How to Turn On HDR in Windows 10

Turning on HDR in Windows 10 lets your monitor display a wider range of colors and brightness, making supported games and videos look more vivid and realistic. This guide walks you through the built-in Windows HD Color settings, what to check before you start, and how to fix common issues. You’ll need a display that supports HDR and a compatible cable (usually DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or newer).

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC (version 1709 or later, but 1903 or newer is recommended)
• An HDR-capable monitor or TV (check the specs or look for the HDR logo)
• A cable that supports HDR: DisplayPort 1.4 or later, or HDMI 2.0 or later (for 4K HDR at 60Hz, use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4)
• Graphics card and driver that support HDR (most modern GPUs from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel do)
• For HDR video apps: a licensed HDR codec (HEVC/H.265) — Windows will prompt you to install it if needed

Step-by-Step

1. Check your display connection. Make sure your monitor or TV is connected with a cable that supports HDR. If you’re using an older HDMI cable, replace it with a newer one. Also, plug the cable directly into your graphics card (not the motherboard) if you have a dedicated GPU.
2. Open Windows Settings. Press Windows + I to open Settings, then click System.
3. Go to Display settings. In the left sidebar, click Display. If you have multiple monitors, select the one you want to enable HDR on at the top of the page.
4. Open Windows HD Color settings. Scroll down and click Windows HD Color settings. This is where you manage HDR and related options.
5. Turn on HDR. Under Choose display, select your HDR-capable monitor. Then toggle Play HDR games and apps to On. If you also want HDR for video streaming, toggle Stream HDR video to On (this requires the HEVC codec).
6. Adjust HDR brightness (optional). If the screen looks too dark or washed out, use the HDR brightness slider to adjust the overall brightness. You can also calibrate the HDR display by clicking Calibrate under Display calibration.
7. Verify HDR is active. After enabling, you should see a badge under Display capabilities that says HDR is supported. To test, open a supported HDR game or video and check if the colors look more vibrant.

Common Mistakes

• Using an old cable. Many people try HDR with an HDMI 1.4 cable, which can’t carry the required bandwidth. Always use a cable rated for HDR (HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+).
• Not selecting the correct display. If you have multiple monitors, you might be toggling HDR on the wrong one. Always check the display name at the top of the Windows HD Color page.
• Missing HEVC codec. For streaming HDR video, Windows needs the HEVC codec. If it’s not installed, the toggle for Stream HDR video will be grayed out. Install it from the Microsoft Store (it’s free for some devices, but may cost a small fee).
• HDR on but content is not HDR. Turning on HDR doesn’t magically make everything HDR. Only apps and games that are specifically designed for HDR will show the benefit. Standard SDR content may look washed out if HDR is forced on.
• Ignoring driver updates. Outdated graphics drivers can cause HDR to not work or to work incorrectly. Always keep your GPU drivers up to date.

Tips

• Calibrate your display. Use the built-in Windows HDR calibration tool (under Windows HD Color settings) to adjust brightness, color, and detail. This helps avoid washed-out or overly dark images.
• Use HDR only when needed. If your monitor has a separate HDR mode, you may need to enable it via the monitor’s on-screen menu. Some monitors also have a setting to automatically switch to HDR when HDR content is detected.
• Check game settings. In games, look for a video or display settings menu and enable HDR there as well. Some games require you to toggle HDR both in Windows and in the game.
• Use the Windows Game Bar. While in a game, press Windows + G to open the Game Bar. You can check if HDR is active by looking at the performance panel or the game’s settings.
• Keep your monitor’s firmware updated. Some displays have firmware updates that improve HDR performance. Check the manufacturer’s website for updates.

Troubleshooting

• HDR toggle is grayed out. This usually means your display or cable doesn’t support HDR. Check the monitor’s specs and try a different cable. Also, make sure your graphics driver is up to date.
• Screen looks washed out after enabling HDR. This is common when watching SDR content while HDR is on. Try lowering the HDR brightness slider or use the calibration tool. Some monitors have a separate SDR brightness setting that you can adjust.
• HDR works in Windows but not in games. Make sure the game itself supports HDR and that you’ve enabled it in the game’s settings. Also, some games require you to be in fullscreen mode (not borderless) for HDR to work.
• HDR video streaming says “Stream HDR videoâ€� is off and can’t be turned on. Install the HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store. If it still doesn’t work, check if your display supports HDR for video (some monitors only support HDR for games).
• HDR works but the colors are off. Use the calibration tool to adjust color saturation and brightness. Also, check your monitor’s on-screen menu for HDR-related settings like “HDR Peak Brightnessâ€� or “HDR Modeâ€�.
• No HDR option at all. If you don’t see the Windows HD Color settings option, your display may not be HDR-capable, or you’re using an older Windows 10 version. Update Windows to the latest version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special cable for HDR?

Yes, you need a cable that can carry the high bandwidth required for HDR. For most setups, a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 cable is sufficient. For 4K HDR at 60Hz, use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4.

Will HDR work on any monitor?

No, your monitor must support HDR. Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision certification in the specs. Even if the monitor supports HDR, it must have sufficient brightness and color coverage to display HDR content properly.

Why do my HDR videos look dark?

This often happens because the video player or the display isn’t properly tone-mapping HDR content. Try using a different app (like the Movies & TV app) and ensure the HDR brightness is set appropriately in Windows HD Color settings.

Can I use HDR on a laptop?

Yes, if your laptop’s display supports HDR and the graphics card can output it. Check the Windows HD Color settings to see if the option is available. Some laptops have HDR displays but require you to enable it in the BIOS or through the manufacturer’s software.

Will HDR affect battery life on a laptop?

Yes, HDR can increase power consumption because the display uses more backlight. If you’re on battery, you may want to turn HDR off to save power.

Do I need to enable HDR in Windows every time?

Once you turn it on, it stays on. However, some monitors may reset HDR settings when they go to sleep or when the input changes. You may need to re-enable it occasionally.

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