Windows 11: The bug that turns videos and games red and how to fix it

If you use Windows 11. And lately you've noticed that some games and videos look strange, you're not alone: Microsoft has acknowledged a bug that turns content red under certain conditionsEspecially when HDR is involved. It's not a complete disaster, but it can ruin a game or a series at the worst possible moment.

The company itself has identified the person responsible: the way the system processes colors and brightness when using HDR after certain updatesWith special mention of the optional August update identified as KB5064081 and those that arrived immediately afterward. If you're familiar with everything turning reddish after updating, here's why and, more importantly, how to fix it.

The bug that turns videos and video games red in Windows 11

Intermittently, and not for all teams, Windows 11 may apply an unexpected red tint to video playback and the rendering of some games.The issue is more easily observed when HDR is enabled and the color pipeline handles high ranges and luminance.

Microsoft clarifies that it is not a massive problem, but it is significant enough to warrant investigation and publication in their release notes: The origin is related to HDR color management and screen brightness management.Unlike other visual errors, here the content is visible, but with a clear chromatic deviation that bothers anyone with a well-calibrated panel.

The most repeated pattern links to the optional August patch KB5064081 and subsequent builds. After installing those updates, some users found that games and videos took on a reddish hue.as if the white balance were off or the tone mapping was failing.

KB5067036: The patch that fixes it and when it will reach everyone

The good news is that The fix is ​​now ready and included in the optional October update, KB5067036This update includes the specific fix for the red tint issue, and Microsoft has also confirmed that it will integrate the fix into the next Patch Tuesday security update, scheduled for November 11.

This means that if you don't install optional updates, The solution will eventually be automatically rolled out with the November security package.In any case, those experiencing the red tint can apply the optional October update now and check if the color behavior returns to normal under HDR.

More graphical fixes: partial freezes when switching between full-screen apps

Along with the red tint, Microsoft has also addressed another unusual behavior: Applications and browsers that stop refreshing their content smoothly when a game or other application is maximized and running in the background. In practice, some windows appeared frozen and only updated when the mouse was moved or interacted with.

According to the company's notes, the problem lay in the Windows 11 rendering system and how it prioritizes refresh when there is full-screen content running in the backgroundThe adjustment included in the October update corrects that bottleneck so that scrolling and visual updates no longer depend on user gestures.

On the way, Improvements were included for cases where the text was not rendering correctly. in editors such as WordIt's not the most common thing, but if you've come across strange glyphs or poorly composed letters, the patch also cleans that up.

Unwanted side effect: Task Manager does not close completely

It wasn't all good news. Users and Microsoft itself have confirmed a new side effect that emerged after installing KB5067036: When you close Task Manager with the X button, the process may continue running in the background.The window disappears, yes, but the executable continues running.

The risk of this situation is obvious: Accumulating instances of the Manager without realizing it can consume resources and affect overall system performance. Microsoft expects to roll out the fix in the next major security update, so that closing the window will once again behave as it should and the process will terminate when the window is closed.

An old ghost: the Update and Shut Down option that didn't actually shut down

Those who came from Windows 10 will experience another historic setback: The "Update and shut down" option sometimes restarted the computer instead of shutting it down.It was especially annoying for those who preferred to install updates before going to sleep and found their laptop empty in the morning.

Although Windows 10 support ended on October 14thMicrosoft wanted to get off to a good start with Windows 11 and has included a solution to this long-reported behavior. The fix is ​​part of the same optional update, KB5067036, which also adds aesthetic and functional improvements such as a revamped Home interface, direct download links, and new battery icons both in the taskbar and in the lock screen.

This optional package is being rolled out in two phases, with an initial preview release followed by general availability. The company has also simplified the naming convention for its updates. to make titles clearer and more consistent in locations such as Settings, Windows Update or Windows Update, a measure designed primarily for the end user.

Real-world examples: HDR, browsers, and red tint on ultrawide monitors

Beyond the official statements, there are experiences that help to understand the problem. One user with an AW3432dw monitor reported that In recent weeks, videos on YouTube and Twitch have appeared oversaturated and tending towards red., at any quality, although curiously only when HDR was enabled.

In your case, The games and other content displayed wellAfter recalibrating HDR in Windows 11 and tinkering with the settings, he was unable to fix it. He shared screenshots comparing the same video with HDR on and off in a public album that can be viewed at Imgur.

The conversation took place in the PC Master Race subreddit, a space where We welcome any PC-related topic: assembly, technical support, and questions of all kinds.You don't need a high-end PC to participate; what matters is loving the platform and sharing knowledge. It's a community that prides itself on... to celebrate both technology and collective learning, beyond the hardware that each one has on their table.

Red Screen of Death: What it is, why it appears, and how to recognize it

Although it shouldn't be confused with the red tint of HDR, it's worth remembering another Windows classic: the so-called red screen of deathThis is an error where the computer displays a red background, sometimes with a message beforehand, and it can appear when playing games, watching videos, or even during a system update.

There are several typical patterns associated with this phenomenon. These are seven common scenarios that help identify it and guide the initial diagnosis:

• Red screen during the BootThis is usually due to incompatible or outdated drivers, or incorrect files loaded at startup.
• Red screen while loadingThe device freezes, displaying red, while attempting to complete a loading process.
• Red blinks: often linked to overclocking and unstable voltages or frequencies.
• Red error when using ExcelThis may indicate conflicts with the GPU or its driver when rendering accelerated content.
• Red light on PS4: outside the PC environment, it indicates overheating; if there is a warranty, the appropriate course of action is to arrange for a replacement.
• Red screen with cards NvidiaIn many cases, this is related to conflicts caused by overclocking or unsuitable profiles.
• Red audio cursor display: related to drivers incompatible or obsolete audio or video.

