How to Enable HDR on Windows 10

This guide walks you through turning on HDR (High Dynamic Range) in Windows 10 so your compatible monitor or TV can display brighter, more colorful, and more detailed images. You’ll learn how to check your display’s HDR support, enable the feature in Settings, and calibrate it for the best picture. Before starting, make sure your display supports HDR and you’re using the right cable.

What You’ll Need

A display (monitor or TV) that supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision.
A graphics card and cable that support HDR (DisplayPort 1.4 or later, or HDMI 2.0 or later).
Windows 10 version 1803 or later (check by typing “winver” in the Start menu).
Your display’s HDR mode enabled via its own on-screen menu (often labeled “HDR”, “HDR10”, or “Enhanced”).

Step-by-Step

Verify HDR support on your display. Open the display’s on-screen menu (usually via a button on the monitor or TV) and confirm that HDR is turned on. If you’re using a TV, make sure the HDMI input is set to “Enhanced” or “HDR” mode, as some TVs require this per input.
Connect your PC correctly. Use a high-speed HDMI cable (rated for 18 Gbps or more) or a DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Avoid using adapters or long cables that may not support the bandwidth.
Open Windows Settings. Press Windows + I to open Settings, then click System.
Go to Display settings. In the left sidebar, click Display. If you have multiple displays, select the one you want to enable HDR on.
Check HDR support. Scroll down to the Windows HD Color section. If your display supports HDR, you’ll see a toggle for Play HDR games and apps. If the toggle is missing or grayed out, your display or connection doesn’t support HDR (see Troubleshooting).
Turn on HDR. Toggle Play HDR games and apps to On. Windows will apply the setting; you may see the screen flicker briefly.
Adjust HDR brightness. Below the toggle, click HDR/SDR brightness balance (or Brightness for HDR content). Use the slider to set the brightness level for HDR content. The default is usually 50, but you can adjust it to your preference. For most displays, a setting between 50 and 80 works well.
Calibrate HDR (optional but recommended). In the same Windows HD Color section, click Windows HD Color settings (or HDR settings). Then click Calibrate and follow the on-screen instructions. This helps you set the correct peak brightness and color saturation for your display.
Test HDR content. Play a video or game that supports HDR (e.g., Netflix, YouTube HDR videos, or an HDR game). The picture should look more vivid and contrasty. If it looks washed out, adjust the HDR/SDR brightness balance or recalibrate.

Common Mistakes

Using a non-HDR cable. Older HDMI cables (1.4 or lower) don’t have enough bandwidth for HDR. Use a cable that says “High Speed” or “Premium High Speed” on it.
Not enabling HDR on the display itself. Many monitors and TVs have HDR disabled by default. You must turn it on via the display’s menu before Windows can use it.
Wrong input port. On some TVs, only certain HDMI ports support HDR (e.g., HDMI 1 and 2, not 3). Check your TV’s manual.
HDR enabled but SDR content looks washed out. Windows uses the HDR/SDR brightness balance to control how bright non-HDR content appears. If it looks gray, lower the balance or turn off HDR when not using HDR content.
Assuming all HDR is the same. HDR10 and Dolby Vision are different. Windows supports both, but your display must support the same format. Check your display’s specs.

Tips

Use the HDR/SDR brightness balance to keep normal desktop content looking natural. A setting around 50 is a good starting point.
If you have an HDR TV, set the TV’s picture mode to “HDR” or “Game” (if you’re gaming) to reduce input lag.
For the best HDR experience, use a display that supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision with peak brightness of 600 nits or more. Lower-brightness displays may not show a dramatic difference.
Keep your graphics drivers up to date. HDR support improves with driver updates.
When watching HDR movies on Netflix or other apps, make sure the app itself has HDR enabled in its settings.

Troubleshooting

No HDR toggle in Settings. This usually means your display doesn’t support HDR, or the cable/port doesn’t support it. Double-check your display’s specs and try a different cable or port. Also, make sure your display’s HDR mode is on.
HDR toggle is grayed out. Your display may support HDR but only in certain modes (e.g., only on one input). Try a different HDMI port, or update your graphics driver.
HDR looks washed out or too dark. This often happens when the HDR/SDR brightness balance is set too high or too low. Adjust the slider. Also, check your display’s HDR settings—some displays have an “HDR brightness” setting that needs to be increased.
HDR works but the screen flickers. This may be due to a cable bandwidth issue. Try a shorter cable or a higher-quality one. Also, try lowering the refresh rate in Windows Display settings (e.g., from 144Hz to 120Hz) to reduce bandwidth requirements.
HDR content appears in SDR. Make sure the app you’re using actually supports HDR. For example, in Netflix, you need a plan that includes HDR, and the video must be labeled “HDR” or “Dolby Vision”. Also, check that HDR is enabled in the app’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my monitor supports HDR?

Check the monitor’s specifications online or in the manual. Look for “HDR10”, “HDR400”, “HDR600”, or “Dolby Vision” support. You can also try the Windows HD Color settings—if the HDR toggle is available, it supports HDR.

Why is HDR not available on my laptop?

Many laptop displays don’t support HDR due to brightness limitations. If your laptop has an HDR display, it’s usually advertised. Also, ensure the laptop is plugged in, as HDR may be disabled on battery to save power.

Does HDR affect gaming performance?

HDR itself doesn’t significantly impact frame rates, but it may require more GPU resources. The bigger impact comes from running games at higher resolutions or with HDR enabled, which can reduce FPS slightly. Most modern GPUs handle HDR without major issues.

Can I use HDR with a TV via HDMI?

Yes, if your TV supports HDR and your PC’s graphics card has an HDMI 2.0 or later port. You also need a high-speed HDMI cable. Some TVs require enabling “Enhanced HDMI” mode in the TV’s settings.

Why does HDR look worse than SDR on my display?

This usually happens on displays with low peak brightness (under 400 nits) or poor HDR implementation. Try adjusting the HDR/SDR brightness balance, or turn off HDR for SDR content. If it still looks bad, your display may not be capable of good HDR reproduction.

Do I need to calibrate HDR every time?

No, calibration is a one-time setup. However, if you change your display or cable, you may need to recalibrate. Also, after a Windows update, settings might reset, so it’s worth checking periodically.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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