How to Adjust Computer Screen Resolution

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Most computers come with the screen resolution set for 800x600, which can be displayed on almost any monitor. However, you might need to change the resolution setting for various reasons, such as for a bigger monitor or to display smaller fonts in a more readable size. Follow these steps to change the screen resolution on your monitor.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Right-click in a clear area on the desktop display.
Step 2

Select "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Select the last tab at the top of the form; it will have the title "Settings."
Step 3

Navigate to the bottom-left side of the form, to a frame labeled "Screen Resolution" with a slide bar in it.
Step 4

Move the slide bar either to the left to decrease the resolution or to the right to increase the resolution. Click on "OK."
Step 5

Click on "Yes" in the dialog box that appears. Select "OK."

Tips & Warnings

Screen resolution numbers work in an inverse way. The larger the number, the smaller the font and sharper the resolution, though not all video cards and monitors can support all resolutions. If you select a resolution that the video card or monitor is unable to support, you will see a message and an option to reverse the process and resume the current setting.
If the screen goes black and does not restore, either press the "Esc" key or wait 15 seconds for Windows to automatically restore the previous settings.

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