If you are trying to set up a new monitor to go with your Windows 11/10 PC, you might face some issues with display scaling and resolution; or your laptop manufacturer might ship the laptop with a lower resolution out of the box. Changing the screen resolution could also help make the icons and text displayed on the screen sharper. This post will guide you on How to Change the Screen Resolution in Windows.
How to Change Screen Resolution in Windows 11/10
While many third-party applications could help us accomplish the task, Windows offers a native way to adjust the screen resolution.
- Change Display Resolution via Settings
- Change Screen Resolution via Third-Party Applications
You do not need admin permission to change the resolution.
1] Change Display Resolution via Settings
Changing the Screen Resolution in Windows 10 isn’t a difficult task and can be adjusted with just a couple of clicks Here’s how to do so:
- Open the Settings Panel in Windows 10 (Win + I)
- Next, navigate to System -> Display.
- Scroll down under Scale and Layout -> Display Resolution. You’ll find a drop-down list.
- Choose your preferred resolution, and you’re good to go.
Windows can automatically detect what’s best, and choosing the Recommended Resolution in the dropdown is recommended.
If the text looks small or big in the resolution offered by Windows, follow our guide to set the text up correctly.
2] Change Screen Resolution via Third Party Applications
Since many third-party applications are out in the market, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones to opt for.
- Hotkey Resolution Changer
- Display Changer II
- jRes
Hotkey Resolution Changer
Hotkey Resolution Changer is a free and portable screen resolution changer application for Windows. There are options for changing the resolution for up to two monitors simultaneously.
The key advantage of HotKey Resolution Changer is its ability to let users create a keyboard shortcut between 2 to 9 shortcut keys to toggle between multiple screen resolutions quickly. Moreover, the application can also adjust the screen refresh rate and bit depth.
To change the screen resolution using Hotkey Resolution Changer, start by assigning hotkeys for the screen resolutions (refresh rate) you prefer via the application. Once set, press the hotkey on the keyboard to immediately switch the resolution.
Download Hotkey Resolution Changer
Display Changer II
Developed by 12noon, Display Changer II is a freeware that can help you change your Windows PC’s display resolution, width, height, color depth, refresh rate, and rotation temporarily or permanently.
Moreover, the application can run apps in a specific display resolution and return to the previous resolution when the application is ended. Display Changer II can also duplicate your monitors, extend the desktop to multiple monitors, configure the displays individually, and more.
To use this, you must create a configuration file and then use it.
- Setup using the Windows Control Panel’s Display to configure your monitors the way you like them.
- Use Display Changer II’s -create a switch to create a configuration file.
dc2.exe -create="ThreeMonitors.xml"
- Use Windows Control Panel’s Display to configure your monitors to some other configuration.
- Finally, use the Display Changer II’s -configure the switch to re-establish your desired configuration.
dc2.exe -configure="ThreeMonitors.xml"
jRes
jRes, yet another free and portable screen resolution changer application for Windows. It works silently from the system tray, and adjusting the resolution is just a few clicks. One can easily change the screen resolution by heading over to the system tray, right-clicking on the app, and choosing the screen resolution, screen refresh rate, and bit depth or color depth of the screen.
The application offers various screen resolutions, such as 320*200 @ 60hz, 640 * 480 @ 70hz, 1024*768 @ 75hz, 1366*768 @ 60hz, and much more. Moreover, one could manually adjust the bit depth values for enhanced customization.
I hope the post was easy to understand and you could change the resolution to what fits your need. Make sure to experiment with what works best for you, as it is equally essential that text doesn’t look blurry and apps don’t feel stretched out.