High Dynamic Range (HDR) integration has taken a long time for Windows. In Windows 10, the process was difficult, unreliable, and unintuitive, but Microsoft has improved things dramatically with the widespread adoption of Windows 11. However, we’re still not quite there with plug-and-play HDR. Since setting up this feature is not as automatic as it should be, there are a number of basic conditions to consider before you are ready to enjoy the transformed technology in your games and videos. The process to make HDR work in games is a little different than in video playback, so we’ve explained them in separate sections.
What you need to get started
HDR is now included in Windows, but you should make sure that your hardware settings support this feature. Before trying to enable HDR in Windows, make sure you have the following:
1. HDR compatible display
Display requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are using a device that has a built-in display such as a laptop, or an external device connected to your computer such as a monitor or TV. Additionally, to take full advantage of HDR, look for a monitor that supports DisplayHDR 1000 or higher, meaning HDR will be able to deliver 1,000 nits of brightness or more to make your whites stand out. However, for minimum compatibility, the built-in display needs a resolution of 1080p or higher and a maximum brightness of 300 nits or more. For external displays, your device must support HDR10, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 or later, or USB-C. Microsoft also recommends a monitor certified for HDR, which includes the following certification versions:
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Dolby Vision
Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate
VESA DisplayHDR
2. HDR capable graphics card
You will also need a suitable graphics card (or integrated graphics chip) to properly send HDR signals to your display. This includes any Nvidia card starting with a GTX 950 or later, AMD’s Radeon R9 380 or later, any of Intel’s advanced graphics series, or 7th generation Intel processor integrated graphics (Kaby Lake) or later. Before trying to enable HDR, it’s also a good idea to update your graphics drivers, as this step has helped me fix problems I’ve encountered over the years.
3. Suitable encoding formats (for video)
To stream video, you should also make sure you have the appropriate formats installed, which can vary depending on the platform. For Netflix, you’ll need the HEVC codec format, which you can get from the Windows Store if it’s not already installed on your device. YouTube requires the VP9 codec for HDR, which is also available in the Windows Store, as well as AV1, which some other video applications require. You may need to restart your computer after loading these formats.
4. High quality HDMI or DisplayPort cable
For external displays, whether you’re sending your signal via HDMI or DisplayPort, you’ll want to make sure you have the right cable. (For more information about the cable you may need for your computer monitor, consult our guide.) To be clear, there is no such thing as an “HDMI HDR cable.” HDMI cables are empty tubes that only care about the data or signals you send through them. However, to get high-quality video, you need a wider pipe to accommodate the additional data. To get 4K 60Hz with HDR, you’ll need a premium high-speed cable or at least 18 Gbps. And for 4K at 120Hz with HDR, look for a high-speed cable marked with 48Gbps (you’ll also need a graphics card that supports HDMI 2.1). To find a DisplayPort cable certified for HDR, check our list of cables that are certified by VESA.
