Playing games on Windows 11 should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, sometimes you might notice that the colors on your screen change unexpectedly when you start gaming. This can be distracting and affect your overall gaming experience.
Color changes during gaming are often related to display settings, graphics drivers, or system profiles that adjust automatically. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue and get your colors back to normal.
In this guide, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step instructions to resolve color shifting problems while gaming on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along.
Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Check your cables and monitor: Ensure your HDMI or DisplayPort cable is securely connected and not damaged. Faulty cables can cause color issues.
- Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple restart resolves temporary glitches causing color changes.
- Close unnecessary apps: Background apps can interfere with display settings, so close any non-essential programs before gaming.
- Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date to avoid compatibility problems.
Step 1: Adjust Windows Night Light Settings
Windows 11 has a feature called Night Light that changes screen colors to warmer tones during evening hours. This can affect colors when gaming.
- Click on the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System and then select Display.
- Look for the Night Light toggle. If it is turned on, click it to turn it off.
- You can also click on Night Light settings and adjust the schedule or strength if you prefer to keep it on.
Why this matters: Night Light changes color temperature, which can cause unusual color shifts during gaming.
Step 2: Disable HDR (High Dynamic Range) If Enabled
HDR can enhance colors on compatible monitors but may cause inconsistent color displays with some games.
- Open Settings again and go to System > Display.
- If your monitor supports HDR, you will see an option labeled Use HDR.
- Turn off the HDR toggle if it is enabled.
Why this matters: Some games don’t handle HDR well, resulting in unexpected color changes.
Step 3: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers often cause color issues. Updating or reinstalling them can solve many display problems.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
- If updating doesn’t help, visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest driver and install it manually.
Alternative method: Use manufacturer software like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to update drivers easily.
Step 4: Check and Adjust Color Profile Settings
Windows uses color profiles to manage how colors are displayed on your monitor. An incorrect profile can cause color shifts.
- Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
- Go to Color Management.
- In the Devices tab, select your monitor from the dropdown.
- Check if the box Use my settings for this device is checked.
- Look through the list of color profiles and remove any suspicious or unknown profiles.
- Click Add to select a standard sRGB profile, then set it as default.
Why this matters: A proper color profile ensures your display shows colors accurately during gaming.
Step 5: Disable Automatic Color Calibration Features
Some monitors and graphics cards have automatic color calibration or enhancement features that change colors dynamically.
- Open your graphics card control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Settings, or Intel Graphics Command Center).
- Look for any color enhancement, dynamic contrast, or adaptive color settings.
- Disable these features to prevent automatic color changes during gaming.
Note: The exact options vary by manufacturer and model.
Step 6: Adjust Game-Specific Color Settings
Sometimes the game itself modifies display colors through built-in settings or overlays.
- Open the game’s settings menu.
- Look for video, graphics, or display options.
- Disable any color filters, HDR options, or post-processing effects that alter colors.
- Save changes and restart the game.
Why this matters: Games may alter colors to enhance visuals but can cause unwanted shifts on certain hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do colors change only during gaming?
Gaming often uses different display modes or graphics settings, which can trigger color profile changes, HDR, or driver adjustments that affect colors.
Will updating Windows fix color issues?
Sometimes. Windows updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility, but color issues are usually related to drivers or display settings.
Can I use third-party software to fix color problems?
Yes, software like f.lux or monitor calibration tools can help adjust colors, but they should be used carefully to avoid conflicts with system settings.
Is it safe to disable HDR?
Yes, disabling HDR is safe and can improve color consistency if your monitor or game doesn’t support it properly.
How do I know if my monitor supports HDR?
You can check the monitor’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or look for HDR options in Windows Display settings.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above steps fix the color shifting problem, consider the following:
- Reset your monitor settings: Use the monitor’s on-screen menu to restore factory defaults.
- Test with another monitor or cable: This helps isolate hardware issues.
- Contact support: Reach out to your graphics card or monitor manufacturer for help.
- Use Microsoft’s support resources: Visit Microsoft Support for official troubleshooting guides.
Conclusion
Color changes during gaming on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but they are usually easy to fix. Start by checking simple settings like Night Light and HDR, then update your drivers and adjust color profiles. Disabling automatic color enhancements and reviewing in-game settings can also help maintain consistent colors.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy your games with accurate and stable colors, making your gaming experience more immersive and visually pleasing.