Recently, newer monitors will add support for HDR, and Windows 11 already has the Auto HDR function. The two complement each other to give you better visual effects. Microsoft is working on adding HDR calibration to DirectX on Windows 11, similar to what’s available on Xbox consoles, and the company has announced the launch of the Windows HDR Calibration app, which allows users to calibrate the HDR displays they’re using.
Microsoft will add HDR calibration to DirectX on Windows 11 (just like Xbox)
Because each and every screen has different brightness levels, HDR calibration is especially important. If Windows cannot correctly detect the maximum and minimum brightness of the display panel, it may cause some details in the bright and dark parts of the image to be lost. This phenomenon is often called “clipping”, which mostly occurs on uncertified screens. above. Essentially, this means that certain colors may appear flat when displayed beyond the maximum or minimum brightness supported by the monitor.
▲The left side is the normal display of HDR, and the right side is the distorted image where the color becomes dull and flat following the cropping phenomenon occurs.
The Windows HDR Calibration app works similarly to the Xbox, following the test patterns recommended by the HDR Gaming Team. One of the tests will confirm the darkest visible details that are still visible, another will confirm the brightest visible details, and the last will test the display’s maximum brightness. Once these three elements are confirmed, Windows will be able to display the details of the HDR image more efficiently and accurately. Hints for HDR calibration are included in Windows 11 Insider build 22557, which was pushed to Insiders in the Developer Channel yesterday. In the path “Settings >> System >> Display >> HDR Settings” there is a link to “HDR Display Calibration” which currently points to Microsoft’s announcement of the feature, however, in the future you can access Windows from this link HDR Calibration app.
Microsoft is also adding another new gaming feature to Windows 11 build 22557, dubbed “Windows Game Optimization” for short. This feature improves latency and enables features such as automatic HDR and variable update rate for games in windowed mode (including borderless windows, i.e. not running full screen), especially for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games. DirectX 12 games are not affected because they already have this capability.
Microsoft didn’t specify whether Windows HDR Calibration is only rolling out to Windows 11, or if it’s also rolling out to Windows 10, but features like Auto HDR are unique to Windows 11, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see an exclusive approach. .
Source: XDA Developers
