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How to Change Screen Resolution in Windows 10
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Windows 10Screen ResolutionDisplaySettingsConfigurationSystemGraphicsAppearanceUsabilityPersonalization
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Screen resolution refers to the clarity of text and images displayed on your computer screen. At higher resolutions, items are sharper, whereas, at lower resolutions, they are larger and may appear more pixelated. With Windows 10, changing the screen resolution is an easy task that can improve the appearance of your display. Don't worry if it sounds complicated; together, we'll walk through this process step by step.
Understanding screen resolution
Before we begin, it's good to understand what screen resolution means. Screen resolution is represented by the number of pixels a screen can display horizontally and vertically. For example, a screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 has 1,920 horizontal pixels and 1,080 vertical pixels. This resolution is often referred to as 1080p and is a common display resolution.
Higher resolutions such as 2560 x 1440 (known as 1440p) or 3840 x 2160 (known as 4K) provide crisper and clearer images. However, adjusting your computer's screen resolution isn't just about increasing or decreasing pixels. It's about finding the right clarity and detail that suits your needs, whether it's working, watching movies or playing games.
Steps to change screen resolution in Windows 10
Step 1: Open display settings
Start by right-clicking on an empty space on your desktop. This action will open a context menu. From this menu, you need to select Display Settings. This is usually the option located near the bottom of this menu. Alternatively, you can access Display Settings through the Start menu. Click the Start button, navigate to Settings, and then click System. The first option you will see on the left sidebar in the System menu is Display. Click on it to proceed.
Step 2: Go to the resolution settings
After opening the Display settings, you will see several setting options for your display. Scroll down to find the Display Resolution drop-down menu. This menu contains all the available resolutions you can choose for your display. The current resolution will be marked as (recommended), and it is usually the optimal resolution for your monitor.
Step 3: Choose the resolution you want
Click the drop-down box under Display Resolution. When you click this box, it will expand, showing a list of resolutions to choose from. Find and select the resolution you want to apply. When you change the resolution, Windows will automatically apply the change so you can see the effect.
A message may pop up asking you if you want to keep these settings. You'll need to click Keep changes to confirm. If you don't click anything, it will revert to the previous resolution after 15 seconds. This is a safety mechanism that prevents you from accidentally applying a resolution that your display can't handle.
Step 4: Customize scaling (optional)
Windows 10 offers another option to make text, apps, and other items larger or smaller while keeping the resolution optimal. This feature is found under the same Display settings. You will see a drop-down menu labeled Resize text, apps, and other items. You can customize this setting to your liking.
Keep in mind that increasing scaling can make your interface items larger and easier to read if you're working on a high-resolution display. However, scaling too much can cause interface items to appear oddly spaced or cut-off.
Practical considerations
When you choose a new resolution, it's important to make sure you're choosing one that your monitor supports. Choosing a resolution that isn't supported may cause your screen to go blank for a few seconds until Windows decides to switch back to a known good resolution. If you run into any problems, gradually lower the resolution until you find the right one.
Higher resolutions result in smaller icons and text, which can be hard to see on a smaller monitor. On the other hand, higher resolutions provide more detailed and clearer displays. It is essential to strike a balance between visibility and quality.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes changes to software, updates, or drivers can affect your resolution settings. If you find that you have set a resolution setting and it reverts back automatically, check for updates to your graphics card driver. It is recommended to download the latest driver from your graphics card manufacturer's website.
If your resolution is missing or limited and you've confirmed that your hardware can handle it, consider reinstalling or updating your monitor driver, as well as making sure that your monitor is recognized correctly by your computer.
Conclusion
Changing the screen resolution on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help optimize your viewing experience. By following these steps, you can easily adjust the resolution to find the best display setting for your needs. Whether you want sharper images, more desktop space, or the perfect balance between size and readability, the choice is yours.
Remember to also consider the scaling settings for the perfect combination. Always make sure the resolution you choose is supported by your display to avoid any unexpected black screens! With the right adjustments, Windows 10 can provide exactly the visual experience you are looking for.
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