On Windows, use Settings > System > Display for brightness, scaling, and resolution; open Advanced display to change refresh rate. On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. If more than one display is connected, select the screen you want to change first. Available controls depend on the computer, monitor, and connection.
Adjust settings in Windows
Change brightness
- Open Settings > System > Display, or open taskbar quick settings.
- Move the Brightness slider to the level you want.
The slider is generally available for a built-in display. Some supported PCs also offer automatic brightness based on room lighting, and some Windows 11 devices include content-adaptive brightness. If you are using an external monitor and Windows does not show a brightness slider, adjust brightness with the monitor’s physical buttons. See Microsoft’s Windows brightness and color guidance.
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Change refresh rate
- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If multiple displays are connected, select the display you want to adjust.
- Choose a rate from the Choose a refresh rate list.
The list shows modes available for that display and setup. In Windows, an asterisk beside a rate means it does not support the current resolution; choosing it changes the resolution to achieve that refresh rate. Windows 11 may also offer Dynamic Refresh Rate on supported devices. Consult Microsoft’s refresh-rate instructions for details.
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Change scaling or resolution
- Open Settings > System > Display and select the screen you want to change.
- Under Scale & layout, choose a scale to change the size of text and apps.
- To change the pixel resolution instead, use Display resolution.
Windows usually marks a recommended scale and resolution. Scaling changes interface size; resolution changes the display’s pixel mode. A lower-than-native resolution can make text less sharp, and the image may appear small and centered, bordered by black, or stretched. If an expected option is missing or settings change unexpectedly, check for display-driver updates. See Microsoft’s resolution and layout guide.
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Adjust settings on a Mac
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays.
- Select the display you want to adjust, then use the available brightness, resolution, and refresh-rate controls.
The options shown depend on the Mac model and connected display. Some third-party monitors provide controls through their own on-screen menus rather than macOS. Apple’s guide explains Displays settings on Mac.
Do not select a refresh rate unless the display supports it: Apple warns that an unsupported rate can leave the screen black. Check the display documentation first. Apple documents rates including 120, 60, 59.94, 50, 48, and 47.95 Hz only for certain MacBook Pro and Apple display models; compatible devices may also offer adaptive modes. These are model-specific options, not a list available to every Mac. For video work, Apple recommends a refresh rate that divides evenly into the content frame rate—for example, 48 Hz for 24-fps content. See Apple’s refresh-rate guidance.
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Choose settings for your display and work
| Setting | What it changes | How to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | How bright the display appears | Set it for comfortable viewing in your environment. On an external monitor without a system slider, use its buttons. |
| Scaling | Size of text and apps, without selecting a different pixel mode | Start with the recommended option, then adjust for readability. |
| Resolution | The pixel mode used by the display | Start with the recommended resolution. Lower-than-native modes can reduce sharpness or alter how the image fits. |
| Refresh rate | How often the display updates, affecting motion smoothness | Choose the highest offered rate that is stable and compatible with your display, connection, and chosen resolution. A high rate is not necessary for every workflow. |
On portable devices, refresh rate can also affect power use. Microsoft says Dynamic Refresh Rate can balance smoothness and battery life on supported Windows 11 devices; a lower rate can reduce display power use. For ordinary desktop work, favor readability and a stable supported mode. For motion-sensitive use, such as gaming, a higher supported rate may look smoother. For video editing, match the rate to the content where practical.
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If an option is missing or the picture changes
- No Windows brightness slider: If the display is external, use its physical controls.
- Refresh rate or resolution is unavailable: The available modes depend on the display and connection. In Windows, check whether a rate marked with an asterisk will change the current resolution; on Mac, verify support in the display documentation.
- Settings behave unexpectedly: On Windows, check for display-driver updates.
- Mac screen goes black after a refresh-rate change: The selected rate may be unsupported. Use the display’s documentation to identify a supported mode before trying again.
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