Microsoft on Wednesday rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23516 to the Dev Channel, which introduces High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for wallpapers in JXR format.

Windows 11 Adds Support For HDR Wallpapers In JXR Format

For those unfamiliar, JXR, or JPEG XR (eXtended Range), is a still-image compression standard and file format for continuous tone photographic images based on the technology originally developed and patented by Microsoft under the name HD Photo (formerly Windows Media Photo). It supports both lossy and lossless compression.

You can now set JXR files as your desktop background in this build. If you are using an HDR-enabled display, the image will be displayed in full HDR.

To try out the new feature, you need to update your system to build 23516 or higher. Then, ensure that your device has an HDR display or is connected to an HDR display that supports HDR. To check this, go to Settings > System > Display and check the HDR toggle. If the technology is available, then enable it on this page.

Next, download these HDR images in .JXR format on your HDR-capable device/display. Then, right-click on your desktop, select “Personalize” > “Background” > “Personalize your background” and choose the .JXR file you downloaded to your device. After that, the background should load on your display.

If there is more than one display attached to your device, the background on Windows 11 will show as HDR or SDR (Standard Dynamic Range), depending on the capabilities of each display. When using external displays attached to your device, Microsoft recommends running the HDR Calibration app from the Microsoft App Store to get the best-quality images.

The Redmond giant notes that there may be some issues with the HDR version of the desktop background in this build, as it is currently undergoing testing in the Windows Insider program. For instance, some laptops with HDR may not correctly display the high dynamic range wallpapers.

Microsoft also encourages users to submit feedback by going to Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Background and Wallpaper.

To learn more about Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23516 and the new features introduced in the build, click here.