Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 HDR Black Screen Fix — AMD Radeon & Windows

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Updated October 27, 2026

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 HDR black screen fix infographic showing Windows HDR settings, HDRUserSettings.json troubleshooting, and fullscreen mode.

If Cyberpunk 2077 shows a black screen after Update 2.5, HDR may be preventing the game from displaying an image correctly. In some cases, the game continues running in the background, and you can still hear menu sounds or gameplay audio even though the screen remains black.

The problem can be particularly frustrating because you may not be able to see the settings menu to disable HDR. Some AMD Radeon users have encountered this issue, although it is not necessarily limited to one graphics card manufacturer.

Fortunately, you can try several fixes without reinstalling the game. The easiest starting point is to disable HDR in Windows. If the picture returns, you can investigate the game's HDR configuration and attempt to restore HDR safely.

This guide explains how to recover from a black screen, check HDRUserSettings.json, troubleshoot fullscreen and display settings, and determine whether the problem is related to HDR or a general game crash.

Quick Answer: How to Fix the HDR Black Screen in Cyberpunk 2077 2.5

If Cyberpunk 2077 displays a black screen when HDR is enabled, follow these steps:

  1. Close Cyberpunk 2077.
  2. Open Windows Settings → System → Display → HDR.
  3. Turn Use HDR off for the display running the game.
  4. Relaunch Cyberpunk 2077.
  5. If the picture returns, keep HDR disabled temporarily.
  6. If you want to restore HDR, check the game's HDRUserSettings.json file for an invalid brightness value.
  7. Test HDR again after checking the configuration.

Important: Disabling Windows HDR is a workaround, not necessarily a permanent fix. If the game works normally in SDR but turns black when HDR is enabled, the problem is likely connected to HDR output or configuration.

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Why Does Cyberpunk 2077 Show a Black Screen After Update 2.5?

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 introduced HDR rendering changes. Some PC players have experienced display problems when HDR is enabled.

Common symptoms include:

  • The screen turns black when launching the game.
  • The game starts, but no image appears.
  • Menu sounds or gameplay audio continue behind the black screen.
  • Disabling Windows HDR restores the picture.
  • The problem returns when HDR is enabled again.
  • The game works in SDR but fails to display correctly in HDR.

One possible contributor is an incorrect HDR brightness value associated with the connected display. In particular, a maxBrightness value of 0 in the game's HDR configuration may indicate a problem.

Other possible causes include display-mode conflicts, graphics drivers, HDR calibration, and monitor or TV compatibility.

Because not every black-screen problem has the same cause, the best approach is to restore a visible picture first and then investigate the HDR configuration.

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Fix 1: Disable Windows HDR Before Launching Cyberpunk 2077

This is the easiest workaround because it does not require access to the game's settings menu.

Step 1: Close Cyberpunk 2077

Exit the game normally if possible.

If the screen is black and the game is unresponsive, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and end the Cyberpunk 2077 process.

Avoid forcing your entire PC to shut down unless Windows itself has stopped responding.

Step 2: Open Windows HDR Settings

On Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select System.
  3. Open Display.
  4. Select the monitor or TV used for Cyberpunk 2077.
  5. Open HDR.
  6. Set Use HDR to Off.

If you have multiple monitors, make sure you select the correct display.

You can also try the Windows HDR keyboard shortcut:

Windows + Alt + B

This toggles HDR on supported Windows configurations.

Step 3: Relaunch the Game

Start Cyberpunk 2077 again.

If the picture returns, HDR output or configuration is a likely contributor to the problem.

You can continue playing in SDR while investigating the underlying issue.

Step 4: Decide Whether to Restore HDR

If you prefer HDR, do not immediately enable it again without checking the configuration.

Instead, follow the next fix to inspect the game's HDR settings.

If disabling Windows HDR does not restore the image, skip ahead to the fullscreen, driver, and general troubleshooting sections.

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Fix 2: Check HDRUserSettings.json for an Incorrect Brightness Value

Cyberpunk 2077 stores HDR-related configuration information in a file named HDRUserSettings.json.

