Blurry text, wrong-sized screen and projecting with Windows key + P
If everything looks fuzzy, too big, too small or stretched, the screen settings are usually the cause. The fix is a quick visit to the display settings.
Set the right resolution
Open Settings, System, Display. Under Display resolution (Windows 10: Display resolution too), choose the option marked Recommended. This matches the screen's real pixels, and anything else looks soft.
Fix the size with Scale
Under Scale in the same page, choose a percentage such as 100%, 125% or 150%. Larger values make text and icons bigger without making them blurry. Laptops often default to 125% or 150%.
Some programs still look blurry
After changing scale, older programs may look fuzzy. Try this:
- Close the program and open it again, or sign out and in.
- Right-click the program, choose Properties, Compatibility, then Change high DPI settings, and try Override high DPI scaling behaviour.
- In the display page, look under Advanced scaling settings for Fix scaling for apps, and switch it on. The wording may differ slightly.
Graphics driver
Go to Settings, Windows Update, and install any optional or driver updates.
Projectors and extra screens
Press Windows key + P. Four choices appear:
- PC screen only: the external screen is off.
- Duplicate: the same picture on both. Best for presentations.
- Extend: the external screen is an extra desktop to the right.
- Second screen only: the laptop screen is blank.
If a projector shows nothing, check the cable is pushed in, try Duplicate, and make sure the projector is on the right input. For wireless projection, press Windows key + K.
Use the correct HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C cable. See our separate guide on cables.
When to get more help
Get in touch if the Recommended resolution is missing, if the screen goes black when you change it (wait 15 seconds and it will usually return), or if a projector will not connect.