How to Change Screen Resolution

This updated guide examines How to Change Screen Resolution and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 5:

Windows 8

1. Using your mouse, right-click on the Desktop and select "Screen Resolution. "
2. Under resolution, click and move the slider button up or down to select your desired screen resolution. The lower the resolution, the larger items and text will appear; the higher the resolution, the smaller items and text will appear on-screen.
3. Select 'Apply.' The resolution of your screen will now be changed.^[1]

Method 2of 5:

Windows 7

1. Using your mouse, right-click on the Desktop and select "Screen Resolution. "
2. Click on the dropdown menu to the right of 'Resolution,' and move the slider button up or down to choose your desired resolution. The lower the resolution, the larger items and text will appear; the higher the resolution, the smaller items and text will appear on-screen.
3. Click on 'Apply,' then click on 'Keep' to verify you want the current resolution saved. ^[2]

Method 3of 5:

Windows Vista

1. Click on 'Start' and select 'Control Panel.' The Control Panel window will open and display on-screen.
2. Click on 'Appearance and Personalization,' then click on 'Personalization.'
3. Click on 'Display Settings,' then move the slider button left or right to choose your desired screen resolution. The lower the resolution, the larger items and text will appear; the higher the resolution, the smaller items and text will appear on-screen.
4. Click on 'Apply.' Your screen resolution will now be changed.^[3]

Method 4of 5:

Windows XP

1. Click on 'Start' and select 'Control Panel.' The Control Panel window will open and display on-screen.
   • Click on 'Switch to Classic View' in the left pane of Control Panel if icons are not showing. You must have Classic View enabled to change the screen resolution.
2. Click on 'Display,' then click on the 'Settings' tab for the 'Screen Resolution' box.
3. Move the slider button left or right to choose your desired resolution. The lower the resolution, the larger items and text will appear; the higher the resolution, the smaller items and text will appear on-screen.
4. Click on 'OK,' then click on 'Close.' Your screen's resolution will now be changed.^[4]

Method 5of 5:

Mac OS X

1. Click on the Apple menu and select 'System Preferences.' The System Preferences window will open and display on-screen.
2. Click on 'Displays,' then select the 'Display' tab.
3. Click on 'Scaled,' then select your desired screen resolution from the options provided. The lower the resolution, the larger items and text will appear; the higher the resolution, the smaller items and text will appear on-screen.
   • If using a connected display, press and hold the 'Option' key, then click on 'Scaled' to change the resolution for the second display.
4. Close the System Preferences window. Your screen resolution will now be changed.^[5]