Windows 7 - Screen Resolution - Display Settings

**Brink** · **Monitor Size** **Native Resolution**

How to Change the Screen Resolution in Windows 7

Information

This will show you how to change the screen resolution in Windows 7 with the recommended native settings based on the monitor size.

Note

The screen resolution setting determines how much information is displayed on the display screen. It is measured horizontally and vertically in pixels. At lower screen resolutions, such as 640 x 480, fewer items will fit on the screen, but they will be larger. At higher resolutions, such as 1600 x 1200, more items will fit on the screen but they will be smaller. The resolution options will vary with each computer based on the video card device, monitor size, and video & monitor drivers. If the screen looks distorted or fuzzy, then you may have an incorrect screen resolution size set for your monitor.

Warning

Windows 7 does not allow for each user to have their own screen resolution. Changing the screen resolution in one user account will change it for all user accounts on the computer.
Make sure the Color Depth (Colors) is set to True Color (32 bit) to help have the best picture.

Here's How:

1. Right click on a empty space on the desktop and click on Screen Resolution. (See screenshot below)

2. Select the monitor Display you want to change the screen resolution for. (See screenshot below step 4)
NOTE: You will only be able to select a different display if you have more than one monitor connected.

3. To Change only the Screen Resolution
A) Select an available screen Resolution. (See screenshot below step 4B)
NOTE: See the table below the recommended native resolution for a LCD monitor.
Monitor Size Native Resolution
14-15 inch 1024x768
17-19 inch 1280x1024
20-23 inch 1600x1200
24 + inch 1900x1200
17-18 inch Widescreen 1280x800
19 inch Widescreen 1440x900
20-23 inch Widescreen 1680x1050
24-29 inch Widescreen 1920x1080 to 1920x1200
30 + inch Widescreen 1920x1080 to 2560x1600
B) Click on the Apply button. (See screenshot below)

C) Click on Keep changes to apply the screen resolution. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: Click on Revert to not accept the screen resolution from step 3, and to select another screen resolution.

D) Go to step 5.

4. To Select from a List of All Display Modes
A) Click on the Advanced settings link. (See screenshot below step 3B)

B) Click on the Adapter tab, and on the List All Modes button. (See screenshot below)

C) Select the display mode with the screen resolution, color depth, and screen refresh rate that you want to use, and click on OK. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: It is recommended to use a native screen resolution with a True Color (32-bit) color depth.

D) Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 4B)

E) Click on Yes to confirm the change. (See screenshot below)

5. When finished, click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3B)

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

**telboy60** · 03-09-2010

Is there a way to disable the 15 second nag?

**Brink** · 03-09-2010

Hello Telboy, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Sorry, but the only way is to confirm the changes or not when asked (nagged).

**zulle** · 03-10-2010

How can a user without administrativ rights change screen resolution.
Can I use Group Policy to give the use the rights to changes screen resolution?

**Brink** · 03-10-2010

Hello Zulle, and welcome to Seven Forums.

When the screen resolution is changed it is changed for all users on the computer. Because of this, only a administrator will be able to change it. The only way to allow them to, is to make them an administrator.

**mlopez992** · 03-18-2010

My monitor requires a 1600x900 setting, but I can't find one on the list. Is there any way I can set my own resolution?

**Brink** · 03-18-2010

Hello M.Lopez, and welcome to Seven Forums.

What brand and model number of monitor and graphics card do you have?

Could you also post a screenshot of the available screen resolutions that you have to see if something may standout?

TUISTERa · 03-19-2010

mlopez992 plz install your manifacturer video card drivers - Ati or nVidia and use their control panel. You will able to set your resolution from there

**mlopez992** · 03-20-2010

I rechecked the specs on my video card, and it doesn't support a 16:9 resolution (the monitor was a gift, so I didn't check anything before I got it). I'm getting a new one shortly, but thanks for the help.

**Brink** · 03-20-2010

M.Lopez,

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for posting back with your findings. Enjoy your new monitor.

Windows 7 - Screen Resolution - Display Settings

Screen Resolution - Display Settings

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