The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can add HDR-style output to many games that render only in SDR with NVIDIA’s RTX HDR feature in the NVIDIA App. It uses an AI filter to infer HDR information from the game’s SDR image, so it is not equivalent to a game’s native HDR mode. The documented setup requires an HDR-capable display, Windows 11, and a GeForce RTX 20-series-or-newer GPU.
What RTX HDR does—and what it does not do
RTX HDR processes an SDR game image and generates HDR information for output on an HDR display. NVIDIA’s official feature followed the 2024 NVTrueHDR mod, which exposed “trueHDR” settings already present in GeForce drivers, according to PC Gamer’s February 2024 reporting. The capability is now available as RTX HDR through the NVIDIA App.
Because it works from the image the game has already rendered, RTX HDR is a post-process, not a native HDR rendering path. It cannot recover scene lighting, color data, or detail that the SDR image never contained. Results can vary by game, especially where the interface, tone mapping, or display mode interacts poorly with the filter. It may make a game look more HDR-like on a compatible display, but a guaranteed improvement is not established.
What you need for the documented NVIDIA setup
- An HDR-capable monitor or television.
- A GeForce RTX 20-series-or-newer GPU.
- Windows 11, with Windows HDR enabled.
- The NVIDIA App and a GeForce driver that supports RTX HDR.
- Windows Auto HDR turned off while using RTX HDR.
- A supported game running in fullscreen or borderless presentation, as applicable to its graphics API.
These are the requirements in PC Gamer’s February 2024 setup checklist, not a guarantee that every listed driver or interface detail remains current in 2026. That article specified GeForce driver 551.52; the earlier NVTrueHDR report associated the hidden driver settings with RTX Video HDR driver 551.23. Treat both numbers as historical, not as current installation recommendations. Check the NVIDIA App and NVIDIA’s current driver release information for the available feature and compatible driver before troubleshooting by version.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to turn on RTX HDR
- Enable HDR in Windows. Open Settings > System > Display, select the HDR display, and turn on Windows HDR. The exact controls can vary with the display and Windows build.
- Disable Windows Auto HDR. RTX HDR’s documented setup calls for Auto HDR to be off so the two processing features do not compete.
- Choose the game in the NVIDIA App. Open the app’s Graphics tab and enable RTX HDR globally or for an individual game. Global enablement applies the setting more broadly; per-game configuration lets you limit it to titles you choose.
- Apply it in the game overlay. Launch the game in fullscreen or borderless mode, open the NVIDIA in-game overlay, and apply RTX HDR there. The precise overlay labels may change with NVIDIA App updates.
- Check the result in-game. Look at both bright and dark scenes and the game’s interface. If highlights, shadows, or UI elements look wrong, disable RTX HDR for that title rather than assuming the effect is a native game setting.
Game and graphics API compatibility
PC Gamer’s 2024 RTX HDR coverage described support for DirectX 9 or newer and Vulkan. PCGamingWiki’s reference lists the Windows 11 RTX HDR path for DirectX 9, 10, 11, and 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL when the game uses fullscreen-exclusive or borderless presentation. Compatibility can still depend on the game’s presentation mode and implementation; API coverage does not mean every game will display correctly.
If RTX HDR does not appear or has no effect, first verify that Windows HDR is enabled, Auto HDR is disabled, the game is using a supported presentation mode, and the NVIDIA App recognizes the game. A game with unusual display handling may require a different mode or may not work reliably with the filter.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
RTX HDR, Special K, or Windows Auto HDR?
| Method | GPU and Windows requirements | API coverage and approach | Setup, compatibility, and safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA RTX HDR | The documented setup specifies an RTX 20-series-or-newer GeForce GPU and Windows 11 (PC Gamer, February 2024). | AI post-process that infers HDR from an SDR image. PCGamingWiki lists DX9–DX12, Vulkan, and OpenGL with fullscreen-exclusive or borderless presentation. | Configured in the NVIDIA App and overlay. Disable Windows Auto HDR. No cited source establishes blanket compatibility with anti-cheat or online games. |
| NVTrueHDR | Historical unofficial utility for exposing NVIDIA driver settings; the cited report ties it to NVIDIA’s GeForce driver features. Current hardware, Windows, and maintenance requirements are not established here. | Used the hidden “trueHDR” profile settings described in PC Gamer’s 2024 report; it was a precursor to the official NVIDIA feature, not a separate native HDR renderer. | Unofficial executable. The report records browser executable-file warnings and positive user reports, but no independent security audit. Current maintenance and safety are not established. |
| Special K HDR Retrofit | GPU and Windows requirements are not stated in the cited PCGamingWiki reference. | Separate retrofit route described for most DirectX 11–12 games; it is a deeper, game-specific modding approach rather than NVIDIA’s broad post-process. | Requires more game-specific configuration. Anti-cheat compatibility and current maintenance or safety are not established in the cited material. |
| Windows Auto HDR | RTX HDR’s documented setup requires Auto HDR to be disabled. Further GPU or Windows requirements are not stated in the cited comparison material. | Windows alternative for some SDR games; API coverage and processing details are not stated in the cited material. | Uses Windows rather than the NVIDIA App. Do not leave it enabled alongside the documented RTX HDR setup. |
The table reflects what the cited 2024 PC Gamer coverage and PCGamingWiki reference establish; it is not a guarantee of each tool’s current support status. In particular, compatibility with anti-cheat systems and online games is not established for these methods. Avoid enabling third-party modifications in protected multiplayer games unless the game’s publisher explicitly permits them.
Should you use the NVTrueHDR mod?
Most readers should start with the official RTX HDR feature in the NVIDIA App rather than downloading the original NVTrueHDR utility. NVTrueHDR was an unofficial way to expose driver settings before NVIDIA shipped the capability in its app. PC Gamer’s account includes reports of browser warnings flagging its executable, alongside positive user reports. Those reports do not amount to an independent security audit, and they do not establish the utility’s present maintenance or safety.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you still consider an unofficial executable, verify that the download comes from the project’s legitimate distribution page, review current community and security information, and do not bypass an operating-system or browser warning simply to install it. The available reporting does not establish that a flagged file is malicious—or that it is safe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from image quality and performance
RTX HDR can extend the output of an SDR game to an HDR display, but the result depends on what the filter can infer from the SDR image and how the game presents its interface and tone mapping. A filter cannot turn the game’s original render into native HDR data. Compare scenes that include bright highlights, dark areas, and menus, and keep the feature enabled only if the result suits that game.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The cited material provides no controlled performance benchmark, so it does not support a reliable FPS-cost estimate. Performance may vary by game and system; measure it on your own setup if frame rate matters, rather than relying on a universal claim.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
