Have you ever experienced your computer screen not working properly? It can be quite frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you rely on your computer for work or entertainment. If you’re wondering “how do I shrink my screen back to its normal size?”, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question. Additionally, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to change the size of your computer screen and how to adjust your computer display size back to its normal size.
What is Screen Resolution?
Screen resolution is the size of visual elements on your computer’s display. It’s measured in units called pixels, and is specified by width and height. The higher the numbers, the greater the detail. For example, Full HD (high definition) is the name for a screen resolution of 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high. Think of the world of printing. You can put more detail in a large painting than you can on a postage stamp.
While your computer monitor might support a higher resolution, it’s possible to set the display to a lower resolution, resulting in less detail and relatively large visual elements. Imagine if you stretched the artwork on a postage stamp out to the size of a letter-sized sheet of paper. It would appear unusually large. Although you could normally fit dozens of postage stamps in the same space, you’d be looking at one big postage stamp. A similar thing happens if your computer’s display is set to a lower resolution than the monitor will support.
Why is My Computer Screen Resolution Not at Normal Size?
Before we delve into the methods to get your computer screen back to normal size, let’s understand why this may be happening. There are a few common reasons you’ve probably missed:
Display settings have changed
One possible reason is that the display settings on your computer have been altered. This could have happened unintentionally or due to a software update. When the display settings are changed, it can affect the size and resolution of your screen, making it appear smaller or larger than usual.
Screen resolution is incorrect
Wondering how to shrink your screen back to its normal size? An incorrect screen resolution can also cause your screen size to be abnormal. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. If the resolution is set too low or too high, it can result in a distorted display size.
Accidental resizing using keyboard shortcuts
Another possible reason for your computer screen not being at its normal size is accidental resizing using keyboard shortcuts. Certain key combinations can trigger a change in the screen size, and if pressed unintentionally, it can cause the screen to appear larger or smaller than usual. By clicking the keyboard shortcut again, you can get your computer screen back to normal size.
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How to change the Size of Your Computer Screen Display Setting
Now that we understand why your computer screen might not be at its normal size, let’s explore how to get your computer screen back to normal size according to your preferences — even if it’s an external display:
Adjusting screen resolution in Windows 10 & 11
Windows 10 & Windows 11 offer a quick and easy way to adjust the screen resolution settings.
- Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Display settings window, scroll down to the “Resolution” option and click on the drop-down menu to select the desired resolution. Keep in mind that selecting a higher resolution will make the screen appear smaller, while selecting a lower resolution will make it appear larger.
Using display settings to resize the screen
In addition to adjusting the screen resolution, you can also get your computer screen back to normal size using the display settings. In the same Display settings window mentioned above, look for the “Scale and layout” section. Here, you can drag the slider to adjust the size of text, apps, and other items on the screen. Experiment with different settings until you find the one that suits your needs if one doesn’t work for your preferences.
Changing the screen size with keyboard shortcuts
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can shrink your screen back to normal size by pressing the appropriate keys. For example, on Windows, you can press the “Ctrl” and “+” keys together to zoom in and make everything appear larger. Similarly, you can press “Ctrl” and “-” keys together to zoom out and make everything appear smaller.
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How to Shrink Your Full Screen Back to Normal Size on Windows 10 & 11
If your computer screen is currently larger than normal and you want to get it back to its normal size, there are a few methods you can try:
Utilizing the display settings menu manually
Access the display settings menu by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting “Display settings.” Scroll down to the “Scale and layout” section, and drag the slider to the preferred size. You can also click on the “Recommended” button to set the screen size to the optimal settings for your monitor. Keep in mind, you can also access this menu through your control panel to change the size of your screen.
Using the recommended resolution
To quickly get your screen back to its normal size, you can select the recommended resolution. In the display settings menu, scroll down to the “Resolution” option and click on the drop-down menu. Look for the resolution marked as “Recommended” and select it.
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Methods to Restore the Computer Screen Back to Its Normal Size
If you prefer a more comprehensive solution to shrink your screen back to its normal size, you can try the following methods:
Resetting screen resolution to default
In the display settings menu, select the option to reset the screen resolution to its default settings. This will revert any changes made to the resolution and restore your computer screen to the normal size and your issue is solved.
Scrolling to adjust the screen size
Some computers have a scroll wheel on the mouse that can be used to adjust the screen size. Hover your cursor over the desktop and hold down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard. While holding “Ctrl,” scroll up or down with the mouse wheel to change the screen size.
Clicking on the “Restore” button in display settings
In the display settings menu, look for the “Restore” button and click on it. This button will reset any changes made to the screen size and restore it back to its normal state.
Try updating your display driver
If none of the above methods work and you’re still having trouble, you may need to update your display driver. An outdated driver or faulty display might cause various issues, including abnormal screen sizes. Visit the website of your computer’s manufacturer or the graphics video card manufacturer and search for the latest driver for your specific model. Download and install the driver following the provided instructions.
How to Fix Oddly Sized Windows on Your Desktop
In addition to your computer screen, you might also encounter oddly sized windows on your desktop. Here are some methods of how to get your computer screen back to normal size:
Changing the scaling settings for individual applications
If certain applications appear too large or too small on your screen, you can adjust their scaling settings individually. Right-click on the application’s shortcut or executable file and select “Properties” from the dropdown menu. In the Properties window, go to the “Compatibility” tab and check the “Override high DPI scaling behavior” option. Select “System” from the drop-down menu below. This will get your computer screen back to normal size by allowing the application to scale properly according to your system settings.
Using keyboard shortcuts to resize windows
You can resize a window on your desktop using keyboard shortcuts. For example, to maximize a window and make it go full screen, press the “Win” key and the “Up” arrow key together. To restore a maximized window to its previous size, press the “Win” key and the “Down” arrow key together.
Utilizing the “Snap” feature in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers a convenient “Snap” feature that allows you to resize and organize windows on your desktop, allowing you to shrink your screen back to normal size. To use this feature, drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen until it snaps into place. You can also drag a window to one of the four corners of the screen to resize it accordingly.
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Methods to Get Your Laptop Screen Back to Normal Size
If you are using a laptop and need guidance on getting the display back to its normal size, here are some methods specifically tailored for laptops:
Adjusting screen resolution on a laptop
Similar to desktop computers, one way to get your computer screen back to normal size is by adjusting the display settings. Right-click on your desktop, select “Display settings,” and follow the same steps mentioned earlier to change the resolution and screen size.
Changing the screen size using display settings
Using the display settings menu, you can shrink your screen back to normal size. Open the Display settings window as explained before, and adjust the settings to your preference.
Updating your graphics driver
If the screen size issue persists on your laptop, it might be worth updating your graphics driver. Visit the manufacturer’s website or the website of the graphics card manufacturer to find and install the latest driver for your specific laptop model.
Summary
By following these methods, you can get your computer screen back to its normal size and enjoy a hassle-free computing experience. Remember to always double-check the settings and make adjustments according to your preferences and the requirements of your specific system.
Some other items that you may want to consider that may not be related to what we originally described, would be adjusting your refresh rate, checking your HDMI cable, or you may need to adjust your brightness mode for a better viewing experience on a PC or Mac.
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