We heard from a reader who has a question about screen resolution.
I have my screen resolution set at 1280×768 on my PC and laptop, and the recommended resolution is 1600×900. every so often my puter tells me that it is not set at the recommended setting. Will this harm my puter or screen over time? when I put it back to the right resolution it is so small I can’t see it. and changing the resolution is the only way I know how to make it usable for me.
Janice, it won’t damage the monitor, the damage is to the viewing experience. Fonts and images will be less sharp and less clear. Things may be harder instead of easier to read.
Let’s try this instead. Use the recommended resolution for your computer, but try this:
In Windows 7, type Display in the search box on the start menu and click on the result.
A window will open that will allow you enlarge your display up to 150%. Click apply.
For Windows 8, type Display Settings in the Search Charm or just start typing on the Metro screen, then click on the result.
You can use a slider bar to enlarge all items.
There also the option to change only text size.
Drop-down menus will allow you to choose where the text changes and the size of the text. You can also choose to have text displayed as bold.
Drop-down menus will allow you to choose where the text changes and the size of the text. You can also choose to have text displayed as bold.
These options may make your display easier to read than changing the screen resolution.
~ Cynthia
I’m running 8.1 and when I call up display settings, ‘more options’ is set to default and it is grayed out… will not allow any changes. Any suggestions?
Some of the browsers also offer easy options to enlarge your view data. I use IE daily for this. Also, if I receive email in a small font I click on “forward” so I can edit it. Then I highlight and select a larger font.
There is no harm you are doing to your computer. It detects the best screen resolution, that is, the relationship between your graphic card and the monitor. Those messages do nothing but inform you that you are using a lower resolution and your computer could do better. If you feel more comfortable with that setting, just ignore these messages.
Regards.