Screen resolution is measured by the number of pixels on the screen. The more the number of pixels, the clearer the text and images displayed on the screen. The resolution options you can use on your computer will depend on the capabilities of your computer's monitor and video card. The operating system usually automatically selects the best available resolution according to the capabilities of the monitor and video card. When searching for resolution options, you may see options displayed in length x height (in pixels, such as “1920 x 1080”), or descriptions/labels such as “4K” or “UHD” (“3840 x 2160”) or “Full HD”/”1080p” (“1920 x 1080”). This wikiHow teaches you how to find the screen resolution on a Windows PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Windows
Step 1. Right-click an empty area on the desktop
The menu will expand afterwards.
Step 2. Click Display settings
The “Display” setting panel will be displayed after that.
Step 3. Look for the resolution under the “Display resolution” section
The currently active resolution will be displayed in the menu. If you see " (Recommended) " next to the resolution, you are already using the highest resolution possible for the hardware.
- If you install more than one monitor, both monitors will be displayed at the top of the right panel. Select the monitor whose resolution you want to check.
- The options shown are supported by the monitor and video card. For example, if you have a 4K resolution monitor, but didn't change the option to change the resolution to 4K (“3840 x 2160”), this is because the option is not supported by the video card (or vice versa).
Step 4. Choose another resolution from the menu (optional)
If you use an option other than the recommended resolution, select the option “ Recommended ” to get the best results. Keep in mind that switching to an unrecommended resolution may result in a blurry, stretched, or compressed display or image.
- After selecting a new resolution, the changes will take effect immediately. You will also see a pop-up message asking if you want to keep the changes (“ keep changes ”) or return (“ Revert ”) to the previous setting. If the new resolution option does not give the desired result, click “ Revert ”.
- If the screen goes black after you change the settings, the selected resolution does not match the monitor or video card. After a while, Windows will return the settings to the previous resolution to resolve the issue.
Method 2 of 3: Mac
Step 1. Click the Apple menu and select About this Mac
The Apple menu is in the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click the Displays tab
It's a tab at the top of the window.
Step 3. Find the resolution for your screen
The resolution is shown next to the screen size (eg 23-inch (1920 x 1080)).
If you have more than one computer installed on your computer, you will see each monitor in the window. Each monitor has resolution information underneath
Step 4. Click Displays Preferences if you want to change the resolution (optional)
It's in the lower-right corner of the screen. By default, MacOS will determine and select the best resolution for your monitor. You are already using the best available resolution if the " Default for display " option is selected.
Step 5. Select Scaled and use another resolution (optional)
If you want to change the screen resolution, you can do so after the " Scaled "chosen. The options shown are usually supported by the computer monitor and video card. For example, if you're using a 4K resolution monitor, but don't see the option to change the resolution to 4K (“3840 x 2160”), this is because that resolution isn't supported by your video card (or vice versa).
- To change the resolution of the second monitor, press and hold the “ Options ” while selecting the option “ Scaled ”.
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When you select a resolution, the changes will take effect immediately. If the screen goes black, instead of showing the new resolution, that resolution doesn't match your monitor. This problem can usually be resolved automatically within 15 seconds after the computer switches to the previous setting or resolution. If not, press the Esc ” to run the process by force.
If the monitor still does not return to its previous settings, start the computer in safe mode or Safe Mode, click the Apple menu, select " System Preferences ", choose " Displays, and click the tab " Display " After that, select " Default for display ” to reset the resolution. Finally, restart your Mac as usual.
Method 3 of 3: Chromebook
Step 1. Click the clock on the desktop
The clock is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click the gear icon on the menu
After that, the Chromebook's settings menu will appear.
Step 3. Click the Devices tab
This tab is in the left pane.
Step 4. Look for the resolution next to " Resolution"
The currently active/used resolution is the resolution you see in the " Resolution " drop-down menu.
If you want to change the resolution, click the menu and select another option. You'll see an instant preview of the new resolution, as well as a pop-up window asking if you want to keep the new resolution. Click " Continue ” to keep the new resolution or select “ Cancel ” to return to the previous setting. If you wait for 10 seconds, the resolution will automatically reset to the previous option.
Tips
- Pixels are tiny dots of light on a monitor that can change color depending on what is being displayed. All the pixels on the monitor work together to display the image you see.
- Most high-resolution monitors or displays offer a feature called display scaling which allows user interface elements to not be displayed at a very small size when you select full or high screen resolution. This feature allows manufacturers to bring high-resolution panels to small devices.
- A higher resolution indicates a larger number of pixels on the screen. If you reduce the screen resolution, all elements on the screen will appear larger.