If the file contains an invalid brightness value associated with your display, correcting the configuration may help restore HDR output.

This fix is particularly useful when the screen is completely black and you cannot access the in-game HDR menu.

Step 1: Close the Game

Exit Cyberpunk 2077 completely before editing configuration files.

Step 2: Open the HDR Configuration Folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\

Replace <YourUsername> with your Windows account name.

Alternatively, press Windows + R, enter:

%USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077

Then press Enter.

Look for the file:

HDRUserSettings.json

Note: This is different from the game's general UserSettings.json file, which may be stored under Windows AppData.

If HDRUserSettings.json is missing, do not create a replacement using guessed values. Continue with the other fixes.

Step 3: Back Up the File

Before making changes:

  1. Right-click HDRUserSettings.json.
  2. Select Copy.
  3. Paste a copy into a safe folder.
  4. Rename the backup to something recognizable, such as HDRUserSettings-backup.json.

This allows you to restore the original configuration if something goes wrong.

Step 4: Open the File in Notepad

Right-click the original file and choose Open with → Notepad.

Press Ctrl + F and search for:

maxBrightness

Depending on your configuration, the file may contain settings for more than one display.

Step 5: Check for a Zero Brightness Value

Look for a maxBrightness entry associated with the affected monitor or TV.

For example, you might find:

"maxBrightness": 0

A value of 0 may indicate an invalid HDR brightness configuration.

However, do not assume that every zero value is necessarily the cause of the problem.

Check whether the entry belongs to the display you are using and avoid changing unrelated settings.

Step 6: Correct the Value Carefully

If maxBrightness is set to 0, it may indicate an invalid HDR configuration.

The safest approach is to restore a previously working value for the same display, if you have one available.

Do not assume your monitor's advertised peak brightness can be entered directly into the JSON file. The setting's expected value and units may not correspond directly to the display's published brightness specification.

Some users have restored HDR output by replacing an invalid zero value with a nonzero value. However, there is no single replacement number that should be recommended for every monitor or TV.

If you do not know the appropriate value, avoid guessing. Keep the original file backed up and try the remaining troubleshooting steps instead.

Step 7: Save and Test

If you have a known appropriate value and make a targeted correction:

  1. Save the JSON file without changing its extension.
  2. Launch Cyberpunk 2077.
  3. Check whether the picture returns with HDR enabled.

If the game displays correctly, review the available HDR calibration settings.

If the problem persists, close the game and restore your backup.

Warning: Editing configuration files is an advanced troubleshooting step. Preserve valid JSON formatting, make only targeted changes, and keep a backup.

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Fix 3: Reset Cyberpunk 2077 HDR Settings

If Cyberpunk 2077 works with Windows HDR disabled, resetting the relevant video settings may help.

Step 1: Launch the Game in SDR

Leave Windows HDR turned off and open Cyberpunk 2077.

Confirm that the menus are visible.

Step 2: Open the Video Settings

Navigate to Settings → Video and inspect the available display options.

While Windows HDR is disabled, you can adjust ordinary video settings. However, HDR-specific calibration options may remain unavailable until Windows and the game recognize an HDR-capable display.

Step 3: Restore Default Display Settings

Use the game's default or reset option for the relevant display settings, if available.

Avoid resetting unrelated controls, accessibility options, or gameplay preferences.

Step 4: Test HDR Again

Close the game.

Enable Windows HDR and relaunch Cyberpunk 2077.

If the image appears, check whether the HDR calibration options are now accessible.

Adjust them cautiously for your display.

If the screen turns black again, return to SDR and continue with the remaining fixes.

What if the HDR Menu Is Completely Inaccessible?

Do not attempt to navigate blindly through the game's menus using guessed keyboard inputs.

Use the Windows HDR workaround or inspect the HDR configuration file instead.

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Fix 4: Switch to Fullscreen Mode and Test HDR Again

The game's display mode can affect how it interacts with Windows HDR.

If Cyberpunk 2077 works with HDR disabled, try changing its display mode before enabling HDR again.

