How to enable Auto HDR for games on Windows 10

Windows 10 now supports the “Auto HDR” feature available on Xbox Series X and S consoles, and you can enable it now to improve your gaming experience.

Auto HDR is a feature that converts 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 color technology for a more immersive and realistic experience.

Starting with build 21337, Windows 10 includes a (preview) setting to enable Auto HDR on your gaming computer that you can use on more than 1000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to turn on or off the new high-dynamic-range feature for compatible games on Windows 10 (build 21337 or higher).

Enable Auto HDR on Windows 10

To enable the new Auto HDR color feature, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Display.

4. Click the Windows HD Color settings option.

   

   Windows HDR Color settings

5. Turn on the Use HDR toggle switch.

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6. Turn on the Auto HDR toggle switch.

   

   Enable Auto HDR (source: Microsoft)

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

If you do not have a monitor that supports this feature, we recommend the LG Ultragear 34GN850-B 34-inch (1440p resolution) monitor that offers great HDR and sRGB color accuracy, native FreeSync support, and G-SYNC compatibility, to improve your gaming experience at a great price.

Disable Auto HDR on Windows 10

To disable Auto HDR on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Display.

4. Click the Windows HD Color settings option.

   

   Windows HDR Color settings

5. Turn off the Auto HDR toggle switch.

   

   Disable Auto HDR (source: Microsoft)

6. (Optional) Turn off the Use HDR toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, Auto HDR will no longer be available for games.

If you do not see this feature, you do not have a monitor that supports HDR, or you are not running the Windows 10 that supports this feature. Auto HDR is available starting build 21337 in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.

In the case that you want to test the feature, you first need to join the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program and then upgrade the device to build 21337 from Windows Update.

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