Home windows 11 brings Auto HDR, first launched on the Xbox Collection X|S consoles, to the PC. The characteristic guarantees to make older titles look simply as brilliant and vibrant as newer HDR-compatible releases and not using a main hit to efficiency. That’s positive to have PC avid gamers eyeing an improve to Home windows 11. Is it price making the leap?
We’ve dug deep into Home windows 11’s Auto HDR to search out the reply. Right here’s all the pieces it’s essential know, from the {hardware} it’s essential easy methods to set it up, together with picture high quality comparisons with the characteristic on and off, and comparisons of how Home windows 11’s Auto HDR compares to the model provided on the Xbox. With Microsoft eyeing methods to enhance Home windows 11’s HDR capabilities later this 12 months, it’s price taking inventory in the place Auto HDR is at as we speak. Let’s dig in.
Right here’s easy methods to get Home windows 11 for reasonable (and even totally free)
The best way to use Auto HDR
Auto HDR is an ordinary characteristic of Home windows 11 and is out there when excessive dynamic vary (HDR) is turned on. The Auto HDR toggle is discovered within the Show menu alongside the HDR change. (Right here’s a step-by-step information to turning on Auto HDR in Home windows 11.) Some video games will immediate you to show Auto HDR on when launched if the characteristic is off.
You too can activate Auto HDR via the Home windows Recreation Bar. Press the Home windows + G keys to carry up the sport bar, choose Settings (represented by a gear icon), then open Gaming Options. Choose Use Auto HDR with supported video games to activate Auto HDR.

You’ll discover the Auto HDR toggle within the HDR parts of Home windows 11’s show settings.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Additionally, you will see an HDR Depth choice. Choose this to open a slider that allows you to improve or lower the HDR impact. I usually discovered Auto HDR was greatest at excessive depth, although this might look overly sharp at instances.
Whereas Auto HDR will work on any HDR monitor, the advantages rely in your monitor. HDR displays aren’t onerous to search out, however most HDR displays are somewhat unhealthy at HDR. The bulk ship a most brightness of about 400 nits, at greatest, and finances fashions routinely fall beneath that. Entry-level HDR displays even have a slender coloration gamut that may’t show the complete vary of HDR coloration. Our information to HDR on the PC explains all the pieces it’s essential know concerning the expertise, together with what you must search for in an HDR monitor.
I used Samsung’s cutting-edge Odyssey G9 Neo super-ultrawide for many of my testing, however I additionally tried Auto HDR on Acer’s budget-friendly XV340CK ultrawide. The XV340CK helps HDR enter however can’t even hit 400 nits of brightness. Consequently, HDR tends to look very boring and doesn’t present a lot element. Auto HDR doesn’t repair the difficulty. You will want a strong HDR monitor to see an enchancment.
How Auto HDR works
Auto HDR makes use of an algorithm to research an commonplace dynamic vary (SDR) picture and convert it to HDR. The algorithm pays specific consideration to SDR luminance information. Consider it like upscaling a picture to a better decision, however with luminance information as an alternative of decision.
Nonetheless confused? Check out Jeff Grubb’s protection of Auto HDR on the Xbox Collection X, which incorporates HDR heatmap footage offered by HDR knowledgeable Adam Fairclough (aka EvilBoris). The HDR heatmap footage offers a way of the uncooked luminance information Auto HDR is utilizing to spice up brightness and total distinction.
Auto HDR works on the working system degree, so all video games are appropriate with Auto HDR. The one restriction famous by Microsoft is {that a} recreation should assist DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 to allow Auto HDR. Nevertheless, I discovered that titles which don’t assist DirectX 11 or 12 appeared to work—or, at the very least, seemed totally different. Microsoft’s documentation is unclear on this level.
In fact, there’s actually hundreds of video games you would possibly use with Auto HDR. The characteristic’s presence doesn’t assure that it’s going to work correctly or enhance your expertise. Microsoft doesn’t run an Auto HDR certification program and its official bulletins surrounding Auto HDR are inclined to concentrate on video games from Microsoft-owned studios. It’s the wild west, in different phrases: Auto HDR will at all times be an choice when you have Home windows 11, however it could not at all times have the supposed impact.
Don’t let that put you off, although. Auto HDR does appear to operate properly with the vast majority of fashionable video games and, if it doesn’t, you’ll be able to merely flip it off.
Auto HDR picture high quality examined
Microsoft has put a lot effort into Auto HDR. However does it work as marketed?
To seek out out, I examined a number of video games on Samsung’s Odyssey G9 Neo monitor. The G9 Neo is an ultrawide Mini-LED monitor that has a most peak brightness of 2000 nits in HDR content material and, in my testing, can simply maintain over 600 nits in brilliant scenes. It’s an excellent selection for highlighting the influence of Auto HDR.
I used a DSLR digicam to take photographs of the monitor with Auto HDR in motion. This isn’t an ideal resolution. The digicam’s photographs aren’t in an HDR format and, in the event you’re studying this on a PC, it’s seemingly you’re not viewing on an HDR monitor. This blunts the impact. Nonetheless, the photographs provide an instance of what you’ll be able to anticipate.
To look at the screenshots in finer element, right-click on them in your browser and choose “open picture in new tab.”
Age of Empires II: Definitive Version
The remaster of Age of Empires II isn’t a super recreation for Auto HDR, which is exactly why I needed to attempt it. Initially launched in 1997, this traditionally themed real-time technique recreation lacks flashy explosions or magical spell results.

