How to Change the Screen Resolution on a PC

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

Method 1of 5:

Windows 10

1. Right-click the desktop. This will prompt a drop-down menu.
2. ClickDisplay settings. It's toward the bottom of the menu.
3. Scroll down and clickAdvanced display settings. This link is at the bottom of the page.
4. Click the bar beneath the "Resolution" heading. Doing so will invoke a drop-down menu with different resolution values (e.g., "800 x 600").
5. Click a resolution value. The resolution best-suited to your computer's screen will say "(Recommended)" next to it.
   • The higher the resolution number is, the smaller your computer's text and icons will appear.
6. ClickApply. It's below the "Resolution" bar. Clicking this button will apply your selected resolution to the screen.
7. ClickKeep changes. If you don't like your new resolution settings, you can click Revert or simply wait for a few seconds until the resolution automatically reverts to your computer's default setting.

Method 2of 5:

Windows 7 and 8

1. Right-click the desktop. This will prompt a drop-down menu.
2. ClickScreen resolution. It's toward the bottom of the right-click menu.
3. Click the resolution bar. It's below the "Resolution" heading. Doing so will prompt a drop-down menu with different resolution values, such as "1920 x 1080."
   • On Windows 7, you may have a vertical slider here that allows you to click and drag a button up or down to increase or decrease the resolution.
4. Click a resolution value. The resolution best-suited to your computer's screen will say "(Recommended)" next to it.
   • The higher the resolution number is, the smaller your computer's text and icons will appear.
5. ClickOK. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will prompt you to confirm your choice.
6. ClickYeswhen prompted. Doing so will save your resolution settings.
   • If you don't like the new resolution settings, you can click Revert or simply wait a few seconds for your computer's resolution to revert to your computer's default.

Method 3of 5:

Windows Vista

1. Right-click the desktop. This will invoke a drop-down menu.
2. ClickPersonalize. It's toward the bottom of the right-click menu.
   • On some versions of Vista, this option may say Properties instead.
3. ClickDisplay Settings. This link is at the bottom of the "Personalize" window.
4. Click and drag the "Resolution" slider left or right. It's near the bottom of the "Display Settings" window. Dragging the slider to the left will decrease your screen resolution, while dragging it to the right will increase the resolution.
   • Raising your resolution will make things smaller, while lowering the resolution will make things larger. If you are having difficulty seeing things on your computer, try lowering your resolution. If you want the clearest picture possible, raise the resolution to the size recommended for your display.
5. ClickOK. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will prompt you to confirm your choice.
6. ClickYeswhen prompted. Doing so will save your resolution settings.

Method 4of 5:

Windows XP

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop. This will invoke a drop-down menu.
2. ClickProperties. It's at the bottom of the menu. This will open the "Display Properties" window.
   • If "Display Properties" doesn't open to the "Settings" tab, click it at the top of the window.
3. Click and drag the "Resolution" slider left or right. It's near the bottom of the "Display Settings" window. Dragging the slider to the left will decrease your screen resolution, while dragging it to the right will increase the resolution.
   • Raising your resolution will make things smaller, while lowering the resolution will make things larger. If you are having difficulty seeing things on your computer, try lowering your resolution. If you want the clearest picture possible, raise the resolution to the size recommended for your display.
4. ClickApply. It's at the bottom of the window. After doing so, your screen will change resolution, and a confirmation box will appear.
5. ClickYeswhen prompted. Doing this will save your resolution settings.
   • If you don't like the new resolution settings, wait for a few seconds; the screen will revert to the old settings.
6. ClickOKto close the "Display Properties" window. Your new resolution will be saved.

Method 5of 5:

Windows ME

1. Using a mouse, right click on an empty part of the screen. There should be a pop-up menu that appears.
2. Scroll over to View. Select how big you want your icons to be.