Windows 11 HDR is Washed Out? 5 Ways to Fix it

Try these simple fixes for Windows HDR washed out issues

5 min. read

Updated onJune 19, 2024

updated onJune 19, 2024

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Key notes

The concept behind Windows High Dynamic Range (HDR) is to improve visual quality and convert a more detailed color texture, look, and feel. However, many users are experiencing Windows HDR washed out after enabling it, causing the opposite effect.

You can check our guide onhow to fix auto-HDR not working in Windows 11to enjoy the best experience.

Why does HDR seem washed out?

Windows HDR seems like it’s washed out afterenabling HDRon your PC, which can be due to several factors. It causes the content and items on your screen to look washed out and unclear to read.

Some prominent causes that may be responsible for the issue are:

The causes of the problem can vary on different PCs. Regardless, you can fix the HDR washed-out colors by tweaking some settings on your PC.

How can I fix HDR washed-out issues?

Go through the following preliminary checks:

If the HDR washed-out issue persists, try the following solutions:

1. Set the right balance for brightness between HDR and SDR content

Setting the right balance for brightness between HDR and SDR content will fix any differences after switching from SDR to HDR. Formore brightness and contrast settings, check out our guide.

2. Enable HDR on Windows

Enabling the HDR display on your Monitor or Windows PC can help turn it on if it was toggled off. Read aboutwhat to do if the Settings app is missingon Windows 11.

3. Change Color Bit Depth

The 10 BPC Color Bit Depth will produce a more definitive look and more colors compared to lower values like 8 BPC.

4. Update your graphics driver

Updating the graphics driver will fix bugs affecting it and help install the latest features to improve its performance. Read about other steps forupdating graphics drivers on Windows 11if you have any issues.

Another quick and safe alternative is to use a third-party tool that will automatically find any outdated drivers and update them on the spot.

⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

5. Update Monitor driver

Check our guide onhow to update drivers on Windows 11for more steps. Alternatively, our readers can check our guide on thebest HDR softwarefor Windows 11.

Likewise, you can read aboutfixing HDR game issueson Windows 11 or what to do whenHDR videos are not playing on YouTube.

If you have any suggestions or questions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Windows 11 HDR is Washed Out? 5 Ways to Fix it#

How can I fix HDR washed-out issues?#

1. Set the right balance for brightness between HDR and SDR content#

2. Enable HDR on Windows#

3. Change Color Bit Depth#

4. Update your graphics driver#

5. Update Monitor driver#