Skip to main content

How to adjust screen resolution in Windows 11 and older

You’re not actually stuck with the screen resolution setting your Windows PC came with. In addition to tons of other device personalization options, screen resolutions are customizable on Windows PCs. And adjusting the screen resolution on your Windows machine is easier than you think. All it takes is a quick trip to your Settings app or Control Panel (depending on which version of Windows you’re running) and a few clicks and you’re on your way to an easier-to-view screen.

Here, we’ll show you how to adjust screen resolutions for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7 PCs.

Recommended Videos

In Windows 11

Step 1: Navigate to the Windows 11 Settings app.

Step 2: Click Display.

Step 3: Click on the display you want to change the screen resolution for. Displays will be labeled as “1” or “2” if you have multiple displays connected. If you don’t have multiple displays connected, proceed to step 4.

Step 3: In the Scale and Layout section, click Display Resolution. Pick a resolution and then click Keep changes.

In Windows 10

Step 1: Navigate to the Windows 10 Settings app.

Step 2: In the Settings app menu, select System. Then select Display (if it’s not already selected).

Step 3: Scroll down to the section labeled Scale and Layout.

Step 4: Click on the drop-down menu within the Display Resolution subsection. Choose your desired resolution from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: In the dialog box that appears, confirm your selection by clicking on Keep Changes. The change in resolution should be immediately visible.

If you’re still using Windows 10, it’s time to upgrade. Check our Windows 11 review to learn more about why you should.

In Windows 7

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel.

Step 2: Within the section labeled Appearance and Personalization, select Adjust Screen Resolution.

Step 3: Select the drop-down near Resolution and then drag the slider to your desired resolution. Select Apply.

Step 4: To confirm your changes, choose Keep. If you change your mind and would rather keep the old resolution, choose Revert.

On a related note, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, and if you’re still running Windows 7 you’ll need to upgrade to a later version. At the very least, you should upgrade your computer to Windows 10, but for long-term support, and if your comptuer is compatible, you should then upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Anita George
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Anita George has been writing for Digital Trends' Computing section since 2018. So for almost six years, Anita has written…
Copilot+ PC exclusive settings teased in Windows 11 preview
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

Microsoft is testing out an interesting new aspect within the Settings of the latest Windows 11 preview build that allows users to expand the functions of various applications.

The app settings called "Actions," was hidden in the 26120.3576 build for the Dev Channel. However, enthusiasts uncovered the menu and shared details of its function on various Windows forums, noting the associated apps currently include Photos and Paint. When toggled on, it enables useful tasks that deepen the functions within apps.

Read more
The latest Windows 11 build has a surprising bug — it gets rid of Copilot
Copilot key on the Asus ROG Falchion HFX.

Microsoft has updated the support page for the Windows 11 build it released last week to reveal a rather amusing bug -- it seems to have caused some devices to automatically uninstall the Copilot app and unpin it from the taskbar.

At the time of writing, Microsoft is still working on a resolution to the issue spotted by Windows Latest, recommending affected users reinstall the app and pin it back to the taskbar manually. It looks like the bug can occur on any device if it updates to build KB5053598 from Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, or 22H2, along with Windows 10 22H2 or 21H2.

Read more
Windows 10 security risks are now more of a reality for users
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

It appears more and more Windows 10 users may be finally ready to let go of the legacy operating system ahead of the end of its life status on October 14. Microsoft has been urging system users to update to the latest Windows 11 software before that date and after months of ignoring the call, tens of millions of users are now opting in to the update.

Figures from StatCounter indicate that the percentage of Windows 10 usage has now dipped below 60% for the first time with 58.7% of global users running the system as of February 2025. Meanwhile, stats for Windows 11 are slowly creeping up toward 40% with 38.2% of global users running this version of Microsoft’s OS.

Read more