Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

In Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display, select the screen you want to adjust if you have more than one, then choose a mode under Display resolution. The option marked Recommended is the best starting point for most displays.

Change the resolution in Windows 11

  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
  2. If multiple displays are connected, select the display you want to change.
  3. Under Scale & layout, open Display resolution and choose a resolution. Use the one marked Recommended unless you have a specific reason to choose another available mode. Microsoft’s Windows display instructions cover these settings.

Change the resolution in Windows 10

  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
  2. Under Rearrange your displays, select the monitor you want to adjust if more than one is connected.
  3. Scroll to Scale and layout, open Display resolution, and choose the mode marked Recommended unless you need a different available resolution. Microsoft documents the Windows 10 controls as well.

Choose the right resolution

For ordinary use, start with the setting Windows marks Recommended. A display can support lower resolutions than its native resolution, but a lower mode may make text less sharp or make the image appear small, centered, surrounded by black borders, or stretched, according to Microsoft’s display guidance.

Make text or apps larger without lowering resolution

Resolution controls the number of pixels used to draw the image; scaling changes the size of interface elements. If text, icons, and apps are too small, leave the resolution at the recommended setting and adjust Scale in Display settings instead. To enlarge text specifically, use Windows’ Accessibility Text size control, described in Microsoft’s accessibility guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Change resolution on a second monitor

In Settings > System > Display, select the screen you intend to change before opening its resolution menu; the selection determines which display the setting applies to. If you are not sure which numbered display represents the physical monitor, choose Identify. Windows shows a number on each screen. Microsoft’s multi-monitor guide also explains how to detect, connect, and arrange displays.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Philips 24 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz VA VESA Flicker-Free, 241V8LB
  • CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
  • INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
  • THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
  • WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
  • A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents

If the resolution you expect is unavailable

The choices Windows offers depend on the connected display and system hardware. If a resolution changes unexpectedly, Microsoft recommends checking for graphics driver updates through Settings > Windows Update. An update may help, but it is not a guaranteed fix for every missing resolution option. See Microsoft’s resolution troubleshooting guidance.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Windows 10 support status

Changing resolution does not require Windows 10 support, but support status matters for the security and maintenance of the PC. Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The operating system still works, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support notice.

Best Value
Sale
Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
  • 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
  • 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
  • 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Rank #4
Sale
Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor
  • CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
  • SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
  • MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
  • KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
  • INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Rank #3
Dell 24 Monitor - SE2426H - 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz 1ms Display, in-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology, AMD FreeSync™, TÜV 3-Star 2X HDMI, Tilt
  • Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
  • Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
  • Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
  • In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
  • Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Rank #2
Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz VA VESA Flicker-Free, 221V8LB
  • CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
  • 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
  • SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
  • INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
  • THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.