Changing Display Settings in Windows 11/10
Your computer’s display settings control how everything appears on your screen, including the resolution, brightness, scaling, orientation, refresh rate, and multiple monitor configuration. Whether you are using your computer for work, gaming, streaming videos, graphic design, or everyday browsing, choosing the right display settings can significantly improve your viewing experience.
Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 include an easy-to-use Display Settings page where you can customize your monitor according to your preferences. Even if you have never changed these settings before, Windows makes the process simple and safe. Most changes can be applied instantly, and if something does not look right, Windows usually gives you the option to restore the previous setting.
In this guide, you will learn how to access and modify display settings step by step.
Changing Display Settings in Windows 11/10
Changing display settings allows you to customize how Windows appears on your monitor. You can increase the size of text for easier reading, change the screen resolution for sharper images, rotate the display, adjust the refresh rate for smoother visuals, or configure multiple monitors for better productivity.
The Display Settings page automatically detects your connected monitor and recommends the best settings in most cases. However, you can still customize nearly every aspect of your display to suit your specific needs.
Before making changes, make sure your monitor is properly connected and turned on. If you are using multiple displays, ensure all cables are securely attached so Windows can detect every screen correctly.
Step 1: Open the Display Settings
The first step is accessing the Display Settings page in Windows.
Move your mouse to an empty area on your desktop where there are no icons or open windows. Right-click anywhere on the desktop. A shortcut menu will appear with several options. Click Display settings.
You can also open the settings another way. Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. Select System from the left side if you are using Windows 11. In Windows 10, the System category opens directly. Then click Display.
Once the page opens, you will see a preview of your monitor at the top along with various options underneath. This page is where you will make all display-related adjustments.
If you have more than one monitor connected, each screen will appear with a number. Clicking a monitor allows you to change settings for that specific display.
Step 2: Adjust the Display Scale and Resolution
The next step is configuring Scale and Display Resolution.
The Scale option controls how large or small text, icons, menus, and apps appear. If everything looks too small, increase the scaling percentage. If items appear too large, reduce the scaling value.
Windows usually recommends the best scaling option based on your monitor size and resolution. Beginners should generally leave the recommended setting selected because it provides the best balance between readability and screen space.
Next, locate Display Resolution. This determines how many pixels your monitor uses to display images. Higher resolutions produce sharper pictures and clearer text.
Click the resolution drop-down menu and select the option marked Recommended. This setting matches your monitor’s native resolution and provides the best image quality.
After selecting a different resolution, Windows briefly changes the display. If everything looks correct, click Keep Changes. Otherwise, choose Revert to return to the previous resolution.
Step 3: Change Screen Orientation and Brightness
Now you can adjust the screen orientation and brightness.
The Display Orientation setting determines how your screen is positioned. Most desktop and laptop users should keep the orientation set to Landscape, which is the standard horizontal view.
If you rotate your monitor vertically for reading documents or programming, you can select Portrait instead.
Laptop users may also see a Brightness slider. Moving the slider to the right makes the display brighter, while moving it to the left reduces brightness.
Choosing a comfortable brightness level helps reduce eye strain, especially when working for long periods. During the daytime, a brighter display often works better, while a lower brightness level is usually more comfortable at night.
If your desktop monitor does not display a brightness slider, you may need to adjust brightness using the monitor’s physical buttons.
Step 4: Configure Multiple Displays
If you use more than one monitor, Windows allows you to customize how each display works.
Scroll to the Multiple Displays section in the Display Settings page. Windows automatically detects connected monitors.
Click the Identify button to display numbers on each monitor. This helps you know which screen is Monitor 1 and which is Monitor 2.
Drag the monitor icons until they match the physical arrangement of your displays. For example, if your second monitor is placed to the right of your primary monitor, position its icon accordingly.
Choose whether to Extend your desktop across both screens, Duplicate the same content on both displays, or use only one monitor.
The Extend option is the most popular because it gives you more workspace for multitasking.
Step 5: Change the Refresh Rate
The Refresh Rate controls how many times your screen updates every second.
Scroll down and select Advanced Display. Here you can view your current monitor information and choose another refresh rate if your monitor supports it.
A higher refresh rate, such as 120 Hz or 144 Hz, makes animations, scrolling, and gaming appear much smoother than the traditional 60 Hz.
For everyday office work, 60 Hz is usually sufficient. If you own a gaming monitor, selecting its highest supported refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience.
Always choose a refresh rate supported by both your monitor and graphics hardware.
Step 6: Enable Night Light for Comfortable Viewing
Windows includes a feature called Night Light, which reduces blue light emitted by your display.
On the Display Settings page, locate Night Light and switch it on.
When enabled, your screen becomes slightly warmer in color, making it more comfortable to use during the evening.
You can also click the Night Light settings to adjust its strength and create a schedule so it turns on automatically at sunset or during specific hours.
Many users find this feature helpful for reducing eye fatigue during long computer sessions.
Best Display Settings According to the Tasks
| Task | Recommended Display Settings |
| General Home Use | Recommended Resolution, 100% to 125% Scale, 60 Hz Refresh Rate |
| Office Work | 125% Scale, Recommended Resolution, Night Light enabled during evening hours |
| Reading Documents | 125% to 150% Scale, comfortable brightness, Night Light enabled |
| Gaming | Recommended Resolution, highest supported Refresh Rate, Landscape orientation |
| Graphic Design | Recommended Resolution, highest available color quality, 100% Scale for accurate editing |
| Watching Movies | Recommended Resolution, comfortable brightness, Landscape orientation |
| Programming | 125% Scale, Portrait orientation if using a vertical monitor, comfortable brightness |
| Multiple Monitor Productivity | Extend Display, Recommended Resolution on each monitor, matching refresh rates whenever possible |
FAQs
How do I open Display Settings quickly in Windows?
The fastest method is to right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Display settings.
What is the recommended display resolution?
The recommended resolution is your monitor’s native resolution. It provides the sharpest text and images and is the best choice for most users.
Can changing display settings damage my monitor?
No. Windows only allows supported settings for your monitor. If an unsupported setting is selected temporarily, Windows usually restores the previous configuration automatically.
Why does everything look too small on my screen?
Your Scale setting may be too low. Increasing the scaling percentage makes text, icons, and applications easier to read without lowering image quality.
Why can’t I change the brightness on my desktop PC?
Many desktop monitors require brightness adjustments using the monitor’s physical control buttons instead of Windows settings.
How do I make my screen smoother for gaming?
Open Advanced Display and select the highest refresh rate supported by your monitor. This makes motion appear much smoother during gameplay.
Summary
Changing display settings in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is a simple way to improve both comfort and productivity. By learning how to access the Display Settings page, adjust scaling, select the correct display resolution, configure multiple monitors, change the refresh rate, and enable Night Light, you can customize your computer to match your daily needs.
Keeping the recommended resolution, using an appropriate scaling level, and selecting the highest supported refresh rate for compatible monitors will provide the best overall viewing experience while ensuring your screen remains clear, comfortable, and optimized for every task.