How to Adjust Screen Size in Windows 10/11: Resolution, Dual Monitors, and DPI Settings

When using Windows, especially when you have two monitors, need to project your screen, or connect to splitters and multiple video output devices, you might encounter the following issues:

• How do I get my computer screen back to normal size?
• Why the HDMI extender isn't working and shows a black screen?
• What is active signal resolution and how to change it?
• How do I set up dual monitors with my laptop?
• One of the dual monitors is not displaying clearly.
• Why are my computer screen fonts blurry?

In this SC&T knowledge base article, we’ll walk you through solutions to these problems.

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1. How to Adjust Screen Size by Changing Resolution

What is Native Resolution?

When we talk about a 1920 x 1080 image, it means the image is made up of 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixels in height. The more pixels there are (i.e., the higher the resolution), the sharper and more detailed the image will be.

The native resolution refers to the optimal resolution for which a display (or projector) is designed. This is the resolution at which the device can produce the clearest and most detailed image.

Think of a canvas where each square on the canvas can hold one pixel. The native resolution is the total number of squares on the canvas. When the pixels match the canvas squares perfectly, the image will be at its sharpest.

Understanding your screen’s native resolution and adjusting your computer’s output accordingly can help resolve blurry display issues.

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How Do I Know My Monitor's Best Resolution?

You can confirm your screen’s native resolution by checking the information provided by the manufacturer or in the user manual. Alternatively, you can access your monitor’s settings menu and look for the "Information" section to find the optimal resolution. Since each brand may present this information differently, you can skip directly to the instructions below if needed.

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Adjusting Resolution in Windows 10/11

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings. Then, go to "System" > "Display." Alternatively, right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."

2. Adjust the Resolution: In the "Display resolution" section, use the dropdown menu to choose the resolution supported by your monitor.

3. Select the Resolution: Choose your monitor’s native resolution. If you're unsure, select the "Recommended" option.

4. Apply Changes: Once you've selected the resolution, click "Keep changes."

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2. What is Active Signal Resolution? Why Can't I Use My HDMI Extender Properly?

When you adjust the screen resolution from your computer, you're mainly changing the "desktop mode" resolution. However, the actual resolution being transmitted, known as the "active signal mode," may differ.

If you're using an HDMI extender or other AV interface devices, you need to ensure that the extender supports the resolution in the "active signal mode," not just the desktop mode.

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How to Change Active Signal Resolution

1. This depends on your graphics card. Most of the time, you can find options to adjust the output resolution within your graphics card settings.

2. Press the Windows key + I, open System > Display > Advanced display.

3. Click Display adapter properties for the screen you want to adjust.

4. Click List All Modes and set the resolution that both your HDMI extender and monitor can support. For instance, if your signal is 2K, but your monitor and extender only support 1080p, you'll need to switch to 1080p.

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Make sure the Active signal mode matches the resolution you've selected.

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More HDMI Extender Troubleshooting

If you still experience blurry images with an HDMI extender, ensure that:

• The extender supports the resolution you're using.
• You're following the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended cables.
• The extension distance does not exceed the recommended range.
• A signal repeater is installed if necessary.
• The extender is powered correctly.

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3. How to Set Up Dual Monitors

Setting Up Dual Monitors in Windows

Setting up dual monitors can significantly enhance productivity by allowing you to work on multiple tasks across two screens simultaneously.

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Step 1: Connect the Monitors

Use common interfaces like HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort to connect your computer to the monitors. Ensure both monitors are powered on.

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Step 2: Identify Monitors

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings. Then, go to "System" > "Display." Alternatively, right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."

2. Identify Monitors: Windows typically detects new monitors automatically. If it doesn’t, click "Identify." Windows will display numbers on the screens to help you identify each monitor.

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Step 3: Adjust the Resolution

After setting up the monitors, adjust the resolution for each according to the steps mentioned earlier, ensuring that each output matches the native resolution of the receiving monitor.

For example, if you have a 1920 x 1080 monitor and a 1024 x 768 monitor, confirm:

• The screen numbers match the monitors.
• The selected resolution corresponds to the correct monitor.

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Step 4: Display Options

In the display settings, you can choose how the displays should function. There are four modes:

• Duplicate these displays: Shows the same content on both screens.
• Extend these displays: Extends your desktop across both monitors, creating a larger workspace.
• Show only on 1: Displays content only on the primary monitor.
• Show only on 2: Displays content only on the secondary monitor.

You can also use the Windows key + P for quick adjustments.

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Dual Monitors and HDMI Splitters

An HDMI splitter can distribute a single signal to multiple monitors, meaning only one resolution can be output from the source. To ensure compatibility, adjust the output resolution to match the lowest resolution of all monitors.

For example, if you have monitors with resolutions of 1920 x 1080, 2K, and 4K connected to a splitter, set the computer's output resolution to 1920 x 1080.

If your splitter has upscaling or downscaling capabilities (like the SC&T HAE01), it will automatically adjust the resolution to the optimal setting for each monitor.

To manually adjust different resolutions for dual monitors, you’ll need to use two separate HDMI extenders.

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4. Fonts Are Too Small or Blurry - DPI Scaling

Whether in the system or applications, you may encounter issues with small or unclear text, even after setting the correct resolution. In such cases, you may need to adjust Windows' built-in scaling settings.

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Why is My Computer Screen Blurry?

a) Using High-Resolution Screens

As technology advances, high-resolution screens (like 4K, 8K) are becoming more common. These screens have denser pixels, making content designed for lower resolutions appear smaller and blurry without DPI scaling.

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b) Varying Pixel Densities Across Devices

Different devices (phones, tablets, laptops) have varying screen sizes and resolutions, leading to differences in pixel density. DPI scaling ensures that content is displayed at an appropriate size across different devices, improving the user experience.

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What is DPI Scaling?

DPI (dots per inch) scaling adjusts the size of displayed content on high-resolution screens to match the pixel density of different devices. This ensures consistent content size and clarity across various screens.

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Adjusting DPI Scaling in Windows

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings. Then, go to "System" > "Display." Alternatively, right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."

2. Adjust Scaling: Under the "Scale & layout" section, find "Scale" or "Change the size of text, apps, and other items" and choose the desired scaling percentage.

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What if the Text Is Still Too Small or Blurry?

If text remains blurry after adjusting the scaling percentage, try these two methods:

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Adjust from Within the Application

Many applications have their own font size, window size, and resolution settings. Adjust these within the application to improve clarity.

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Change Application DPI Settings

If the application doesn't respond to the above adjustments:

1. Right-click the application and select Properties.

2. Go to the Compatibility tab.

3. Click Change high DPI settings.

4. Check Override high DPI scaling behavior, and from the dropdown menu, select "System."

5. Click "OK."

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