HDR: What is HDR and how to enable it?

High Dynamic Range, commonly known by its abbreviation HDR, is a technology that enhances the visual quality of videos and pictures by increasing the depth and contrast of colors to make images more vibrant. HDR makes images more vibrant by increasing the brightness in the whites and reducing the darks in the blacks while increasing the saturation of the other colors. When HDRs are well implemented, they can make game environments look more immersive and better than the more commonly used SDR displays.

HDR can enhance scenes in video games with brighter sunlight and explosions, while dark areas can display more detail to make it look less washed out than SDR. However, it is important to note that in most online games, having HDR is a visual difference and won’t give advantages to players unless in FPS games where enemies can blend in with the environment.

How to enable HDR in Windows 11?

Enabling HDR in Windows 11 ^[1] is straightforward, but first, it’s essential to know if the monitor you’re using supports it. Most monitors have huge HDR labels slapped on them or their website, considering it's a huge selling point. Look for phrases like HDR10+, HDR40, and Dolby Vision.

With an HDR-compatible monitor, it’s time to enable the feature. By default, monitors use SDR and must be set to HDR mode to take advantage of the high dynamic range display. Here’s how to turn on HDR on Windows 11:

• Right-click on the Start button.
• Click on the Settings option.
• Select the System tab on the left side of the screen.
• Click the Display option on the right side of the window.
• Under the Brightness & Color section, there will be a toggle switch for HDR. If the monitor is compatible, it’s just a matter of turning it on.

If the monitor doesn’t have HDR capabilities, that toggle will either not be there or be unselectable.

References

1. [1] "Official Windows 11 page". www.microsoft.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024