How to enable HDR in Windows 11

Today we are going to explain to you How to enable HDR in Windows 11If you want to enjoy sharper colors and greater brightness capacity, activating this feature will allow you to do so. In addition, by activating HDR in Windows 11 you will be able to better appreciate the details of the image or video, since the bright parts shine even more and the dark parts have deeper blacks.

Nowadays, it is not only possible to activate HDR on televisions and external monitors, but also on built-in displays. So, if your laptop meets the minimum requirements, you will also be able to enjoy this technology. Below, Let's see what these requirements are and the step by step to activate HDR in Windows 11. Let's get started.

Requirements to enable HDR in Windows 11

Before enabling HDR in Windows 11, you need to make sure your display meets the minimum requirements. Because, to be able to display HDR content, it is not enough to activate the system function, eYour screen must support this technology. According to the official Microsoft support website, The screen of your PC must meet these specifications:

• Integrated screens (laptops): Display must have a resolution of 1080p or higher and a recommended maximum brightness of 300 nits or more.
• External display (external monitor or TV): Display must support HDR10, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 or higher, USB-C, or Thunderbolt.

In any case, it is best to check the specifications of your screen on the manufacturer's official website. HDR certified displays may include::

• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
• DolbyVision.
• NVIDIA G-SYNC ULTIMATE.
• VESA DisplayHDR.

How to enable HDR in Windows 11?

Now, once you have confirmed that your display is compatible with HDR technology, you will have to activate it. The thing is that, even if you have a monitor or screen with HDR, this option is disabled by default. With this in mind, below we leave you the Steps to enable HDR in Windows 11:

1. On your PC’s Desktop, right-click and select the Display Settings option (you can also press W + I – System – Display).
2. In the Use HDR option, click on the little arrow next to the switch.
3. Select the screen on which you want to activate this setting.
4. Now, within the HDR settings, turn on the switch.
5. Done! Now you have enabled HDR in Windows 11.

Keep in mind that, In case you don't have an external monitor and you only use the screen of your laptop, you will only see the option “Screen 1: Internal screen”. So this will be the option that will be defined by default. However, if you have connected an external screen, you will have to select it in order to activate HDR in Windows 11.

After enabling HDR in Windows 11 you have to calibrate your display

Surely, when you activate HDR in Windows 11 you will notice that the image looks overexposed, with a lot of brightness. This means that a screen calibration must be performed for HDR video. This will allow you to enjoy the image quality to the fullest, with just the right level of color. How is this done?

Right where you are, in the HDR settings an option will appear that says “HDR Display Calibration”. Click on this option that will take you to a Microsoft link where you will have to download a program for this purpose. Download it for free and install it on your PC. Once downloaded, follow these steps:

1. Select the display you want to calibrate.
2. Press Enter.
3. A test will appear to manually calibrate your screen.
4. First, adjust the Minimum Luminance by sliding the darkness level until the squares are no longer visible. (The background and the drawing should be at the same level.)
5. Click on Next.
6. Adjust the Color Saturation as desired.
7. Click Next.
8. Give a name to the profile you just created.
9. Tap Finish.

Back in the HDR settings, You can choose “Enable Auto HDR” to activate it in case you have a game in HDR. You can also enable HDR video steaming when available. Windows recommends that you always play videos in full screen for best viewing results.

Adjust the brightness level

Finally, don't forget Adjust the brightness level of your PC screen. This will help you not to see the image oversaturated and you will be able to see the details of the system, game or video better. To do this, you just have to Go to Display Settings and adjust the brightness level with the help of the slider bar.

Solution to most common problems when enabling HDR in Windows 11

While it is true that to use HDR technology on your PC it is necessary to activate it from the Windows 11 settings, Your TV or monitor must also have this option enabled.How you enable HDR on your display varies by brand and model. However, these displays typically have a physical button that you can press or tap to activate it.

Another possible drawback is that, When you use your laptop on battery (unplugged from power) HDR setting is disabledThis usually happens because your PC manufacturer disables HDR by default when using battery power precisely to save your battery.

What can be done in this case? If you need to play HDR content when using your laptop all the time, do the following::

1. Enter Display Settings by right-clicking on the desktop or tapping W + I – System – Display.
2. Choose your HDR compatible display.
3. Select HDR.
4. Now choose Use HDR.
5. There you will need to disable the feature that says “Disable HDR on battery power” or “Disable HDR video streaming when my PC is running on battery power.”
6. Done, if HDR was enabled while the laptop was on, once you unplug it, HDR will stay active and run on battery.

Finally, don't forget that by enabling this option your PC will consume a greater amount of resources, so it will probably download faster. Therefore, enable this option only when absolutely necessary.