Learn how to disable or enable the Auto HDR feature in Windows 11 to enhance the regular SDR content.
If your monitor supports HDR, you can easily enable the HDR feature in Windows 11 using the Settings. Once enabled, all the HDR content, including videos and games, looks that much better compared to the regular SDR viewing experience. However, what about the regular SDR content? When the HDR feature is enabled, the SDR content might not look good with irregular or washed-out colors. For example, if you are playing an indie game or an older AAA title, the chances of it supporting HDR are very low. In that case, enabling HDR makes the game look and feel very off.
To deal with these kinds of issues, Microsoft bought one of the popular Xbox features called “Auto HDR” into Windows 11. When enabled, Windows 11 tries to enhance the SDR content when using HDR.
In this quick and easy guide, let me show you the steps to enable or disable Auto HDR in Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
- The HDR feature should be enabled to enable or disable Auto HDR in Windows 11.
Turn On or Off Auto HRD in Windows 11 Using Settings
Turning Auto HDR on or off system-wide is pretty easy. You just need to toggle an option, and you are good to go. Here’s how.
- Open the Settings app by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
- Go to the “System” > “Display” page.
- Click the “Graphics” option.
- Enable Auto HDR: Turn on the “Auto HDR” toggle.
- Disable Auto HDR: Turn off the “Auto HDR” toggle.
- Close the Settings app.
- With that, you have modified the Auto HDR status in Windows 11.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, we must open the Settings app. To do that, either press the “Windows key + I” shortcut or click the “Network” icon on the taskbar system tray and then click the “Settings” (gear) icon in the quick settings flyout menu.
Once it opens, go to the “System” tab on the sidebar and then click the “Display” option on the right panel.
Next, scroll down the right page and click the “Graphics” option.
Now, do the following to turn on or off Auto HDR in Windows 11.
- Turn on Auto HDR: Enable the Auto HDR toggle.
- Turn off Auto HDR: Disable the Auto HDR toggle.
Note: If the Auto HDR option is grayed out, you must enable HDR in Windows 11.
Finally, close the Settings app.
Turn On or Off Auto HRD in Windows 11 for Specific Apps
As an alternative, you can also turn ON or OFF Auto HDR for specific apps, instead of the system-wide. For example, if one or more apps or video games are not working with HDR, you can disable HDR for that specific app or game. Here’s how.
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Go to the “System” page.
- Click on “Display.”
- Click the “Graphics” option.
- Click on the app you want to customize.
- Enable Auto HDR: Turn ON the “Auto HDR” toggle.
- Disable Auto HDR: Turn OFF the “Auto HDR” toggle.
- Close the Settings app.
- With that, you have turned on or off Auto HDR for a specific app.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
Just like before, use the “Windows key + I” keyboard shortcut to open the “Settings” app. Once it opens, go to the “System” tab on the sidebar and then click the “Display” option.
In the “Display” page, scroll down and click the “Graphics” option under the “Related Settings” section.
Now, scroll down to the “Custom settings for applications” section and then click the app name for which you want to control the Auto HDR option.
Now, do the following to turn on or off Auto HDR for that specific app in Windows 11.
- Enable Auto HDR for a specific app: Turn OFF the “Auto HDR” toggle.
- Disable Auto HDR for a specific app: Turn OFF the “Auto HDR” toggle.
That is all. With that, you’ve changed the Auto HDR status for that specific app in Windows 11.
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That is all. It is that simple to turn on or off Auto HDR in Windows 11. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
Update: The tutorial has been updated to reflect the changes in the newer versions of Windows 11 and to simplify the steps & language.
