Windows 11 · Windows
Change screen resolution and scale in Windows 11
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Select the intended display, use the resolution and scale marked Recommended, and update the graphics driver if supported resolutions are missing.
Check the selected display resolution before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for the selected display resolution. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Use the supported controls for the selected display resolution
Follow the specific control path in the next steps and change only the setting or component that matches the observed problem. Do not combine resets, driver changes, account changes, or third-party tools before checking the documented route.
Select the display
Open Settings > System > Display and select the monitor you want to change.
Choose the recommended resolution
Under Scale & layout, choose the Display resolution marked Recommended.
Adjust scale separately
Choose the recommended Scale value to change text and app size without lowering resolution.
Fix missing options
Install Windows and graphics-driver updates if the monitor's native resolution is unavailable, then verify the cable and display specification.
Verify the result for the selected display resolution
Text and images remain sharp, the desktop fits, and every monitor returns after restart at a supported mode. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with the selected display resolution
If the recommended mode is missing, the picture is cropped, a dock limits bandwidth, or a display becomes unreachable, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the selected display resolution is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.