Windows 11 gamers now have a new option for smart customization, namely the ability to easily adjust the intensity of Microsoft's Auto HDR feature effect through the Xbox Game Bar.
For those unfamiliar with Auto HDR, it's a feature that takes a game that doesn't support HDR (high dynamic range), in other words uses SDR or standard dynamic range, and applies a simulation of an HDR effect (you you must have an HDR monitor, of course).
It basically takes normal SDR games and gives them something like HDR with brighter, more vivid colors, usually with impressive results, though sometimes things can go a little wrong.
The addition of this new Auto HDR Intensity slider in the Xbox Game Bar means you can correct the image if it turns out too bright (or even too dark) and adjust the image you get.
Another useful change in this department is that the Xbox Game Bar now has a switch to enable (or disable) automatic HDR, which you'll find in the bar's Settings menu, under the Game Features tab.
Both features are now live and available to Windows 11 gamers who purchase the latest version of Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store.
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These are some useful changes, and it's nice to have the ability to turn Auto HDR on (or off) right from the Xbox Game Bar instead of having to head into the Windows settings panel. (Note, however, that you must restart the game you're playing for the new choice to be saved.)
What's most important here, of course, is the ability to adjust the intensity of the HDR effect as needed. Obviously, the end result is quite subjective, and some people may enjoy much more saturated and vivid colours, while others may prefer a more subtle effect. So now you can adjust the effect to your needs on the fly, rather than just turning off Auto HDR if you find the default settings too off-putting.
What's also nifty is that the Auto HDR intensity level you choose is saved per game, allowing you to use different settings for different games and remember them all individually.
As Microsoft explains, to use the feature, you'll need to head into the Xbox Game Bar Settings menu, then Game Features, and click the "Adjust HDR Intensity" button which will open a small slider window to let you change the level of minimal effect to maximum effect.
Remember that you'll need to be running the latest version of the Xbox Game Bar app, and it's also worth noting that Auto HDR has no effect on games that natively support HDR, unsurprisingly.
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Via Thurrott.com