Microsoft is working to make the operating system more suitable for high dynamic range (HDR) monitors. Windows 11 preview build 23516, released on Dev Channel on August 2, 2023, introduces HDR wallpaper support, allowing consumers with compatible hardware to set high dynamic range wallpapers using JXR format images.
HDR wallpaper support for Windows 11
You can try the new feature by updating your Windows 11 system to build 23516 or higher. To try the feature, we recommend that you first check if your monitor supports high dynamic range by going to Settings > System > Display > HDR. If your screen supports HDR, you can set JXR images as your desktop background. You can do this as follows:
- Download an HDR image in JXR format. You can download sample images from Microsoft at the link here.
- Open the Settings app and go to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background > Browse photos.
- Select the JXR file you want to set as the desktop background.
If you are using multiple displays with different technology support (for example, one with HDR and the other without HDR), Windows 11 will adapt the background to the characteristics of each monitor. Microsoft also recommends using the HDR Calibration app from the Microsoft Store to get the best picture quality when connecting external displays to your computer.
Initial HDR background support in Windows 11 is currently being tested in the Windows Insider program, so there may be potential instabilities and bugs. By the way, JXR or JPEG XR (eXtended Range) is Microsoft’s proprietary image compression standard with numerous improvements over regular JPEG. Announced in 2007, the format offers improved compression, lossless support, better color accuracy, embedded ICC (International Color Consortium) color profiles, transparency, and more.
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