Games with HDR look significantly better: brighter highlights, deeper shadows and richer colors. The problem is that many games do not have HDR at all. Windows 11 brings a clever solution for this, Auto HDR. Let us explain what it is, how it works and what you need for it.

First: what HDR is

HDR (High Dynamic Range) means a higher dynamic range of the picture, that is a greater difference between the darkest and brightest parts. Compared to ordinary SDR (Standard Dynamic Range), HDR has brighter highlights, better contrast and a wider palette of colors. The picture thus looks more realistic and vivid. This relates to display types, more in the article on the big comparison of display types.

What Auto HDR is

Auto HDR is a Windows 11 feature that automatically adds the HDR effect even to games that originally lack it (they were made only in SDR). Windows intelligently analyzes the game’s picture and expands its dynamic range and colors, so an older game suddenly looks more vivid and contrasty, even though its creators never added HDR.

Originally this feature comes from Xbox consoles, and Microsoft brought it to Windows 11 too.

Native HDR versus Auto HDR

An important difference:

  • Native HDR is HDR built directly by the game’s creator. It is precise and tuned, because it was made on purpose.
  • Auto HDR is HDR that Windows calculates from the SDR picture. It is not a perfect replacement for native HDR, but in games that lack HDR, it is a visible improvement for free.

Simply put: if a game has native HDR, use it. If it does not, Auto HDR can help it nicely.

What you need for it

For Auto HDR to work, you need:

  • Windows 11.
  • A monitor or television with HDR support. And beware, it should be a quality HDR display with sufficient brightness, not just an “HDR” sticker on a cheap panel. Cheap displays with minimal brightness will not get much out of HDR. The article on how to choose a monitor helps with the choice.
  • HDR enabled in Windows.
  • A game on DirectX 11 or 12 (most games).

How to enable Auto HDR

  1. Open Settings, System, Display.
  2. Find the HDR section and turn on Use HDR.
  3. In the same place, turn on Auto HDR too.

After enabling, the HDR effect is added to supported SDR games automatically. Auto HDR can also be enabled or disabled for a specific game, depending on what suits you.

What to keep in mind

  • Display quality is key. On a weak HDR panel the effect will be small or even worse. Real HDR needs a display with decent brightness and contrast.
  • Not every game takes it equally. In most games it is a plus, but occasionally the picture may look different than the creator intended. In that case you simply turn Auto HDR off.
  • Set HDR in the game too. Some games have their own brightness and HDR settings worth fine-tuning.

Auto HDR in the family of gaming features

Auto HDR is one of several features that improve the experience in a modern gaming setup. It is complemented by DirectStorage (faster game loading) and Resizable BAR (can add FPS). Each addresses something different and together they make PC gaming a smoother and nicer experience.

Conclusion

Auto HDR in Windows 11 automatically adds the HDR effect even to games that lack it, so older titles look more vivid and contrasty. You just need Windows 11, a quality HDR display and a few clicks in the settings. It is not a perfect replacement for native HDR, but it is a nice and free improvement to the picture.

Building or upgrading a gaming setup and want the most out of it visually? Get in touch, we will advise on the monitor and a tailored build.