Open Settings → System → Display, select the affected screen, and open HDR. Turn Use HDR off briefly while looking at the same desktop app. If its colors recover, turn HDR back on and adjust the brightness balance for that display. You can leave HDR off for everyday apps and turn it on when you need HDR.
01External HDR monitor or TV
Section linkMove the Settings window onto the HDR screen you’re adjusting. In its HDR settings, lower SDR content brightness a little if desktop whites look too bright. This changes SDR brightness relative to HDR on an external display. If an app looks unchanged or remains pale, close and reopen it before comparing again.
02Built-in HDR laptop screen
Section linkSet the regular screen brightness where you normally use the laptop. HDR content brightness then changes the HDR level relative to SDR on the built-in panel. If the problem appeared after unplugging the laptop, plug it back in and check whether HDR turned off on battery power.
03HDR games and video also look wrong
Section linkOn a supported display with HDR on, open Windows HDR Calibration from the Microsoft Store and run it full screen on the affected display. Adjust each test pattern until it just disappears. Make small changes to saturation and compare the result with HDR content you know. If the built-in screen supports HDR streaming but lacks HDR support for apps and games, check Display calibration for HDR video in Windows settings instead.
04Check the same content again
Section linkCompare a familiar SDR app and a known HDR video or game on the same display. If colors also look wrong with HDR off, check the display’s picture mode and the graphics driver. If the issue persists, note the screen model, the app affected, and whether the problem follows the HDR toggle before contacting the display or PC maker.