Need guidance on configuring HDR settings correctly.
Need guidance on configuring HDR settings correctly.
The idea is still unfamiliar to me. I recently switched from a 1660 Super to a 4070 Ti Super, so I'm discovering new capabilities such as DLSS, ray tracing, and HDR. Although I've gotten used to most of these features, HDR is proving challenging. My monitor, an HDR-compatible Alienware AW2725DF, has a setting named "Smart HDR" with "Desktop" mode active. In Windows 11’s HDR configuration, it shows that "Use HDR" works and I can enable it. But once I do, the display appears dim—blacks look more like grays, and colors seem muted. I’ve heard this is called "washed-out HDR," and some advice suggests adjusting monitor settings, but it hasn’t resolved the issue much. I have a few more questions: Does enabling HDR in Windows affect all games equally, or only those that support it? Is Windows itself using HDR? What happens if a game doesn’t support HDR while Windows does? Thanks ahead for your guidance!
Only HDR-compatible files will appear in HDR format. Other sources, like Windows, will be converted from SDR to HDR. Due to a gamma curve difference, Windows displays everything as washed out. You can fix this by checking the repository at https://github.com/dylanraga/win11hdr-sr...mma2.2-icm for corrections. Alternatively, use RTX HDR to map SDR to HDR, which yields similar results, though some artifacts remain. Many users prefer running their PC in SDR mode and switching to HDR afterward. The shortcut to enable/disable HDR is win + alt + B. I don’t have details on your monitor settings—someone else might be able to assist.
Windows HDR has often caused issues, especially on the desktop. Adjusting it manually per game may be necessary because not every title supports HDR. Keep a list of compatible games so you can toggle the setting before launching. For movies, use MadVR with the 'K-Lite Codec Pack - Full' to let Windows handle the HDR automatically. Monitor performance varies by screen type; my LG OLEDs work well, giving a smooth experience with both HDR and standard content. Burn-in remains a worry, but power settings and screen savers help prevent it.
I noticed your concern about HDR not being native or flexible. From what I learned, using HDR in Forza Horizon 5 can feel quite limited compared to other games. It seems reasonable to adjust settings manually if you’re aware it supports HDR, but reverting back to standard resolution afterward might be the best approach.
Sure, I'm collecting that information. Thank you for sharing all the details!
I think you have two choices. With the updated gamma curve, things appear fine enough. However, until Microsoft improves their HDR support, using the shortcut win + alt + B each time seems to be the most practical method. (It’s worth noting that this shortcut usually opens settings, turns on HDR, and then launches a game—seems like a lot of work). As before, you can also assign non-HDR games to HDR using RTX HDR or Windows AutoHDR. It can look impressive, so I’d definitely recommend giving it a shot. Just remember to enable only one option at a time! I’m not sure if your monitor includes a HDR certificate, but using the HDR configuration tool from the Windows Store would be a good idea—just make sure to switch to HDR manually.
Shared your thoughts with Microsoft about adding HDR per game. Like the post here: https://aka.ms/AAx27y5