My screen looks blurry or the wrong size
If text looks fuzzy, icons are huge or everything seems stretched, the screen resolution or scaling is probably set wrongly. This is usually easy to fix.
What resolution means
Resolution is the number of tiny dots your screen shows, such as 1920 by 1080. Every monitor has a best setting, called its native resolution. If the computer uses a different one, the picture looks soft or stretched.
Fix it on Windows
- Right-click an empty part of the desktop and choose Display settings. Or open Settings, then System, then Display.
- Find Display resolution.
- Choose the one marked Recommended.
- Choose Keep changes if the picture looks sharp.
If the text is sharp but too small, do not lower the resolution. Instead, use Scale in the same screen and try a larger percentage.
Fix it on a Mac
Open System Settings, then Displays. Choose the default setting for your display if offered. Some Macs show options such as larger text or more space. Choose the one that suits your eyes.
If there is no good choice
- Check you are using a proper cable, as an old or poor cable can limit quality. HDMI or DisplayPort is usually better than the old VGA type.
- Make sure the monitor is on the right input.
- Unplug extra adaptors if you can, as some cheap ones limit the picture.
Stretched picture on a TV or monitor
Look for options on the screen itself, such as Aspect ratio or Fit to screen. Set them to the native or full-size choice. Exact names vary.
When to get more help
If the recommended resolution is missing, the graphics software may need attention. Please do not install driver tools from adverts. Tell us the monitor and computer make and model and we can help safely.