guide · static export
Gaming

Set up Auto HDR for SDR games on Windows 11 25H2

Enable Auto HDR on Windows 11 25H2 to upscale SDR games to HDR, with correct display calibration and no washed-out colors.

by@guidox updated:10/26/26 time:20 min level:Beginner works on:Windows 11 25H2, DirectX 11 / 12 games tools:Windows HDR Calibration
TL;DR

Turn on **Use HDR** per display, enable **Auto HDR**, then run the **Windows HDR Calibration** app so SDR games look right instead of washed out.

Before you start

Requirements

  • An HDR10-capable display (DisplayHDR 400+ recommended) connected over HDMI 2.0+/DP 1.4+
  • A DirectX 11 or 12 game in SDR
  • Windows 11 25H2
  • Windows HDR Calibration app from the Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n7f2sm5d1lr
Step by step

Instructions

01

Enable HDR on the display

Open **Settings** then **System** then **Display**. Pick the HDR monitor at the top, then toggle **Use HDR** on. The desktop briefly flashes and switches to HDR mode.

tipIf the toggle is missing, your cable or GPU does not advertise HDR. Try a certified HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 cable.
02

Turn Auto HDR on

On the same display page, click into **HDR** details and toggle **Auto HDR** on. This lets Windows upscale supported DX11/DX12 SDR games to HDR10 in real time.

03

Install and run Windows HDR Calibration

Install the free **Windows HDR Calibration** app from https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n7f2sm5d1lr and launch it. Follow the three test patterns to set min luminance, max luminance and max full-frame luminance. Save the profile.

⚠ warningDo this in a dim room with the monitor at its real gaming brightness. Skipping calibration is why HDR looks grey for most people.
04

Set the SDR content brightness

Back in **Settings** then **System** then **Display** then **HDR**, use the **SDR content brightness** slider until the desktop looks normal (usually 30-55). This only affects SDR windows, not HDR game output.

05

Enable Auto HDR intensity per game

Open **Settings** then **Gaming** then **Graphics**. Pick a specific game, click **Options** and raise or lower **Auto HDR intensity** to taste. 50 is neutral, higher pushes highlights.

tipIf a game has native HDR, do not enable Auto HDR on top of it - results will clip.
06

Verify it works in-game

Launch an SDR DX11/DX12 title (e.g. **Skyrim Special Edition**, **The Witcher 3** classic). Press **Win+G** to open **Xbox Game Bar**, open the **Gaming features** overlay and check it reports **Auto HDR On**.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

HDR toggle is greyed out

Check cable (HDMI 2.0+ or DP 1.4+), set the monitor to full RGB and 10-bit in its OSD, and update the GPU driver from https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx or https://www.amd.com/support.

Colors look washed out and grey after enabling HDR

Run Windows HDR Calibration - uncalibrated HDR always looks grey. Also adjust SDR content brightness.

Auto HDR status says Unsupported for my game

The game is DX9 or OpenGL - Auto HDR only covers DX11 and DX12 titles.

Game crashes or shows banding with Auto HDR

Open Settings then Gaming then Graphics, select the game and disable Auto HDR for that title only.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does Auto HDR hurt FPS?

Impact is usually under 2-3% on a modern GPU.

Do I need an HDR1000 monitor?

No, but DisplayHDR 400 panels look flat. HDR600+ with local dimming is where it starts to matter.

Does it work with G-Sync / FreeSync?

Yes, HDR and VRR are compatible on current Windows 11 25H2.

How to undo this

Open Settings then System then Display then HDR and toggle Auto HDR off, then toggle Use HDR off. Remove the calibration profile from the Windows HDR Calibration app if you want to start over.

Interactive version: checklist, feedback, related guides →

Free · no account needed · tracks your progress