UPDATED 9/30/2023: On Windows 11, you can now change the wallpaper using HDR (.jxr) images, and in this guide, you will learn how. Starting on build 23516 (and higher), the operating system includes support for HDR backgrounds, which means that devices with HDR monitors can now display HDR desktop backgrounds.
The ability to set a “.jxr” file as a desktop wallpaper is virtually the same process as applying a standard JPEG. However, once you apply the wallpaper, you have to turn on the “HDR” feature on the device to notice the difference. If you have a multiple monitor setup with a mix of displays, the system will automatically show the image on HDR and SDR, depending on the capabilities.
JXR files contain images saved using the JPEG XR image format, and they contain higher quality than traditional JPEG images. Some of the improvements include more accurate colors, higher compression ratios, lossless and lossy compression, and an alpha channel used to provide transparency.
This guide will teach you the ways to show different desktop wallpapers throughout the day on Windows 11.
Change desktop wallpaper using HDR image on Windows 11
To change the desktop wallpaper with an HDR image on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Personalization.
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Click the Background page.
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Under the “Personalize your background” section, select the Picture option.
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Click the Browse photos button.
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Select the “.jxr” (HDR) wallpaper image.
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Click the Choose pictures button.
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Click on System.
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Click the Display tab.
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Under the “Brightness & color” section, turn on the “Use HDR” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the HDR image should now appear as the desktop background on Windows 11.
It’s unclear when the feature will roll out to everyone, but it’s expected to be part of version 23H2 arriving during the fourth quarter of 2023. If you want to try this feature now, you need a device that’s enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.