HDR support on Windows has long been a complex affair for users, even though it has been “natively supported” for several years. Microsoft is now taking steps to enhance this experience, introducing new settings aimed at simplifying the enjoyment of HDR content on its operating system.
Enhancements in the Pipeline
The anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update is set to bring a host of improvements, although Microsoft has yet to officially confirm these enhancements. Enthusiastic users participating in the Windows Insider program often uncover these features ahead of time, offering the broader community insights and exclusive previews of what Microsoft has in store.
Recently, a notable change was identified in Windows Build 27686, released in the Canary Channel. This build has introduced a new option within the HDR settings that appears to allow HDR video streaming even when the overall HDR mode is disabled. For optimal results, Microsoft advises users to play HDR video in full screen. Additionally, the HDR section of the Display settings has been rebranded to “HDR video streaming, games, apps, and more.”
Microsoft first rolled out official HDR support back in 2017 with the stable release of Windows 10 Creators Update (1703). Since then, the company has made strides in enhancing compatibility with high-dynamic-range content and formats. Today, users can easily toggle HDR mode using a keyboard shortcut or convert standard dynamic range (SDR) content into HDR on a game-by-game basis.
Build 27686 updates HDR settings: a new option to “Allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is off” is present. There are also some string changes, such as “HDR video streaming” being changed to “HDR video streaming, games, apps and more” under Display capabilities. pic.twitter.com/4icDR8OwPc – phantomofearth (@phantomofearth) August 15, 2024
While announcing the release of Windows 11 build 27686, Microsoft highlighted an increase in the FAT32 file system size limit from 32GB to 2TB but initially omitted details about the new HDR settings. The company later updated its official post to include this important information regarding HDR video streaming capabilities when HDR mode is turned off.
The Windows desktop and PC operating system environments have traditionally been designed with the standard color gamut in mind. While streaming HDR videos or playing HDR games can deliver richer colors, higher brightness levels, and deeper blacks—provided the hardware supports it—keeping HDR mode activated at all times is generally not recommended for achieving the best results.
In addition to the HDR video streaming feature, the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 upgrade is expected to introduce further HDR-related enhancements. Notably, the next version of Windows will support HDR wallpapers in JXR (JPEG XR) format, which is Microsoft’s proprietary compression technology aimed at improving the still-popular JPEG image standard.