The display resolution or screen resolution is generally responsible for the clarity of texts and images displayed on the screen. At lower resolutions, texts and images appear larger, but fewer items fit on display. Likewise, at higher resolutions, images and texts look sharper, but more items fit on the screen as they appear smaller.
When you install the Windows operating system and install your graphics driver, the driver automatically sets the recommended resolution. Most users will never need to change the recommended or default screen resolution. However, at times, while playing a game or running software, the game or software might automatically adjust the screen resolution, forcing you to restore the original screen resolution manually.
Last evening, while writing how to set a custom resolution on Windows 10 PC, I noticed that the Screen resolution option is missing from Windows 10’s desktop context menu. As you likely know, in earlier Windows versions, the Screen resolution option would appear when you right-click on the desktop.
In Windows 10, Microsoft has renamed the Screen resolution option in the desktop context menu to Display settings. In other words, when you right-click on the desktop, you’ll see the Display settings option instead of the Screen resolution option. This is because Microsoft has moved most of the settings to the new Settings app to make changing Windows settings easier both on traditional PCs as well as touch-based devices. And because screen resolution settings have been moved, changing screen resolution in Windows 10 is not as easy it was before.
While right-clicking on Windows 10 desktop and clicking Display setting opens Display settings in the Settings app, first-time users will find it challenging to locate the option and change screen resolution in Windows 10.
Change display resolution in Windows 10
Complete the given below instructions to view and change Screen resolution in Windows 10.
Tip: If you want to know your current screen resolution quickly and easily, open whatsmyscreenresolution.com address in your web browser to know your display resolution.
Method 1 of 2
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop and then click Display settings to open the Display settings page in the Settings app.
Step 2: To change the current screen resolution, click on the drop-down box located under the Display resolution section (see picture) to view all supported resolutions, and click on one of the listed resolutions to select it.
And if you have two or more screens connected to your PC, please select the display (on the same page) before changing the resolution. For more details on the external monitor screen resolution, refer to our how to change external monitor screen resolution in Windows 10 guide.
We recommend you select the recommended screen resolution unless you want to run a game or software at a lower or higher resolution.
Step 4: You’ll see the following screen with fifteen seconds to confirm the new resolution. To set the new resolution, click the Keep changes button. And if you find that the new resolution isn’t perfect, click the Revert button to restore the previous screen resolution.
And if you want to select a custom resolution, check out our how-to set custom screen resolution in Windows 10 guide. Good luck!
NOTE: If you are running an older version of Windows 10, click the option titled Advanced display settings to view your current screen resolution and change it.
Method 2 of 3
Change resolution via Intel Graphics Command Center app in Windows 10
Use this method only if your PC is powered with Intel graphics.
Step 1: Launch the Intel Graphics Command Center app. If not installed, you can install it from the Store.
Step 2: In the left pane, select Display.
Step 3: On the right side, in the General section, select a resolution from the drop-down box next to the Resolution option. Simple as that!
Method 3 of 3
Another way to change resolution in Windows 10
For NVIDIA and Intel graphics only
Step 1: Right-click on desktop and then click NVIDIA Control Panel. If you have Intel graphics, you’ll see Graphics Properties option.
Step 2: Once NVIDIA Control Panel is launched, in the left-pane (see picture), click Change resolution to view your current resolution as well as available resolutions. Select an available resolution and then click the Apply button.
If you are on Intel, after launching Intel HD Graphics Control Panel, click Display tile to view resolution settings, select a resolution, and then click Apply button.
I hope this helps!
Emilie says
I would like less than 100%, how can you do that?
If anyone can help, thanks in advance
Ron says
There is no “advanced display settings” in my display settings field!
Why post a comment if there is no one there to answer with a resolution to this issue. Why does Windows require upgrading to 10 then not supporting the drivers? Silly question, right?
Jim says
I am trying to change my the size of text, apps and other items from 100% to 115% but it will only let me change it in 1/4 increments. How can I get it to let me make the change that I want? 100% is a bit small, but 125% is too large.
admin says
@Richard
It’s likely because you haven’t installed the latest graphics/video driver.
Richard Feist says
My recommended resolution is 1920 x 1080. This is not available. That, for me is a $500 problem. How do I solve it?
Semaj Leinad says
Let’s face it: Windows 10 just plain all around sucks!!!!
Cheryl Irwin says
Why is there no sleep option when going to power button. It’s just shut down or restart.
admin says
Foye, it seems you haven’t installed graphics drivers yet. Please install the latest version of the video driver.
Foye says
The resolution is ‘grayed’ so I can’t change the resolution. Not enjoying Windows 10 at all.
Heidi says
I have the same issue–if I close my laptop, now with Windows 10, it shuts down. I HATE Windows 10. My screen just changed and we cannot get it changed back–won’t allow me to change anything. ARGH. Neither of the above methods works AT ALL.
Peggy says
This is great. thank you Windows!! no replies or comments on posts.
Great customer service. Not.
Peggy says
i cant change my text and icon size. it is so mall and frustrating. windows 10.
i have a Dell Inspiron. 15 5000 series. I.m hating it.
I have gone through all the directions on what it says to do and then screen ays log out of windows to set changes. nothing changes. UGH! so much time wasted
Kelly says
I am trying to change my the size of text, apps and other items from 100% to 115% but it will only let me change it in 1/4 increments. How can I get it to let me make the change that I want? 100% is a bit small, but 125% is too large.
INES says
I CAN.T CHANGE FONTS SIZE. IS LOCKUP. NOTHING IS HELP. THIS WINDOW 10 IS HORRIFIED!!!!!!!!
marsie says
How do I get rid of the tiles display on my desktop?
Janet Thompson Deaver says
None of the above solved my problem. I’ve addressed it through another email. I need to keep my laptop up without it shutting down on me after 30 seconds. Is this conducive to Windows 10? I have screensaver set to go off after one minute rather than five. This ‘shutting down’ on its own shouldn’t happen, should it? It’s only bothersome but also irritating to look up and see that I have to enter password again. It does not lose what page I’m on, which is good but truly irritating and time consuming. Please help?