Have you ever wondered why your monitor looks washed out? This article explores the common issues of computer screen discoloration, the causes, and practical solutions to fix them. 

When your computer screen looks washed out in Windows 10 and 11, the problem might be hardware failure or software issues. 

Also, incorrect display settings can make your screen look washed out. 

So, before you proceed with the solutions discussed in this article, connect your display to another computer to check if your display is functioning properly. 

Why Does Computer Screen Look Washed Out in Windows 11 and 10

If you’ve been asking, “Why does my monitor look washed out?” know this: High Dynamic Range (HDR) adjusts the brightness and darkness of images and videos. 

When you compare HDR to SDR, HDR can support a wider color spectrum (P3), but SDR can only handle sRGB. 

SDR has a brightness range of 1 to 100 nits, while HDR covers a broader range, from less than 1 nit to more than 1000 nits.

However, HDR content isn’t always brighter than SDR. In fact, HDR colors often seem washed out or faded. Why? 

There are several reasons for the color distortion. You could have a non-HDR monitor, incompatible HDMI or display ports, or incorrect settings.

In the following sections, we’ll show you how to fix washed out colors on the monitor

How to Fix Washed Out Colors on Monitor

If your monitor is blurry and distorted, use the below methods to fix the problem. Go through them and choose the one that works best.

Solution 1: Disable your color filters

If you see your monitor colors washed out, one way to fix it is to disable the color filters. Disabling the color filters is different in Windows 10 and Windows 11. We’ll show the process for each OS.

Windows 10

  • Type Settings in the search bar to open the Settings window. 
  • Click Ease of Access and select Color filters.
  • Disable the color filter under Use color filters.
Turn on color filters

Windows 11

  • Type Settings in the search bar and click to open. 
Settings in Windows 11
  • Click Accessibility and select Color filters.
Accesibility color filters
  • Disable the Color filters and check whether the screen discoloration has been resolved.
Accessibility Color Filters Off

Related: Simple Guide: How to Fix Blurry Screen on Windows 10?


Solution 2: Adjust the color settings

If your computer screen looks washed out in Windows 11 and 10, you can use the advanced display settings to resolve the issue.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
Display Settings
  • Click Advanced display settings
  • Select Display adapter properties, then select Color Management.

Adjust your monitor’s color settings until you find a suitable preference for you. 


Related: [FIXED] “Unable to Save Display Settings” Issues on Windows


Solution 3: Update graphics drivers

An outdated display adapter driver is one of the culprits of the monitor colors being washed out. Here’s how to fix the problem:

  • Type Device Manager in the search bar and click to open. 
Deviсe Manager Windows 10
  • Expand Display adapters by clicking the arrow beside it. Right-click the device, and click Update driver.
Intel (R) UHD Graphics Update Driver
  • Click Search automatically for drivers.
Search automatically for drivers

After the update, restart the computer and check whether the color distortion has been resolved. 

Update your display drivers with Auslogics Driver Updater

Update your graphics card driver automatically with Auslogics Driver Updater

One of the easiest ways to update your drivers is to use Auslogics Driver Updater when your computer screen looks washed out in Windows 11 and 10. 

Auslogics Driver Updater provides a quick, simple, and convenient way to update display drivers. 

The program simplifies the driver updating process and makes it easy, even if you’re less tech-savvy, with an intuitive interface. 

The program quickly scans your system to find out which drivers are outdated and replaces them with the most recent manufacturer-recommended updates. 

This fixes all graphics and visual issues and ensures peak performance and display compatibility. 

You can save time and effort using automated updates instead of updating them manually.

Download Auslogics Driver Updater
Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.

 Find out more: Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click! 


Solution 4: Tweak the color calibration

Most people don’t tweak their PC’s color calibration. Some users don’t even touch it. However, if your monitor looks washed out, you can use this feature to fix the problem.

You can decide to create a custom profile or choose predefined profiles. Here’s how to tweak the color calibration:

  • Type calibrate display color in the search bar and press Enter.
calibrate display color
  • Click Next.
Welcome to Display Color Calibration
  • Carefully read the on-screen instructions and use the slider to adjust the gamma.
Display Color Calibration Adjust Gamma
  • Adjust brightness and contrast to your preference to complete the process.
Display Color Calibration Adjust color balance

After calibrating your display, restart and check if the computer screen discoloration has been resolved. 

Note
Remember that when you restart your computer, Windows will revert to the previous calibration. So, you have to set your calibrated display as default. 

Here’s how to do it: 

  • Type color management in the search bar and press Enter.
Color Management
  • Click your calibrated display profile and select Set as Default Profile.
Color Management Set as Default Profile

Related: What is a Monitor’s Response Time and Why is it Important?


Solution 5: Disable HDR

If your desktop monitor isn’t compatible with HDR, disable the default HDR mode in Windows 11. When you force HDR settings on a standard monitor, it can cause the monitor colors to be washed out.

Here’s how to disable HDR:

  • Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings window. 
  • Click System and select Display.
System Display
  • Select your display and turn off the toggle for the Use HDR option.
Brightness and color Use HDR off

Related: Expert Tips: How to Fix Monitor Ghosting 


Solution 6: Download additional updates

Sometimes, updating your Windows can fix the problem when your monitor is blurry and distorted. Here’s how to do it:

  • Type Settings in the search bar and click to open. 
Settings in windows 11
  • Click Windows Update and select Advanced options.
Windows Update Advanced Options
  • Select Optional updates and install the prompted updates.
Optional Updates

Restart your computer and check whether the screen discoloration has been resolved. 

PRO TIP
For ongoing optimal performance, use Auslogics Driver Updater to keep your display drivers up to date. This tool automatically updates outdated drivers, preventing issues and ensuring your PC runs smoothly.

Related: Windows Update Troubleshooter: Easily Fixing Windows Update Issues


Solution 7: Disable night light

Even though night light helps reduce eye strain when working in low-light conditions, it can affect color accuracy.

Here’s how to disable the night light:

  • Press Windows key + I to open the Settings window.
  • Click System and select Display.
System Display
  • Switch off the Night light.
System Display Off

Solution 8: Use a new cable

Outdated or broken cables can cause screen discoloration because it can affect the signal quality that is sent between your computer and monitor.

Try using a new cable for a steady and high-quality connection.

Conclusion

We hope that through this guide, you’ve found the answer to the question, “Why does my monitor look washed out.”

This guide offers practical fixes to help you resolve the computer screen discoloration issue.

You can use Auslogics Driver Updater to update your graphics drivers, which is far easier than updating them manually.

You can adjust the color calibration, turn off the Night light, remove HDR, download optional updates, etc., if your computer screen looks washed out in Windows 11 and 10.

FAQ

First, check to see if your display settings are set up correctly. Adjust the brightness and color calibration settings to improve color vibrancy. You can also update your graphics drivers using Auslogics Driver Updater.

If the problem persists, check your monitor’s physical connections and cords. A malfunctioning cable can be the cause of your problems.

Check and change your operating system’s color filters and advanced display settings. You can remove washed out colors by disabling any color filters that are not essential. Updating your display drivers is another good fix if the problem still exists.

Make sure your cables are in good shape and linked correctly because improper connections might cause discoloration on your monitor.

There are several reasons why the computer screen looks washed out in Windows 10 and 11. It could be outdated drivers, hardware issues, or software glitches. Check the solutions discussed on this page to resolve the problem.
There are several reasons why your monitor appears cloudy. Inaccurate display settings or mismatched color calibration are two frequent causes. Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can also cause your monitor to look cloudy. You may also experience the problem because of unnecessary visual effects or filters.