Separate desktop balance from HDR content
Microsoft explains that an HDR display can interpret SDR content differently and provides a brightness balance control. Ordinary desktop windows looking too bright or too dark after HDR is enabled do not, by themselves, prove that an HDR film is faulty.
Select the intended screen in Windows Display settings and keep a normal SDR window visible on it. In a multi-screen setup, make sure both the settings selection and the observed window are on the display being adjusted.
Make a modest comparison
Open the selected screen’s HDR settings and use the relevant SDR/HDR content brightness control described for that display type. Change it gradually while inspecting familiar text and images. Microsoft notes that built-in and external display behavior differs.
Keep the television’s picture mode stable during this comparison. If both the Windows balance and TV brightness change, it becomes harder to identify the useful correction or return to it later.
Check the viewing result
After the desktop is comfortable, compare a known SDR item and a supported HDR item separately. The balance setting is not a source-format detector and cannot certify that a service delivered HDR.
Record the selected screen and final balance preference. If a dock or display changes later, revisit that specific route rather than applying another screen’s value as a universal calibration.
Questions answered
Does a bright SDR desktop prove all video is HDR?
No. Desktop appearance and programme format are different observations.
Should I copy another monitor’s balance value?
No. Evaluate the selected display and its actual route.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.