Fixing an Inaccurate Display Resolution (Windows)

Summary

Sometimes when a user is trying to manipulate the resolution, despite their best efforts, they are unable to do so. This is a very easy FIRST troubleshooting step that techs can take to try and push the monitor to the correct resolution. By forcing the display adapter to recognize and display a lower and resolution, it allows for the user to then select the correct resolution.

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How to Steps

  1. Right click on the desktop and select the Display Settings drop down. The following screen will be displayed.

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  1. Select the desired display by actually clicking in (in this example we will use Display 1).
  2. Scroll down and under Related Settings select Advanced Display.

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  1. Take notice of the Desktop Mode vs. the Active Signal Mode, they may be different, causing the issue.
  2. Click Display Adapter Properties for Display 1
  3. From this new window, click  List All Modes.

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  1. A list of valid modes will be listed.

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  1. Select a resolution that is lower than the desire resolution but still supported by the monitor, for this example, select 1280 by 720 (32 bit), 60 Hertz.
  2. The List All Modes window will close and then select Apply.
  3. The selected display should now display in an undesired resolution with a pop-up window showing the message Do You Want To Keep These Display Settings?  Select Keep Changes.

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  1. The selected display should now show an undesirable resolution. 
  2. Repeat Steps 7 & 8, but this time, Select the Desired Resolution.
  3. The resolution should now be the desired (ideal) resolution for that display.

 

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Details

Details

Article ID: 436
Created
Fri 1/26/24 9:24 AM
Modified
Mon 1/29/24 2:26 PM

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