In Windows 11, you can now use the Windows HDR Calibration tool to calibrate your displays for the best HDR picture quality.
The tool is very powerful and simple. It features three test patterns designed to calibrate the darkness, brightness, and color saturation of an HDR-capable display to improve accuracy and consistency.
You don’t need any additional calibration if you have a certified HDR display. However, you can still use the tool to modify and improve the viewing experience.
The tool is available through the Microsoft Store for both versions, 22H2 and 21H2, but you cannot use it on Windows 10.
This guide will walk you through the steps of using the Windows HDR Calibration Tool to calibrate your compatible monitors on Windows 11.
How to Calibrate an HDR Monitor on Windows 11
In Windows 11, to calibrate an HDR display, you’ll need to install the Microsoft calibration app, enable HDR on the monitor (if applicable) and through the settings app, then use the app to calibrate the display.
Install HDR Calibration
To install the Windows HDR Calibration app on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Windows HDR Calibration Store page (opens in a new tab).
- Click it Enter store application.
- Click it Install button.
Once you complete the steps, the app will install on the computer, but you’ll still need to enable HDR on the display through the Settings app.
Enable HDR
To enable HDR on a compatible display in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Display.
- In the “Brightness and color” section, click the HDR setting.
- Select the HDR monitor from the “Select a display to view or change its settings” option.
- turn it on Use HDR rocker switch.
- Quick advice: If you have a laptop, make sure the device is plugged into a power source. Otherwise, the HDR function will be greyed out.
After completing the steps, you can open the app and calibrate the display.
HDR calibration
To calibrate your HDR display in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Windows HDR Calibration application.
- Click it Begin button.
- Quick note: Use the app under the lighting conditions in which you will consume HDR content.
- Drag the slider left or right until the pattern is no longer visible to calibrate the darkness of the screen.
- Click it Next button.
- Drag the slider left or right until the pattern is no longer visible to calibrate the darkness of the screen.
- Click it Next button.
- Drag the slider left or right until the pattern is no longer visible to determine the visibility of the brightness.
- Click it Next button.
- Drag the slider left or right until the pattern is no longer visible to determine the screen brightness.
- Click it Next button.
- Drag the slider left or right to determine how color saturation appears on the monitor.
- Quick note: If you don’t see any change as you move the slider, it’s probably because the graphics card doesn’t support the feature. Also, the scenery changes are very subtle.
- Click it Next button.
- Confirm a profile name.
- Click it Finish button.
- Click it OKAY button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, HDR content (games, videos, and apps) should look improved on Windows 11. If you have a multi-monitor setup, move the app to the next monitor and repeat the calibration instructions .
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common Windows 10 and Windows 11 questions, visit the following resources: