Why the Vista Task Manager Changes Screen Resolution After Sleep

Vista automatically changes settings to optimize performance.

Vista automatically adjusts a computer's settings under some circumstances. It's likely that it changed your screen resolution to optimize your computer's performance before it went into Sleep mode, then failed to reset it correctly after Sleep.

Background

A screen saver typically comes on before the computer goes into Sleep or Hibernate mode. Vista may then adjust the resolution to match the screen saver's. This makes the screen saver look better and saves you from having to make the changes yourself.

Prevention/Solution

Turn off the screen saver by setting it to "None" or "Blank." Change the Power Options so the computer won't automatically go into Sleep or Hibernate mode. You'll still be able to put it to Sleep manually.

Considerations

Vista has made changes to its original Hibernate and Standby modes. Be sure you'll always get these changes by setting Windows Update to run automatically or run it yourself about once a week. Check the monitor's manufacturer or use Windows Update to be sure you have the latest drivers for the monitor.

References

• Microsoft: Sleep and Hibernation: Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft: Troubleshoot Monitor and Video Card Problems
• Microsoft TechNet: Notable Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Resources

• Microsoft: What is Task Manager?