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Fix a Windows that has HDR that will not work

We'll enable HDR, update drivers, and fix HDR when it will not work.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+ cable (if unsure)
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Enable HDR and fix when it will not work.

  • Enable HDR in Display settings. Check monitor and cable support.
  • Good: HDR works. Bad: Update driver; check hardware.

Enable HDR

Goal: Turn on HDR in Windows.

  • Settings > System > Display > HDR. Turn on Use HDR.
  • Good: HDR works. Bad: If grayed out, check hardware.

Check hardware

Goal: Confirm HDR support.

  • Monitor must support HDR. Cable must be HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+.
  • Good: HDR available. Bad: Hardware may not support.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Monitor and cable support HDR but it still will not work after driver update.
  • GPU or monitor may need service.

Verification

  • HDR is on in Display settings.
  • HDR content displays with correct brightness and color.
  • No grayed-out HDR option (if hardware supports it).

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Enable HDR Settings > Display > HDR > Use HDR.
  2. Check cable HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+.
  3. Update driver Install latest graphics driver.
  4. Call a pro GPU or 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.

  • Monitor: model, HDR support?
  • Cable: HDMI/DP version?
  • HDR option: available or grayed out?
  • Steps already tried

Is HDR enabled in Windows?

HDR must be turned on in settings.

Settings > System > Display > HDR. Turn on Use HDR. Good: HDR works. Bad: check if option is grayed out—hardware may not support.
Question

HDR on?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Enable HDR

Settings > Display > HDR > Use HDR. If grayed out, check monitor and cable support. Update driver.

Done

Does monitor and cable support HDR?

HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+ required.

Check monitor specs. Use HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+. Reseat cable. Update graphics driver. Good: HDR appears. Bad: hardware may not support HDR.
Question

Hardware supports HDR?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Call a technician

If monitor and cable support HDR but it still will not work after driver update, GPU or monitor may need service.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would HDR not work?
Monitor or cable does not support HDR, driver outdated, or HDR disabled in settings. Check hardware support; update driver; enable in Display settings.
Can I fix HDR myself?
Yes. Enable HDR in Display settings. Use HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.4+. Update graphics driver. Check monitor HDR support.
When should I call a technician for HDR?
If monitor and cable support HDR but it still will not work after driver update. GPU or monitor may need service.

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