Maciej Koper
Players using the latest Samsung televisions (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 has acknowledged the users' concerns and released a fix, although for now 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 must examine 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 the brightness to the capabilities of its panel. The problem arises when the console (PS5 or Xbox Series X) does exactly the same thing. This leads to the phenomenon of "double processing." What effect does this have? The brightest points on the screen – such as the sun, light reflections, or explosions – merge into a single white spot, losing all detail. HGiG is the standard that allows the console to tell the TV: “Take a break, don’t touch the image, let ME (the console) take full control.” As a result, the image is displayed raw and precise, exactly as the game's creators intended.
Controversial decision and the voice of the community
Samsung, in designing its line for 2025, initially retained this feature only to remove it during update 1126. The manufacturer’s argument 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 aware and demanding group of consumers who have chosen Samsung TVs for years precisely because of their gaming lineage and unique features, such as Game Motion Plus (an unmatched motion smoothing feature in games). The absence of HGiG was perceived as a step backwards and triggered a real storm online, raising questions about the brand's reputation as a leader in the gaming market.
Long-awaited update
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 is a certain "catch". The update is not yet available from the automatic menu of the television. To enjoy the regained feature, we have to show a bit of initiative and install it manually using external USB memory. This is currently the only way for those who do not want to wait for Samsung to provide download files directly via Wi-Fi.
Guide: How to install the (latest) update 1131 on Samsung televisions via USB
Currently, televisions are running version 1126, and the latest version 1131 (restoring HGiG) is not yet available through 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/uk/support/downloadcenter
Search for your television model. If you do not know the exact code, you can find it on the serial number plate on the back of the casing (for the purposes of this guide, it will be the full model designation S95F).
In the “Instructions and Downloadable Files” tab, download the firmware file (version 1131).
Extract the downloaded file using the built-in Windows 11 tool or a program like WinRAR.
Step 2: Preparing the USB drive
Formatting: Connect the USB drive to the computer and format it to the file system FAT32 or NTFS (both formats are supported according to Samsung's specifications).
Extracting files: Extract the downloaded file
.ziponto your computer's drive (using the built-in Windows 11 tool or WinRAR).Correct file structure (KEY MOMENT): After extracting, you will see one main folder. Open it.
Inside, you will find two separate folders with the update data.
Copy these two folders directly to the USB drive.
⚠️ NOTE: The USB drive must not contain a single collective folder for the update. When you open the USB memory on your computer, you should immediately see these two folders "loose". If they are hidden in another parent folder, the television will not detect them. DO NOT CHANGE THEIR NAMES.
Clean media: Ensure that the USB drive is "clean" – it should only contain these two folders without any other personal documents or photos.
Step 3: Installation on the television
Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the television.
Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
The television will ask if you want to perform the update from the USB memory – confirm your choice.
How to enable HGiG after the update?
Once the television restarts, the function will be available. To activate it:
Start the console and open the Player Panel (Game Bar).
Go to the picture settings "Image adjustment in game".
You will find the option “Game HDR10” – this is where HGiG is hidden.
Set this function to “Basic”. (In our photo, this option is greyed out because we did 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 owners of Samsung televisions from the 2025 model year. The manufacturer's decision shows that the voices of aware gamers matter. Although the process currently requires a manual installation using a pendrive, the end result in the form of perfect image quality in games is worth those few minutes of effort.
PS. Following the release of software version 1131, we are currently updating all our tests and reviews of Samsung televisions from the 2025 model year. In the published materials, we will include the restoration of support for HGiG and its impact on the final evaluation in gaming mode. We want you to have access to the most current data before making your purchasing decision.
If you have any questions regarding the configuration or the update itself, we invite you to join the discussion in the comments and to watch our separate video material, in which we demonstrate the setup process for the PS5 / XBOX console alongside the television for the best image quality.
