Microsoft plans to automatically add HDR support to more than 1,000 computer games. The software maker is now testing a new Auto HDR feature on Windows 10, which works just like on the latest Xbox Series S and X consoles. Enabling Auto HDR will add a large number of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games to a high dynamic range (HDR), as long as you have a compatible HDR monitor.
“While some game studios are developing for HDR game consoles by mastering their games for HDR, of course, Auto HDR for computers will only use DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 SDR games and intelligently expand the color / brightness range to HDR,” says Hannah Fisher , a DirectX program manager at Microsoft. “This is a seamless platform feature that will give you a great new gaming experience that takes full advantage of the capabilities of your HDR monitor.”
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Auto HDR can be enabled in the latest Windows 10 test build (21337) introduced to Windows Insiders today. It should be enabled automatically, or you can turn it on in the display section of the settings. Auto HDR is currently only previewed, and not all top DirectX 11/12 games will support it yet. Microsoft is also working to optimize performance and troubleshoot, and the company admits that “Auto HDR requires a bit of computing power to implement.”
In addition to the Auto HDR feature, the latest test version of Windows 10 also includes improvements to Virtual Desktops, an update to the File Explorer layout, and even some changes to built-in applications such as Notepad.
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Windows 10 will soon include custom wallpapers for each virtual desktop, with the ability to easily rearrange desktops. Microsoft is also adding additional padding between elements in File Explorer. There’s now a compact mode with the classic File Explorer mode, and the new look has been touched slightly more.
Notepad also now has a new icon and will be updated via the Microsoft Store. Microsoft is also working on the applications of Windows 10 with Windows Terminal and Power Automate Desktop.