Maciej Koper
Gamers using the latest Samsung TVs (2025 models) can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After an absence that caused quite a stir in the gaming community, the key HGiG feature is back. Samsung acknowledged the users' concerns and released a patch, although for the time being it requires a bit of manual work.
What is HGiG and why has this feature disappeared from Samsung TVs?
To understand the significance of the issue, we need to take a look at HGiG technology (HDR Gaming Interest Group). In standard HDR mode, the TV analyses the image and applies its own algorithms (so-called Tone Mapping) to adjust brightness to the capabilities of its panel. The problem arises when the console (PS5 or Xbox Series X) does exactly the same thing. This results in a phenomenon called "double processing." What effect does this have? The brightest points on the screen – like the sun, light reflections, or explosions – merge into one white blob, losing all detail. HGiG is a standard that allows the console to tell the TV: "Relax, don’t touch the image, let ME (the console) take full control." This way, the image is displayed in a raw and precise manner, exactly as the game developers intended.
Controversial decision and community voice
Samsung, while designing its line for 2025, initially retained this feature only to remove it during the 1126 update. The manufacturer's reasoning was straightforward: according to their analyses, the average gamer often skipped the manual HDR calibration process in the console menu. Without this calibration, the image with HGiG enabled could appear too dark or unimpressive. Therefore, Samsung wanted to "spare" the user by imposing its own automatic solutions. However, the company underestimated one group: true gaming enthusiasts. This is the most informed and demanding audience that has been choosing Samsung TVs for years precisely because of their gaming pedigree and proprietary features like Game Motion Plus (an unbeatable motion smoother in games). The absence of HGiG was perceived as a step back and sparked a real storm online, calling into question the brand's reputation as a market leader in gaming.
Long-awaited fix
After months of silence, at the end of 2025, Samsung finally acknowledged the players' concerns. The manufacturer has prepared a software update numbered 1131, which restores full support for HGiG in this year's models. However, there's a bit of a "catch". The update is not yet available from the automatic menu of the television. To enjoy the restored feature, we need to show a bit of initiative and install it manually using an external USB drive. This is currently the only way for those who don't want to wait for Samsung to make the files available for download directly via Wi-Fi.
Guide: How to install the (latest) update 1131 on Samsung TVs via USB
Currently, the TVs are running on version 1126, and the latest version 1131 (restoring HGiG) is not yet available via automatic Wi-Fi update. You need to upload it manually. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preparing the files
Go to the Samsung support Download Centre: https://www.samsung.com/au/support/downloadcenter
Search for your TV model. If you don’t know the exact code, you can find it on the nameplate on the back of the case (for the purposes of this guide, it will be the full model designation S95F).
In the "Instructions and download files" tab, download the firmware file (version 1131).
Unzip the downloaded file using the built-in tool in Windows 11 or a program like WinRAR.
Step 2: Preparing the USB drive
Formatting: Connect the USB drive to the computer and format it to the FAT32 or NTFS file system (according to Samsung's specifications, both formats are supported).
Extracting files: Extract the downloaded
.zipfile to your computer’s drive (using the built-in Windows 11 tool or WinRAR).Correct file structure (KEY MOMENT): After extraction, you will see one main folder. Enter it.
Inside, you will find two separate folders with the update data.
Copy those two folders directly to the USB drive.
⚠️ NOTE: The USB drive must not contain a single aggregate folder with the update. When you open the USB memory on the computer, you should immediately see these two folders “in the open”. If they are hidden in another parent folder, the TV will not detect them. DO NOT CHANGE THEIR NAMES.
Clean media: Ensure that the USB drive is “clean” – it should only contain those two folders, without any other personal documents or photos.
Step 3: Installation on the TV
Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the TV.
Go to Settings > Technical assistance > Software update > Update now.
The TV will ask if you want to perform the update from the USB memory – confirm your selection.
How to enable HGiG after the update?
Once the TV restarts, the feature will be available. To activate it:
Start the console and open the Game Bar.
Go to the picture settings "Game Picture Adjustment."
You will find the option "HDR10 Game" – this is where HGiG is hidden.
Set this feature to "Basic." (In our photo, this option is grayed out because we were doing this on a laptop without HDR support. Everything should work smoothly on the console 😉)
The restoration of the HGiG feature in the latest update is excellent news for all Samsung TV owners from the 2025 model year. The manufacturer's decision shows that the voices of aware gamers matter. Although currently the process requires a manual installation using a pendrive, the end result of perfect image quality in games is worth those few minutes of effort.
PS. In connection with the release of software version 1131, we are currently updating all our tests and reviews of Samsung TVs from the 2025 model year. In the published materials, we will take into account the restoration of support for HGiG and its impact on the final rating in gaming mode. We want you to have access to the most up-to-date information before making a purchase decision.
If you have any questions regarding the setup or the update itself, we invite you to join the discussion in the comments and to check out our separate video where we demonstrate the setup process for the PS5 / XBOX console along with the TV for the best image quality.