Regarding the general causes, The most common triggers include hardware failures, incorrect software configurations, and problems with BIOS o UEFI, graphics card malfunctions and outdated driversKnowing this helps prioritize what to review first.

Practical solutions for the red screen of death in Windows 10 and 11

If your case is not HDR tint and you are dealing with a genuine RSOD, there is a battery of actions you can try in stages. Review the following proposals carefully. and apply only those that fit your situation.

1. Restart and wait a few minutes

It seems basic, but it works many times. Restart your computer and let it finish loading undisturbed.Some transient issues disappear after a clean boot and driver reinitialization.

2. Disconnect peripherals and reconnect the power supply

To rule out hardware conflicts, Unplug all external devices and reconnect the power cable and a USB Faulty or intermittent power supply can cause strange symptoms.

3. Boot repair from a WinPE environment

If the red screen prevents Windows from starting, You can create a bootable medium and run a repair in a WinPE environment from another computer. There are third-party tools, such as EaseUS Partition Master, that offer utilities to fix red, blue, or black screens during boot.

4. Update BIOS or UEFI with caution

An old or buggy firmware may be the source of the problem. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for a newer version. and follow their instructions to the letter. Improper flashing can cause permanent damage.

5. Reinstall the RAM

Improperly installed RAM causes errors that are difficult to trace. Turn off, unplug, remove the modules and gently clean the contacts Before reinstalling them securely, turn the power back on and check if the RSOD has disappeared.

6. Reinstall Windows 10 or 11, preserving files if necessary

When there is serious corruption in the system, An on-site reinstallation may be the fast trackWith the Media Creation Tool, prepare an installer, choose to download and install updates, and decide what to keep: only personal files, also apps and settings, or nothing if you have a backup.

7. Remove overclocking and restore factory settings

Overclocking increases performance, but also heat and the risk of instability. Enter the BIOS or UEFI and reset frequencies and voltages to their default valuesAlso check the BIOS version with msinfo32 and, if necessary, update to a stable version.

8. Uninstall softOSD

SoftOSD manages connected monitors, but it's not essential and can conflict with other systems. Go to Settings > Applications, find softOSD, end the process, and uninstall it.Restart and see if it improves.

9. Adjust the Settings.ini file in specific games

In titles like Bad Company, changing the API can be a lifesaver. Open Documents, locate the BFBC folder and edit Settings.ini: replace the line DxVersion=auto with DxVersion=9, save and try again.

10. Reinstall the AMD drivers, checking "Include subfolders"

If you are using AMD graphics, download the latest driver from their official website and install it manually. At the Device administratorSelect Update driver, browse my computer, and point to the driver folder., by checking the Include subfolders box before continuing.

11. Remove recently installed software

RSODs can appear after installing a new program. In Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by dateRemove what was added just before the problem and see if everything returns to normal.

Quick FAQs about the red screen

There are recurring doubts that should be cleared up. These answers do not replace a technical diagnosis, but they do provide guidance. about the immediate.

How do I fix a red screen on my monitor? First, determine if the problem originates from the monitor or the PC. If it's from the panel, it's likely a hardware issue and you'll need technical support. If it's from the computer, check and update your GPU drivers. If the video card is damaged, it will need to be replaced..

And what about the green screen of death in Windows? It usually points to video drivers. Update the drivers from the manufacturer's website depending on your hardware and your version of Windows, and check for stability.

What exactly is a red screen error? It is a critical error that can originate from hardware or software. with the appearance of a red background and system messagesIn many cases, it forces a restart to regain control.

How many death screens are there? There is no definitive list, but the most well-known are the blue one, the black one, and the green oneeach with different failure scenarios in Windows and Insider.

Flickering screen in Windows: when an app is the culprit

If solid red and HDR tint aren't your thing, but a flickering screen is, The cause may be an incompatible application.In that case, uninstalling and reinstalling is usually enough.

To uninstall: Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & featuresWait for the list to load, locate the app, choose Uninstall and confirm with Yes when prompted.

After removing the first app, restart and observe. If the flickering continues, repeat the process with other apps until you find the culprit. To reinstall from the Microsoft Store: open the store, go to Library, choose the app, and tap Install. If the app isn't in the Store, reinstall it from the manufacturer's website.

Regarding the Insider channel and deployment times

Microsoft recently released information for the Canary channel with build 27965. As always with beta versions, changes may take some time to appear as a standard update.If it doesn't appear immediately, that's normal: previews progress at their own pace and are used to polish the product before the public release.

In a more relaxed tone, the community itself jokes that if you don't get it already, You may have to continue living with older video technology for a little while longer.The key is not to rush: applying the optional update KB5067036 is enough to fix the red tint and refresh issues without waiting for Patch Tuesday.

The red tint in Windows 11 was due to a mismatch in the HDR processing introduced by recent updatesThis issue has already been fixed in KB5067036 and is scheduled for distribution in the next Patch Tuesday. In parallel, refresh rate issues when switching between full-screen apps and minor text rendering problems have been mitigated, although a known bug related to closing the Task Manager has reappeared and will be addressed. If you encounter a genuine red screen, as opposed to a tint, you have a range of solutions available, from checking drivers and RAM to restoring system stability without losing your data.