Solved Scaling vs. Resolution. . .pixelated screen or way to big?

My 2160p monitor is dying. Replaced it today with a 1080p, which is more suited for my needs. Problem is now, widows "recommends" 150% scaling which makes things WAY too big. But, if I select 100% scaling, everything is pixelated looking. How do I get the sharp fonts etc of the 150% without the screen display being way too large? Also using the "recommended" resolution of 1920 x1080.

As always, thanks for reading!

-R

Try the Ctrl and + or - key or Ctrl and Scroll Wheel for the pixelation. Usually pixelation occurs when an image is resized too large.

Berton said:

Try the Ctrl and + or - key or Ctrl and Scroll Wheel for the pixelation. Usually pixelation occurs when an image is resized too large.

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This only impacts the focused window though, not explorer, taskbar, etc.

I haven't replicated the issue, run mine at 125%.

100% scaling vs 150% scaling125% is certainly better quality looking vs 100%, but still too big for my tastes

Assuming the monitors are roughly the same size the pixels on the 1080p will be 4 times larger than those on the 2160p.

Those are fixed, so the 1080p will always look pixelated in comparison.

Scaling does not change that. The recommended setting is exactly that, why not change it to suit you better.

What ever you do, follow that up with using the Windows ClearType tuner.

Zoloft said:

100% scaling View attachment 92165vs 150% scalingView attachment 92166125% is certainly better quality looking vs 100%, but still too big for my tastes

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I understand. The percentages of increase are mostly a ratio, different changes on different size screens.

I had a similar issue when I went to a bigger monitor and fought it for weeks. My fonts seemed grainy and pixelated in light mode but just fine in dark mode. It took some fine tweaking but here's what I did to get a result I could live with.Remember to make changes a little at a time as one settting can affect the other.

1. update video driver. . Mine was Intel so I used Intel Driver and Support Assist to get latest one. It was much more recent than what was on OEM site.

2. set resolution to "recommended" and scale to 100% (you should start at default settings).

3. Performance Options>Visual Effects>choose "Let Windows choose what's best for my computer.' Restart

4.. use Cleartype. Type cleartype in search box.

5. Change to a more readable system font. This made the most difference for me. The default is segoe ui, a sans serif font. For readability, it is recommended you use a sans serif font and there are a number of other sans serif fonts built into windows that may appear more clear to you than segoe ui. What I did was type out several different fonts in a word document to see the subtle differences and compare them all on paper. Choose what looks best for you. I used Tahoma for years until it was made possible for us to install Google's Roboto font which is way crisper to my eyes as it has a heavier weight. That's what I ultimately settled on as my system font.

If you think you might want to try Roboto, here's how to get it and install it. How to Install Google Roboto Font on Windows, Mac and Linux - Make Tech Easier

Here's how to change default system font for all users. Note: you may need to run cleartype again after you change the font. Change Default System Font in Windows 11 Tutorial

If any/all of that improves appearance, then you can adjust scale. Leave resolution at recommended.
If none of it works use dark mode.

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I suspect it might be a driver issue, as device manager shows "generic monitor" sadly, the manufacture site Hisense does not have a driver for this model. . .great. . . I contacted their support and we'll see what happens. Glasskuter, thank you for your tips, if I can't get a driver and/or that doesn't resolve it, I will try your solutions!

Zoloft said:

I suspect it might be a driver issue, as device manager shows "generic monitor" sadly, the manufacture site Hisense does not have a driver for this model. . .great. . . I contacted their support and we'll see what happens. Glasskuter, thank you for your tips, if I can't get a driver and/or that doesn't resolve it, I will try your solutions!

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I’ve never noticed a monitor driver having any effect on a monitor. (However I’ve never had anything above 1080p. I don’t see the need.
Have you checked Optional Updates in Windows Update? I’m always being offered LG Monitor drivers in there.

antspants said:

I’ve never noticed a monitor driver having any effect on a monitor. (However I’ve never had anything above 1080p. I don’t see the need.
Have you checked Optional Updates in Windows Update? I’m always being offered LG Monitor drivers in there.

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I will run windows updates shortly!

Zoloft said:

I will run windows updates shortly!

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Be sure to check Optional Updates though. You never know. I only mention it because you said you were looking for a monitor driver.

As for monitor drivers, it's been years since I had to install software for a monitor and that was for someone that needed critical color-matching settings, usually they are just plug-and-play.

Berton said:

As for monitor drivers, it's been years since I had to install software for a monitor and that was for someone that needed critical color-matching settings, usually they are just plug-and-play.

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I'm grasping at straws lol, anything that might help, I'll try!

antspants said:

Be sure to check Optional Updates though. You never know. I only mention it because you said you were looking for a monitor driver.

Check for and Install Optional Updates in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to check for and install optional updates in Windows 11. In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you'll get the latest fixes and security improvements, helping your...

www.elevenforum.com

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Some updates were available (including optional, like HP drivers), and now up to date. No Hisense driver was offered.

Advanced system settings

abactuon said:

Advanced system settings
View attachment 92181

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both are already selected, but I appreciate the try!

For older programs

abactuon said:

For older programs
View attachment 92182I

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It's explorer that I'm mostly annoyed by, the pixelazation of the fonts in the task bar.

Zoloft said:

My 2160p monitor is dying. Replaced it today with a 1080p, which is more suited for my needs. Problem is now, widows "recommends" 150% scaling which makes things WAY too big. But, if I select 100% scaling, everything is pixelated looking. How do I get the sharp fonts etc of the 150% without the screen display being way too large? Also using the "recommended" resolution of 1920 x1080.

As always, thanks for reading!

-R

Click to expand...

how is the monitor connected? Hdmi, displayport? Please dont say vga ha