How to Test Fullscreen Mode

  1. Disable Windows HDR.
  2. Launch Cyberpunk 2077.
  3. Open Settings → Video.
  4. Locate the display or window mode option.
  5. Select Fullscreen, if available.
  6. Apply the setting.
  7. Close the game.
  8. Enable Windows HDR again.
  9. Relaunch Cyberpunk 2077.
  10. Check whether the image displays correctly.

Optional: Test With Frame Generation Disabled

If the black screen persists and you use Frame Generation, temporarily disable it while testing the display mode.

This is a diagnostic step rather than a confirmed standalone fix for the Update 2.5 HDR issue.

If HDR works with Frame Generation disabled, you can test enabling it again after confirming that the display remains stable.

Does Fullscreen Always Fix HDR?

No.

Fullscreen is a troubleshooting option, not a guaranteed solution. Some systems may behave differently depending on their Windows version, graphics driver, and display.

If fullscreen does not help, restore your preferred display mode.

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Fix 5: Check AMD Radeon Drivers and Display Settings

Some Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 HDR black-screen reports involve AMD Radeon graphics cards.

However, this does not establish that every affected Radeon GPU has the same driver problem.

Before reinstalling Windows or replacing hardware, check the following.

Update or Reinstall Your Graphics Driver

Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and check your installed driver version.

If you are using an outdated driver, consider updating to a compatible release from AMD.

If the problem began immediately after a driver update, check whether a previous stable version is available for your GPU.

Do not assume that the newest driver automatically resolves every game-specific problem.

Reset Custom Display Settings

If you use custom Radeon display settings, temporarily return them to their defaults.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Custom color adjustments.
  • Display overrides.
  • Nonstandard resolutions or refresh rates.
  • Custom GPU profiles.
  • Third-party HDR utilities.

Change one setting at a time so you can identify what actually affects the problem.

Disable Overlays Temporarily

Close unnecessary overlays and recording utilities before launching the game.

If the picture returns, re-enable those applications individually to identify any conflict.

What About NVIDIA GPUs?

The same Windows HDR and display-mode troubleshooting steps can be tested on NVIDIA systems.

However, do not assume that an AMD-specific workaround applies identically to NVIDIA hardware.

Use the appropriate graphics-driver software for your GPU.

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HDMI TV vs DisplayPort Monitor: What Should You Check?

HDR problems can behave differently depending on the connected display and cable.

If You Play on an HDR TV Through HDMI

Check that:

  • HDR is enabled for the correct HDMI input.
  • The TV supports the selected resolution and refresh rate.
  • The HDMI cable supports the required display mode.
  • Windows identifies the correct HDR-capable display.
  • The game's HDR configuration does not contain an invalid brightness value.

If your TV has a dedicated enhanced HDMI or gaming input mode, confirm that it is configured correctly.

Start by checking whether HDR works normally in Windows or another HDR application.

If You Play on a DisplayPort Monitor

Check the monitor's HDR mode and Windows HDR settings.

If you use a custom refresh rate or display profile, temporarily return to a standard supported configuration.

You can also test another compatible cable or port if you suspect a connection problem.

If You Use Multiple Displays

Windows HDR settings can differ between monitors.

Make sure Cyberpunk 2077 is opening on the intended display.

If necessary, temporarily disconnect secondary displays and test the game with one monitor.

This can help determine whether the problem involves display detection or HDR configuration.

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Black Screen With Audio vs Game Crash: What's the Difference?

A black screen does not always mean Cyberpunk 2077 has crashed.

Black Screen With Audio

You may hear:

  • Main-menu music.
  • Interface sounds.
  • Dialogue.
  • Ambient gameplay audio.

This suggests the game may still be running while its image is not displaying correctly.

Start with Windows HDR, HDRUserSettings.json, and display-mode troubleshooting.

Game Crash or Freeze

The game may:

  • Close to the desktop.
  • Stop responding.
  • Display an error message.
  • Freeze with no audio or input response.

These symptoms can have different causes.

If the game crashes even with HDR disabled, investigate graphics drivers, game files, mods, and system stability rather than focusing exclusively on HDR.

