There was a time when computer monitors could only show two colours on the screen: black and white (or sometimes black and green). Computer monitors nowadays can display almost 16 million colours, so this is in stark contrast. An HDR (High Dynamic Range) monitor, on the other hand, can display more than a billion different colours, making this range seem small in comparison. If you have invested in an HDR display, you need to make the most of it. You may not be making the most of your monitor’s potential, though, because HDR is not enabled by default on many computers. In this guide, we’ll delve into what HDR entails, explore the benefits of using an HDR monitor, and detail the steps to enable HDR on Windows 11.
Contents
Understanding HDR
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, in the context of computer monitors, refers to the range that your monitor can display in two critical aspects:
1. Color: An HDR monitor boasts a significantly broader color spectrum compared to a Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) monitor. This extensive color range allows an HDR monitor to faithfully reproduce colors that are unattainable on standard monitors, resulting in a more realistic representation of images.
2. Contrast: Contrast signifies the difference between the brightest and darkest images a monitor can produce. An HDR monitor not only delivers brighter images but also offers a much wider contrast range compared to SDR monitors.
Advantages of an HDR Monitor
Owning an HDR monitor offers several advantages:
1. Enhanced Color Accuracy: With its expanded color spectrum, an HDR monitor can more accurately represent images. Unlike SDR monitors, which must compromise and approximate colors, an HDR monitor can display content much more faithfully.
2. Deeper Blacks and Enhanced Detail: HDR monitors can achieve deeper black levels, a challenge for SDR monitors. This capability allows for more details to be discerned in darker images, making it easier to spot hidden elements in games or videos.
3. Consistent Visibility: The increased contrast levels reduce the need for frequent adjustments to your monitor’s brightness settings to maintain clear visibility.
Checking HDR Support for Your Monitor
Monitors supporting HDR typically feature clear indicators on their packaging or in product descriptions. Look out for phrases like HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, as these signify HDR support. To ascertain if your existing monitor supports HDR, follow the steps in the following section. An HDR-compatible monitor will offer a switch to enable or disable HDR, while a non-HDR monitor won’t provide this option.
How to Enable HDR on Windows 11
To unlock your monitor’s HDR capabilities in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the “Windows key + I” to open Settings and click on “System” in the left-hand menu.
- Select “Display” on the right panel of the system menu.
- Under the Brightness & Color section, click on HDR.
- In the HDR section, turn on the “HDR video streaming” button.
If you don’t see this switch, your monitor does not support HDR.
How to Enable HDR on Battery in Windows 11
For HDR-capable laptops, HDR functionality may be disabled by default when operating on battery power due to higher power consumption. To enable HDR content playback while on battery power in Windows 11:
- Press the “Windows key + I” to open Settings and click on “System” in the left-hand menu.
- Select “Display” on the right panel of the system menu.
Under the Brightness & Color section, click on HDR.
- Under Battery Options, select “Allow Streaming HDR Video on Battery.”
Now, you can enjoy HDR content seamlessly, even when your laptop operates on battery power.
Conclusion
If you have an HDR-capable monitor, being able to enable HDR in Windows 11 will allow you to take full advantage of the excellent colour and contrast capabilities of your display. HDR may greatly improve your visual experience whether watching films or playing video games.