Auto HDR off
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on
Matt Smith/IDG
There’s not a lot to see right here. The 2 photographs look nearly an identical, with solely a refined increase in brightness Auto HDR turned on. Most gamers would have a tough time discerning whether or not the characteristic was on or off.
My real-life impression of the sport was just like what you see within the photographs, however I encountered a difficulty you’ll be able to’t see. Menus and loading screens had been rendered with eye-searing brightness when Auto HDR was turned on. This can be a identified draw back to Auto HDR.
On the entire, Auto HDR doesn’t do a lot for Age of Empires II: Definitive Version. Let’s transfer on to extra promising video games. This underscores the bounds of Auto HDR. It’s an algorithm, not magic, and could have much less influence in video games with few high-contrast scenes.
Last Fantasy XIV
Last Fantasy XIV is a recreation that embraces a flashy, high-contrast presentation. Initially launched on PlayStation 3 and PC, the sport’s engine doesn’t assist HDR and appears unlikely to obtain an HDR replace within the close to future. Auto HDR, you’re my solely hope!

Auto HDR off
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on
Matt Smith/IDG
It’s clear that Auto HDR doesn’t solely change the sport’s look even on this high-contrast scene. Look intently, although, and it’s possible you’ll discover the Aether crystal, surrounded by a blue glow, exhibits extra element with Auto HDR. The road lights additionally seem much less blown out. Lastly, I believe Auto HDR exhibits barely extra distinction total. Darkish areas seem darker and brighter areas brighter, but each retain element.
I additionally seen spell results had extra punch with Auto HDR turned on. Spells forged by my White Mage appeared to peak at a better most luminance. Spell results seemed extra outlined and impactful.
Auto HDR’s points with loading screens and menus stay. Last Fantasy XIV, like most MMORPGs, has loads of menus. These with a brighter presentation, just like the map, might seem overly brilliant when opened in an in any other case darkish surroundings.
My emotions on Auto HDR in Last Fantasy XIV are combined. I respect the added dazzle of spell results which, on a great HDR monitor just like the Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo, provide eye-searing outcomes. Nonetheless, the general enchancment is simply okay. Auto HDR is best, however I might take it or depart it.
Halo: Attain (from Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment)
Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment consists of HDR assist on the Xbox, however HDR isn’t supported on the PC. That leaves PC avid gamers with no selection however to stay with Auto HDR. Luckily, the ends in Halo: Attain are strong.

Auto HDR off
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on
Matt Smith/IDG
These photographs present a transparent distinction in total distinction. The solar rising within the distance seems brighter within the sky. Flip your consideration to the foreground, although, and also you’ll see extra depth within the character’s arms and gun.
I like what Auto HDR does with the gun’s ammo show. It seems flat within the SDR shot, as if it’s a decal caught on the gun somewhat than a display constructed into it. Auto HDR fixes this situation, offering a way of depth that makes the display seem set into the fabric round it.
There’s a noticeable improve in coloration and brightness within the dawn. The SDR photograph seems to be wonderful, however Auto HDR brightens and provides coloration to the clouds instantly surrounding the dawn with out dropping element. It higher depicts the vivid glow you’ll see when watching a dawn (or sundown) in actual life.
It’s not all excellent news. Auto HDR is a transparent enchancment in-game, however the characteristic had a adverse influence on the sport’s interface. Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment performs pre-rendered video within the recreation’s menus. Utilizing HDR led to distracting macroblocking artifacts on this video. This occurred with Auto HDR on or off. It’s a minor annoyance, however one you’ll incessantly encounter whereas navigating the sport’s multiplayer matchmaking menus.
Skyrim Particular Version
Skyrim begs for HDR however, sadly for followers, was launched years earlier than HDR turned out there. Even the upcoming Skyrim Anniversary Version received’t assist it. That seemingly means it’s too massive a technical raise to ever be included within the recreation’s official launch. Followers must depend on Auto HDR – so, how good is it?