Slow Loading With a Black Screen

If the screen eventually returns but the game takes much longer than usual to load, you may be experiencing a loading-performance problem instead.

Our Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 slow-loading and AMD SMT guide explains how to test the SMT workaround and check for potential FPS loss.

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What to Do if Nothing Works

If disabling Windows HDR does not restore the image, try these additional checks.

Verify Game Files

On Steam:

  1. Open your Library.
  2. Right-click Cyberpunk 2077.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Open Installed Files.
  5. Choose Verify integrity of game files.

On GOG Galaxy or Epic Games Launcher, use the equivalent verification or repair feature.

Check Mod Compatibility

If you use mods, make sure they support your current Cyberpunk 2077 version.

Outdated script frameworks or display-related modifications can cause unexpected behavior after a game update.

Back up your saves and mod configuration before making changes.

Test Without Custom Display Tools

Temporarily disable third-party HDR utilities, custom color profiles, and other display modifications.

Return to a standard Windows display configuration and test the game again.

Test a Different Display Configuration

If possible, try a standard supported resolution and refresh rate.

If you have another compatible monitor or TV, testing it can help determine whether the problem is display-specific.

Contact CD Projekt Red Support

If the black screen persists, contact official support with:

  • Your GPU model.
  • Your graphics-driver version.
  • Your Windows version.
  • Your monitor or TV model.
  • Your HDMI or DisplayPort connection.
  • Whether audio continues during the black screen.
  • Whether disabling Windows HDR restores the image.

These details can help distinguish HDR display problems from general crashes.

If your game launches correctly but an Update 2.5 quest fails to trigger, that is a separate issue. See our Clampdown not starting and missing Wakako text guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Cyberpunk 2077 show a black screen after Update 2.5?
The problem may involve HDR rendering, display configuration, or an incorrect HDR brightness value. Not every black screen has the same cause, so start by disabling Windows HDR to see whether the picture returns.

How do I disable HDR if I cannot see the Cyberpunk 2077 menu?
Close the game and open Windows Settings → System → Display → HDR. Turn Use HDR off for the display running Cyberpunk 2077, then relaunch the game.

Where is HDRUserSettings.json in Cyberpunk 2077?
The file may be located at:
%USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\HDRUserSettings.json
If the file is not present, do not create one with guessed settings.

What does maxBrightness 0 mean?
A maxBrightness value of 0 may indicate an invalid HDR brightness configuration. However, it does not prove that the value is responsible for every black-screen problem.

Should I change maxBrightness to 1000?
Not automatically. The appropriate value depends on how the game's HDR configuration represents brightness. Do not assume your display's advertised peak brightness can be entered directly into the JSON file.

Does the HDR black-screen issue affect AMD Radeon GPUs?
Some affected systems use AMD Radeon graphics cards, but the problem is not proven to be exclusive to AMD hardware.

Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 without HDR?
Yes. You can disable Windows HDR and play in SDR if the game displays correctly. HDR is not required to play Cyberpunk 2077.

Does fullscreen mode fix the HDR black screen?
It may help certain display configurations, but it is not guaranteed. Test fullscreen and restore your preferred display mode if the problem remains.

Why can I hear Cyberpunk 2077 but only see a black screen?
The game may still be running while HDR or the display output fails to show the image. Start with Windows HDR and the game's HDR configuration.

Should I reinstall Cyberpunk 2077 to fix the black screen?
A full reinstall is usually not the first step. Try disabling HDR, checking configuration files, verifying game files, and testing display settings before reinstalling.

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Final Thoughts

If Cyberpunk 2077 shows a black screen after Update 2.5, start by disabling Windows HDR. This is the simplest way to determine whether the problem is connected to HDR output.

If the picture returns and you want to restore HDR, inspect HDRUserSettings.json for an invalid maxBrightness value, then test the game's HDR settings and fullscreen mode.

Always back up configuration files before editing them, and avoid applying brightness values intended for a different monitor or TV.

If the game works normally in SDR but fails whenever HDR is enabled, keeping HDR disabled temporarily is a reasonable workaround while you investigate a more permanent solution.

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