Mixed DPI scaling issues in Windows 11 can cause blurry or improperly sized text and apps, especially when using multiple monitors with different resolutions. This can make reading and navigating your system uncomfortable. Fortunately, fixing these issues is straightforward with a few simple adjustments.
Understanding how Windows handles scaling is important to avoid frustration and improve your overall experience. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to fix these problems, starting from the simplest solutions.
Whether you have one high-resolution display or a multi-monitor setup, these instructions will help make your screen look clear and consistent.
Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into detailed steps.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Check your display connections: Ensure all monitors are properly connected and detected by Windows.
- Use the latest Windows updates: Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes for display issues, so keep your system updated.
- Know your monitor resolutions: Having this info helps when setting individual scaling settings.
- Restart your PC after changes: Many scaling changes require a reboot to take full effect.
Step 1: Adjust Scale and Layout Settings for Each Monitor
Windows 11 allows you to set scaling individually for each connected display. This is the most common and simplest fix.
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down to the Scale & layout section.
- Click on the monitor you want to adjust at the top of the page.
- Under Scale, select a scaling percentage (like 100%, 125%, 150%) that makes the apps and text look clear and appropriately sized on that monitor.
- Repeat for each monitor if you have multiple screens.
- After adjusting, sign out and sign back in or restart your PC to apply the changes fully.
Why this matters: Different monitors have different pixel densities, so using the right scale per monitor ensures that things don’t look too big, too small, or blurry.
Step 2: Use the “Fix scaling for apps” Option
Some older apps may appear blurry even after adjusting scaling. Windows 11 has a built-in fix for this.
- Open Settings and go to System > Display.
- Scroll down to find and click on Advanced scaling settings.
- Enable the option Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry.
- Restart your PC to apply the fix.
This option helps Windows detect when an app is blurry and attempts to adjust its scaling automatically.
Step 3: Override High DPI Scaling Behavior for Specific Apps
If an individual app remains blurry or scaled incorrectly, you can manually override its DPI behavior.
- Right-click the app’s shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
- Switch to the Compatibility tab.
- Click on Change high DPI settings.
- Check the box for Override high DPI scaling behavior.
- From the dropdown, select Application or System (Enhanced). Try each option to see which works best.
- Click OK and then Apply.
- Open the app again to check if the scaling improved.
This method gives you control over how Windows handles scaling for stubborn apps that don’t respond well to system-wide settings.
Step 4: Set a Custom Scaling Size
If the preset scaling percentages don’t meet your needs, you can set a custom scaling value.
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Scroll down to Scale & layout and click on Advanced scaling settings.
- Under Custom scaling, enter a number between 100 and 500 (for example, 115 or 135).
- Click Apply.
- Sign out and sign back in to see the changes.
Note: Custom scaling can sometimes cause layout issues in certain apps, so use it only if necessary.
Step 5: Use Display Resolution Changes as a Last Resort
If scaling alone doesn’t fix the problem, adjusting the display resolution can help.
- Go to Settings > System > Display.
- Select the monitor you want to change.
- Under Display resolution, try selecting a resolution that matches the monitor’s recommended setting.
- Apply the change and see if the display looks better.
Using the native resolution of your monitor usually provides the clearest display and works best with scaling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do apps look blurry on my second monitor?
Blurriness often occurs when the two monitors have different scaling settings or resolutions. Windows may struggle to scale older apps properly, causing blurry text or images.
Can I have different scaling on each monitor?
Yes. Windows 11 supports different scaling percentages per monitor to accommodate different resolutions and sizes.
What does “Override high DPI scaling behavior” do?
This option lets you control how Windows scales an individual app, which can fix issues where apps appear blurry or incorrectly sized.
Will custom scaling affect all apps the same way?
Not always. Some apps may not respond well to custom scaling and may have layout problems or blurry text.
Do I need to restart after changing DPI settings?
Often, yes. Restarting or signing out and back in ensures that scaling changes apply correctly across the system and apps.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still face scaling issues, consider the following:
- Update your graphics drivers: Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.
- Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches that fix display bugs.
- Use Microsoft’s official support: Visit Microsoft Support for detailed troubleshooting guides.
- Consider third-party tools: Some apps like DisplayFusion offer advanced multi-monitor scaling options.
If problems persist, backing up your data and performing a Windows reset or clean install may help, but only as a last resort.
Conclusion
Mixed DPI scaling issues in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems can be solved by adjusting scale settings per monitor, enabling Windows’ built-in fixes, or overriding scaling on specific apps. Remember to always use recommended resolutions and keep your system updated.
Start with simple steps and move to more advanced options only if needed. With patience and these clear instructions, you can enjoy sharp and consistent displays across all your monitors.