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Fix a Windows that has color that is wrong

We'll set the correct color profile, HDR, and fix color when it is wrong.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Set the correct color profile and HDR.

  • Set color profile in Display settings. Toggle HDR to match content.
  • Good: Colors correct. Bad: Run calibration.

Set color profile

Goal: Use the right color mapping.

  • Display settings > Color profile. Select sRGB or monitor default.
  • Good: Colors correct. Bad: Toggle HDR.

Toggle HDR

Goal: Match HDR to content.

  • Settings > System > Display > HDR. On for HDR, off for SDR.
  • Good: Colors match. Bad: Run calibration.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Calibration and profile changes do not fix colors.
  • Monitor may need service.

Verification

  • Colors match expected (not washed out or oversaturated).
  • Color profile is sRGB or monitor default.
  • HDR matches content type.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Color profile Display settings > Color profile > sRGB or default.
  2. HDR Toggle HDR on or off to match content.
  3. Calibration Run Calibrate display color.
  4. Call a pro Monitor may need service.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Current color profile: what is set?
  • HDR: on or off?
  • Monitor: model, color mode in OSD?
  • Steps already tried

Is the correct color profile selected?

Wrong profile causes color shift.

Display settings > Color profile. Select sRGB or monitor default. Good: colors correct. Bad: toggle HDR.
Question

Profile correct?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Set color profile

Display settings > Color profile. Choose sRGB or default. Restart if needed.

Done

Is HDR correct for your content?

HDR mismatch causes washed out or dull colors.

Settings > System > Display > HDR. Turn on for HDR content, off for SDR. Good: colors match. Bad: run calibration.
Question

HDR correct?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Run color calibration

Search "Calibrate display color". Follow wizard. If colors still wrong, monitor may need service.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Windows colors be wrong?
Wrong color profile, HDR on when content is SDR, or display not calibrated. Set correct profile; toggle HDR; calibrate if needed.
Can I fix wrong colors myself?
Yes. Display settings > Color profile. Toggle HDR. Run color calibration. Update graphics driver.
When should I call a technician for wrong colors?
Rarely. Color is a software and display setting. If calibration does not help, monitor may need service.

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