How to Fix Washed Out Video Colors After Uploading to OneDrive
Question details
Users experience desaturated or washed-out colors when streaming uploaded videos from OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- PC and Mobile (Samsung)
- Scenario
- Streaming or downloading videos recorded on a mobile device from OneDrive cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- Videos look normal when played locally but appear washed out and desaturated when streamed from OneDrive on both phone and PC.
Ensure you still have the original video files saved locally on your device, as you will need them to verify if the cloud version was compressed or altered during the upload process.
Verify File Integrity and Re-upload the Video
Compare the local and downloaded video files to check if OneDrive altered the original file during upload.
Cloud storage services are expected to preserve the original file. This step helps determine if OneDrive permanently altered the file or if it is purely a preview rendering issue.
Open OneDrive on your PC or phone, select the affected video, and click 'Download' to save a copy directly to your local storage.
Right-click both the original local file and the newly downloaded file. Select 'Properties' (or 'Details' on mobile) and compare the file size, video codec, and metadata to see if they match exactly.
If the downloaded file properties differ from the original, delete the corrupted cloud copy and manually upload the original file again without using any automatic sync or conversion features.
Adjust Recording Settings for Future Videos
Prevent future uploads from appearing washed out by recording videos in standard SDR instead of HDR.
Troubleshoot Playback and App Cache
Resolve local playback interpretation issues and clear corrupted temporary data from the OneDrive app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Samsung HDR videos look washed out on OneDrive?
OneDrive often struggles to properly process and display HDR10+ metadata in its built-in web or mobile preview player. This inability to interpret the high dynamic range data results in a desaturated, flat, or washed-out appearance during streaming.
Does OneDrive compress or permanently alter video files during upload?
OneDrive is designed to store files in their exact original form. However, it generates compressed, lower-resolution preview versions for faster streaming playback. The original, uncompressed file usually remains intact and will restore its quality upon downloading.
How can I view the affected videos with their original colors?
To view the correct colors, you must download the video file directly to your device rather than streaming it in the app. Play the downloaded file using an HDR-compatible media player, such as VLC.
Will changing my phone's camera settings prevent this issue permanently?
Yes. By disabling HDR10+ in your phone's camera settings and recording in standard SDR (Standard Dynamic Range), you ensure the colors will appear normally across all cloud platforms and devices without needing specialized HDR playback support.
