How to set the resolution in Microsoft Windows.

Cause:

Microsoft Windows users may need to increase their video resolution after another user or program has adjusted their video settings or because they may want a better viewing area on their computer.

Solution:

To change the resolution in Microsoft Windows follow the below instructions.

1. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel
2. Double-click on Display
3. Click the Settings tab

Once in the Settings tab change the "Screen area" by dragging the switch from the left to the right to increase the resolution. If you wish to increase the colors click the down arrow on the colors box and select the amount of colors you wish to use. It is important to realize that as you increase your screen area or resolution you may not be able to use all the different type of colors.

If you are unable to increase the resolution beyond 640 by 480 with 16 colors

Unable to increase the resolution in Windows.

Causes:

There are two possible causes for this issue.

1. Improper or corrupt video drivers are installed.
2. Not enough video memory.

Solution:

Improper video card drivers are installed

This issue is often caused by corrupt, bad, or missing video drivers. Follow the below steps to help resolve this issue.

1. If you are unable to get into normal Windows or you cannot see anything in Windows, boot the computer into Safe Mode. To get into Safe Mode as it is starting press the F8 over and over until the Startup menu appears that allows you to select Safe Mode..
2. Open Windows Device Manager and verify that no conflicts or issues are displayed on your video card or any other devices. In addition, verify that there is no Other Devices category. If issues exist, attempt to resolve these issues before continuing. Additional information and help can be found on our Device Manager page.
3. If Device Manager shows conflicts are found on your video card or your video card is a Standard display adapter, remove all video cards under the Display adapter category by highlighting the device and pressing the delete key until the Display adapter category is gone.
4. After following the above steps reboot your computer.
5. This will cause Microsoft Windows to re-detect and install the video card and/or any other devices you may have removed or fixed in step two. If windows asks for files you do not have, you may need to obtain the drivers as mentioned in the next step.
6. If the above steps do not resolve your issue, obtain the latest video drivers from the computer manufacturer and/or the video card or chipset manufacturer. You can find a link to video card manufacturers and chipset manufactures on our video card drivers page.

Not enough video memory

Note: If your computer has been able to support a higher resolution or has been able to support the resolution you are attempting to use then this is not the cause of your issue. This issue is often caused with older computers (e.g. early computer manufacture red in the 1990's).
If you are attempting to increase the resolution beyond 640 x 480 - 256 colors, first verify that your computer has enough video memory. If your computer has been made within the last three years, you have enough video memory to support a higher resolution.
If you have an older computer or are unsure of the type of video card installed,
Once the amount of video memory is determined, the maximum resolution and color your card can support can be found on our video card help page
If you are unable to determine how much video memory your computer has and your computer is several years old, it is recommended that you contact your video card manufacturer or computer manufacturer for additional information about your hardware.