-tune HDR colors once Auto HDR is on.

Image Credit: amjed omaf on Unsplash