How to Enable or Disable HDR in Windows 10 and Windows 11

HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances screen image quality by expanding color ranges and making visuals more vibrant. However, HDR isn't always necessary as it can increase energy consumption and potentially impact performance. This guide explains how to enable or disable HDR on devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Enable or Disable HDR in Windows 10

1. Open Display Settings: Click Start and select Settings (gear icon). Then go to System and choose Display.
2. Find the HDR Option: Scroll down to the Windows HD Color section and select Windows HD Color Settings.
3. Adjust HDR: Toggle the Play HDR video setting on or off. If your device supports HDR, you can enable it here.

Note: Ensure your monitor or display supports HDR. If the option isn’t available, your device may not be HDR-compatible.

How to Enable or Disable HDR in Windows 11

1. Go to Display Settings: Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings, or go to Start > Settings > System > Display.
2. Find HDR Settings: Look for the HDR Settings section, which is highlighted and more accessible in Windows 11.
3. Toggle HDR: In the Use HDR section, turn HDR on or off for your screen.

It’s important to note that HDR quality can vary based on the quality of your monitor and graphics card. Newer monitors and devices that support HDR10 will provide the best results.

When Should You Use HDR?

HDR is best suited for watching movies, playing games, and viewing other multimedia content that benefits from high-quality images and rich color. For text-based work and typical office tasks, HDR may not be necessary and could impact power usage and performance.

Now you know how to easily enable or disable HDR in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for an optimized experience on your device.