Auto HDR off
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on
Matt Smith/IDG
Sure, I’ve saved one of the best for final. Auto HDR does loads for Skyrim and offers an enormous increase over SDR. As with Halo: Attain, Auto HDR offers a noticeable increase to the scene’s total distinction. The improved distinction is most blatant within the foreground buildings, which seem brighter, extra vivid, and extra detailed than in SDR.
Coloration presentation is enhanced, as properly, with a richer but extra balanced look. The SDR shot isn’t any slouch, however the foreground buildings have a heat hue that appears a bit unnatural by comparability.
You will notice the solar is blown out within the Auto HDR shot, however don’t fear: this isn’t consultant of actuality. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9’s peak HDR brightness is so excessive that I had bother discovering a degree of digicam publicity that retained element in brilliant and darkish areas directly. In actuality, the extent of element within the solar was comparable in each SDR and Auto HDR, however the solar appeared considerably brighter with Auto HDR on.
The one downside is one that you could be, by now, anticipate: Skyrim’s out-of-engine menus have points. The fog that rolls into the scene throughout the principle menu shows huge grey bands and seems overblown.
It’s much less of an issue with Skyrim than with Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment, although, as a result of gamers have little motive to navigate this portion of the sport’s menus and can as an alternative soar straight into the sport. Skyrim’s in-game menus, together with the map and the magic choice display, look wonderful with Auto HDR turned on.
Auto HDR on PC vs. Xbox Collection X
Auto HDR is a characteristic that spans each the Xbox Collection X and the PC, so I used to be curious how efficiency in contrast between PC and console. I related the Xbox Collection X to the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 to see for myself. The Xbox Collection X doesn’t assist super-ultrawide (or ultrawide) facet ratios, after all, so I positioned the Odyssey G9 Neo into 16:9 show mode. All different settings remained the identical.
Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment
As talked about earlier than, Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment helps HDR on the Xbox Collection X, however doesn’t on the PC. This comparability is a battle of “true” HDR in opposition to Auto HDR.

Auto HDR on Home windows 11
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on Xbox Collection X
Matt Smith/IDG
The dawn, and the world surrounding it, seems comparable in each photographs. Each Auto HDR on PC and native HDR on the Xbox Collection X present a red-orange glow in clouds that doesn’t pop in SDR. Auto HDR and native HDR share an total increase in distinction that gives a greater sense of depth, particularly within the foreground.
Nevertheless, native HDR on the Xbox Collection X has a bonus in darkish parts of the picture. The gun held by the character exhibits extra element and distinction than on PC with Auto HDR turned on. The identical may be mentioned of the cliffside and timber, the place parts of the terrain confronted away from the solar turn out to be so darkish that element is misplaced. The PC photograph seems too darkish by comparability.
Halo: Attain seems to be nice in Auto HDR, however this can be a win for native HDR on the Xbox Collection X.
Skyrim Particular Version
Skyrim Particular Version doesn’t natively assist HDR on any platform, so depends on Auto HDR on each PC and Xbox Collection X. So, does Auto HDR look the identical on console and PC?

Auto HDR on Home windows 11
Matt Smith/IDG

Auto HDR on Xbox Collection X
Matt Smith/IDG
There’s a transparent distinction between the colour in every shot. The picture captured from Auto HDR on the PC has a cooler, cleaner look, whereas the picture captured from the Xbox Collection X seems to be hotter within the foreground.
It’s doable this is because of a variance in time of day or seasons. Whereas the photographs had been taken at roughly the identical time of day, they photographs weren’t snapped at the very same in-game minute.
Placing coloration apart, each photographs are comparable in distinction, element, and brightness. Each provide higher total distinction in comparison with SDR. Extra element is seen within the rock wall within the foreground, in addition to alongside the darker parts of rooflines and in characters.
The solar seems blown out in each HDR photographs, which is brought on by the Odyssey Neo G9’s excessive most luminance. The solar was, in actual fact, clearly seen to my eyes, however the digicam was not in a position to seize it.
I choose the photograph captured from Auto HDR on the PC, however I imagine the variations in presentation are as a consequence of variances in in-game lighting and never Auto HDR itself. In any case, Auto HDR is an enchancment over SDR on each PC and Xbox Collection X.
The decision: Home windows 11 Auto HDR may be nice on the best show
I spent a number of weeks testing Auto HDR in varied conditions past these I photographed, with the majority of my time spent in Last Fantasy XIV and Skyrim. I additionally tried the characteristic on a number of displays in addition to the Odyssey Neo G9. I loved my time utilizing Auto HDR, however the characteristic made me extra conscious of the issues going through HDR gaming on the PC.
The large situation is that this: Auto HDR works greatest with an excellent HDR monitor, and nice HDR displays are onerous to return by. You will have an OLED or Mini-LED show with a most peak brightness of at the very least 1,000 nits to completely respect what Auto HDR has to supply. Sadly, most displays fall far beneath this requirement.
Auto HDR could make a distinction when seen on a strong HDR show, and the advantages are most noticeable in video games with high-contrast scenes. Skyrim’s dramatic sunrises and copious god-rays look their greatest with Auto HDR. The flat, easy presentation of Age of Empires II: Definitive Version beneficial properties little.
There’s no draw back to Auto HDR, at the very least. The profit is usually massive, and typically small, however the characteristic is non-obligatory and might merely be turned off in the event you encounter an issue.
If Auto HDR is the rationale you’re contemplating an improve to Home windows 11, ask your self this: Do you personal a monitor with a peak brightness of at the very least 1,000 nits? In case you do, making the leap to Home windows 11 for Auto HDR is a good suggestion. If not, maintain off on Home windows 11 and spend money on a monitor improve as an alternative.
Editor’s word: This text initially printed on October 22, 2021, however has been up to date to incorporate further info.