HDR is getting a little better on Windows 11

Microsoft’s monthly update to Windows 11 includes important updates to HDR support within the operating system.

According to The Verge’s Tom Warren, the updates allow users to keep HDR disabled across the entire system but still allow for streaming HDR video, as well as enabling more control over Dolby Vision.

The latest update, named KB5058499, is now available to all Windows 11 users with ‘get the latest updates as soon as they’re available’ turned on. Once installed, users will be able to toggle the ability to stream HDR video separately from the rest of Windows. This means that users could stream HDR content on services like Netflix or YouTube without enabling HDR for the rest of the operating system.

In the update, the tech giant is also allowing users to independently toggle Dolby Vision support in content or throughout the operating system, similar to what was done for HDR. Dolby Vision used to be forced on throughout Windows if it was enabled on the monitor.

Due to HDR’s spotty support lately, this new independent toggle is a welcome decision. As Warren notes, HDR can wash out the colours of games if not supported properly (including Auto HDR, which can also be a pain).

While HDR works great if it is properly supported across the board (monitor, game, recording software, etc.), being able to toggle it on or off for certain features independently improves the quality of life experience for regular Windows 11 users.

Source: The Verge