You can personalize a PC without replacing parts: choose the right Windows display and audio settings, then use lighting software only when it matches your hardware. Start by checking what your PC, monitor, headphones, or peripherals support; HDR and RGB controls are not universal, and spatial sound is an option to try rather than a guaranteed upgrade.
Check compatibility before changing settings
Identify the exact display, audio output, and any RGB devices you want to adjust. Check their specifications and support pages before installing a utility or buying hardware. Windows HDR requires both a compatible PC and display; spatial sound is a Windows setting for headphones; and lighting controls depend on the device and its vendor ecosystem.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Display: Confirm that the intended screen supports HDR and that the PC and display connection can use it. Microsoft recommends checking HDR certification and independent reviews that discuss color accuracy. Certification does not mean every screen delivers the same image quality. Microsoft’s HDR settings guidance and its HDR overview explain the feature; Microsoft’s display guidance describes VESA DisplayHDR certification requirements.
- Audio: First establish which speakers or headphones Windows is using. Spatial sound modes are available to try, but the cited Windows guidance does not promise better results with every device or kind of content.
- Lighting: Match the utility to the exact computer or accessory model. Software support and available effects vary by device; one brand’s lighting utility should not be assumed to control unrelated RGB products.
Improve the display with Windows HDR settings
Enable HDR on a supported screen
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select the HDR-capable display you want to configure. This matters if more than one screen is connected.
- Turn on HDR in that display’s settings. Microsoft’s instructions cover Windows 11 and Windows 10; the exact presentation of settings can vary with the version and device.
If the HDR toggle is unavailable, verify support on both the PC and display, and check the display configuration. Do not assume that a screen labeled HDR will produce equivalent results to another HDR display.
Set expectations for HDR and SDR content
HDR can improve the appearance of supported content, but the result depends on the screen and its settings. Standard dynamic range (SDR) content can look too bright or too dark when viewed with HDR enabled; Windows provides a relative-brightness control for SDR content on an HDR display. Color behavior also differs by make and model, so use certification and color-accuracy reviews as comparison evidence rather than treating an HDR label as a quality ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- Adjustable Lighting: Control the LED strip lights with a remote control for dynamic color changes and animations.
- Compatible with Popular Motherboards: Works with Asus Aura, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock RGB LED.
- Easy Installation: Magnetic backing and double-sided adhesive allow for secure mounting on any flat surface without screws or clips.
- Dimmable and Adjustable Speed: 5-level brightness in static mode and adjustable speed in dynamic mode for customizable lighting.
- Includes Key Controller and Extension Cables: Get a remote control, 2 extension cables, and a 5V SATA connection cable to connect multiple LED strips.
On laptops, HDR can reduce battery life. Microsoft notes that default power settings may turn HDR off when the computer is running on battery. If you want to use HDR away from a charger, check the power behavior and weigh the display effect against runtime.
Choosing a monitor for HDR
If you are shopping for an external HDR display, compare HDR support and certification, the intended workload, compatibility with your PC and connection, and independent color-accuracy evidence. A compatible HDR monitor is necessary for an external-monitor HDR setup, but the sources here do not establish a best model or a universal calibration recipe.
Choose the right Windows audio output, then try spatial sound
Check where Windows is sending audio
If sound is missing or coming from the wrong place, check the selected output device and its connections before buying a headset or sound card. Open Windows sound settings and select the intended speakers or headphones. For further troubleshooting, follow Microsoft’s sound and audio troubleshooting steps.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- All in One Kit. HitLights 3 Pre-cut short RGB LED strip lights, come with 60Inch led light strips (20Inch*3), a 21 key RF remote, a 12V DC power supply, 3 extension cable connectors, 6 adhesive backed wire clips. Contains everything you need! When installing, please check the correct connection of the light strips.
- Versatile RGB LED Accent Kit. Made of high-quality SMD 5050 LEDs, brighter and more effective! Ideal use as TV LED backlight, PC gaming light, under cabinet light, shelf light, behind wall decor light, display case lights, Collection cabinet, Tik Tok lights, etc.
- Color Changing LED Tape Light with 360°RF Controller. The remote comes with 12 colors and 19 modes switch, adjustable brightness and speed. Easily control your rgb led light strips within 49-66ft without failure due to obstructions.
- Strong Self-Adhesive Tape and UL-LISTED Adapter - Super Strong Self-adhesive Backing will keep your LED strip lights forever. No worries of strips falling down again! 12V Adapter is UL-Listed certificated which makes it safer and more durable for you.
- Excellent Ambient Light Kit for Halloween and Christmas - Decorate your home, your bedroom, stairs, kitchen cabinet, porch, desk, and living room, especially great for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Parties, etc.
Try a spatial sound mode with headphones
Windows includes Windows Sonic for Headphones. To try it, open the selected device’s spatial-sound properties and choose Windows Sonic for Headphones. Microsoft also lists Dolby Access and DTS Sound Unbound as additional spatial-sound options available through Microsoft Store. Microsoft’s spatial sound instructions cover the Windows setting; its PC gaming guidance also describes available audio options.
These are modes to test for your own headphones and listening habits, not a guarantee of more accurate or better sound. A dedicated headset or headphones are optional if you want a separate listening device; the available guidance does not show that you need new hardware to enable the setting or compare particular models, microphones, speakers, or codecs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Customize RGB lighting with hardware-specific software
Check the exact model before installing a utility
Lighting software is not a universal control panel. Find the model number of your PC or peripheral, open its manufacturer’s support page, and confirm which official utility and features apply before installing anything.
Rank #3
- EASY INSTALL: Magnetic Ensconced on LED Strip Light, and The Flexible Strip Easy to Bend, Easy to Install on Your Computer (Suitable for Iron Surface Only)
- HIGH BRIGHTNESS: 5050 RGB Color Changeable LED Computer Decor Light is Super Brighter Than The Normal LED Strips to Achieve Best Lighting Effect for Your PC Computer
- MULTIPLE MODES: 24 Key IR Remote Controller, with 4 Dynamic Light Modes and 16 Static Light Colours
- SATA POWER SUPPLY: Support All the PSU models
- SOFTWARE CONTROL: Support to ASUS AURA RGB or MSI Mystic Light etc
ASUS Armoury Crate and Aura Sync
For supported ASUS ROG and TUF gaming systems, ASUS describes Armoury Crate as providing lighting and Aura Sync controls alongside system and audio features. Supported models and available lighting features vary. Consult the Armoury Crate introduction and the support page for your specific device rather than assuming every ASUS product has the same controls.
ASUS also documents Aura Sync controls for supported LCD monitors and other Aura Sync-compatible products. Some uses require monitor-side settings and a USB connection. Check the device-specific steps in ASUS’s Aura Sync lighting instructions; Aura Sync should not be treated as a controller for arbitrary RGB products from other brands.
Quick Recap
A practical order for personalizing a PC
- Identify the display, audio output, and lighting devices you actually use, including their exact models.
- In Windows, select the intended display and check whether HDR is supported before enabling it.
- Confirm the correct audio output is selected; only then try a spatial-sound mode if you use headphones.
- For RGB, verify model compatibility on the manufacturer’s support page and install only the matching official utility.
- Change one setting at a time so you can tell which adjustment affects the result.
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.
