Display scaling helps make text, apps, and other items easier to see on Windows 11, especially on high-resolution screens. Sometimes, however, display scaling may not work correctly, causing blurry text or improperly sized elements.
Fixing display scaling issues can improve your overall user experience and reduce eye strain. The good news is that most problems can be resolved by following a few simple steps.
This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand methods to fix display scaling problems on Windows 11. Whether you are a beginner or experienced user, these steps will help you achieve clear and properly sized screen content.
Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check your display resolution: Ensure your monitor is set to its recommended resolution. Incorrect resolution often causes scaling issues.
- Update Windows: Running the latest Windows 11 updates can fix bugs related to display scaling.
- Update graphics drivers: An outdated or corrupted graphics driver may cause display problems.
- Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.
Step 1: Set Display Scaling Manually
Windows 11 allows you to adjust scaling manually to make text and apps larger or smaller. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down to the Scale & layout section.
- Under Change the size of text, apps, and other items, select a scaling percentage from the dropdown menu (e.g., 125%, 150%).
- Windows will apply the new scaling immediately. Check if the display looks clearer and properly sized.
Why this matters: Setting scaling manually lets you customize the size of screen elements based on your preferences and monitor size.
Step 2: Enable “Fix scaling for apps” Option
Some older apps may appear blurry if Windows doesn’t handle their scaling properly. You can enable a feature that attempts to fix this automatically.
- Open Settings and go to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced scaling settings.
- Toggle on Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry.
- Sign out and sign back in or restart your PC to apply the change.
Why this is important: This option helps Windows adjust older apps that don’t support high-DPI displays properly.
Step 3: Adjust Per-App Scaling Settings
If specific apps look blurry or incorrectly sized, you can set scaling on a per-app basis.
- Right-click the app’s shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Click on Change high DPI settings.
- Under High DPI scaling override, check Override high DPI scaling behavior.
- From the dropdown, select System or System (Enhanced).
- Click OK and then Apply.
- Launch the app again to see if it looks better.
Why do this: This overrides Windows’ default scaling for that app, which may fix blurry or improperly scaled content.
Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers control how your display behaves. Outdated drivers can cause scaling issues.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If a new driver is found, follow the prompts to install it. Otherwise, check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
- Restart your PC after updating.
Why update drivers: New drivers often include fixes and improvements for display and scaling.
Step 5: Use Compatibility Troubleshooter
If a particular app continues to have scaling problems, Windows offers a troubleshooter that can help.
- Right-click the app’s icon and select Troubleshoot compatibility.
- Windows will try to detect issues and recommend settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and test the app after applying fixes.
Why try this: The troubleshooter automates some fixes for compatibility and scaling problems.
Step 6: Reset Display Settings (Advanced)
If nothing else works, you can reset your display settings to default.
- Open Settings and go to System > Display.
- Set the resolution to the recommended value.
- Set scaling to 100%.
- Restart your PC.
- Then, reapply your preferred scaling and resolution settings and test the display.
Why reset: This can clear out conflicting settings that cause display scaling issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my display scaling blurry after upgrading to Windows 11?
Blurriness can happen if apps do not support high-DPI scaling or if scaling settings are not properly applied. Enabling Windows’ fix scaling option or adjusting per-app settings usually helps.
Can I set different scaling for multiple monitors?
Yes. Windows 11 allows different scaling levels for each connected display. Just select the monitor in Display settings and change its scaling individually.
Will lowering the resolution fix scaling problems?
Lowering resolution can reduce clarity and is not recommended as a fix. It’s better to use the native resolution with proper scaling settings.
How do I know which scaling percentage is best?
This depends on your screen size and resolution. Try common values like 125% or 150% and choose what feels comfortable and clear.
Does restarting my PC help with display scaling issues?
Yes, restarting applies new settings and clears temporary problems, so it is always a good first step.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still face display scaling issues, consider the following:
- Check for hardware problems: Faulty cables or monitors can affect display quality.
- Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Windows Support page for expert help.
- Perform System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous state when scaling worked correctly.
- Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a fresh Windows installation can fix deep system issues.
Conclusion
Display scaling issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating but are usually easy to fix. Start by checking resolution and updating Windows and drivers. Then, adjust scaling settings manually or per app as needed. Using Windows’ built-in fix scaling option often resolves blurry app problems.
If problems persist, reset display settings or use compatibility troubleshooters. Remember, keeping your system updated and using the recommended display resolution is key to a smooth experience.
Following these steps will help you enjoy a clear and comfortable display on your Windows 11 PC.