Getting Your HDMI Display Size Spot On in Windows 10
Trying to get your Windows 10 screen to fit perfectly on your TV without cut-offs or stretched images? It can be a bit frustrating at times, but it’s definitely doable. You just need to make a few tweaks in the display settings. The aim is to have your content display nicely on your TV — no weird cropping or pixelation.
How to Make Your HDMI Screen Fit Your TV Properly
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to adjusting the picture size when your Windows 10 PC is connected to your TV via HDMI. The goal is to get everything looking sharp and correctly proportioned — and it’s easier than you might think.
Check Your Display Settings
Begin by right-clicking on your desktop. Select Display settings from the menu that appears. This opens the display configuration panel. Alternatively, press Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to System > Display.
Find Your TV in the Setup
In the display menu, look for the section “Rearrange your displays.” You’ll see boxes representing each connected screen. Click the Identify button so a number pops up on each display — this makes it easier to tell which is which. Handy when juggling multiple screens. You can also double-check what’s recognised under Settings > System > Display.
Select the Correct Resolution
Once you spot your TV, click on its box. Then, scroll down to the ‘Resolution’ drop-down menu and choose the option marked as “Recommended.” Usually, this is 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) or 3840 x 2160 (4K) for newer or higher-end TVs. It’s a good idea to double-check your TV’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to be sure. You can also run dxdiag in the Command Prompt or press Windows key + R and type it in for info about your display.
Adjust the Scaling
Next, find the “Scale and layout” section. Here, you can change the scaling percentage — options like 100%, 125%, 150%. This controls how big things appear on your screen. If everything looks too big or too small, tweak these settings. Sometimes, a restart of your apps or a quick log-off and back on is needed for changes to take effect. If you have an Nvidia or AMD graphics card, check their control panels too — they often have extra options for overscan or underscan corrections.
Fine-Tune with Graphics Driver Tools
If you see black borders around your TV image or parts of the screen are cut off, it’s worth diving into your graphics card settings. For Intel, go to Graphics Options > Display > Display Scaling. Nvidia users should head to Display > Adjust Desktop Size and Position. There, you can slide the overscan/underscan controls to get a better fit. AMD users might find these options under Display > Scaling Mode.
Save Your Changes
Once you’ve made the adjustments, click the Apply button. If prompted, confirm the changes within the countdown. Take a moment to check if everything looks right. If it’s still not quite right, go back and tinker a bit more until it’s just right.
Pro tip: Many TVs have modes like “Screen Fit” or “Just Scan.” These are found in your TV’s Picture or Display settings and often help eliminate overscan issues.
And if all else fails, press Windows key + P for quick access to display modes—like extending, duplicating, or switching between screens.
Top Tips for Optimising Your HDMI Fit on Windows 10
- Try changing resolutions if the default isn’t quite right — sometimes a quick tweak here can remove those annoying black borders.
- Check your TV’s settings, too; options like “Screen Fit” or “Just Scan” can make a big difference.
- Keep your graphics drivers up to date. You can do this via Device Manager or directly through Nvidia or AMD’s websites.
- Explore the Advanced display settings if you need more control — they often offer additional options for resolution and refresh rates.
- When using multiple screens, double-check that you’re adjusting the correct one — it’s easy to get mixed up!
FAQs About HDMI Screen Adjustment
How do I identify which screen is my TV?
Just click the Identify button in the display settings. Numbers will appear on each connected screen, helping you distinguish which is which.
What if the display still looks off?
If things aren’t quite right, try tweaking your TV’s settings to match your PC’s output. Also, updating your graphics drivers can often fix display issues.
Is the process different on other versions of Windows?
The basic steps are similar, but menus might look a bit different depending on your version. The main idea — adjusting resolution and scaling — stays pretty much the same.
Why are there black borders, and how can I fix them?
Black borders usually happen because of incorrect scaling or aspect ratio settings. Adjusting the scaling options or switching your TV to “Screen Fit” or equivalent mode should do the trick. Also, check your graphics driver settings to ensure it’s set to “Full Screen” or “No Scaling.”
How often should I update my graphics drivers?
Every few months is a good rule of thumb. Regular updates improve compatibility and fix bugs that might mess with your screen size. Check Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
Wrapping It Up
Getting your Windows 10 display to fit your TV over HDMI can take a bit of patience, but it’s simply a matter of making a few small adjustments. Once you get the hang of it, minor tweaks make a big difference. Stick with it, and you’ll be watching your favourite shows and gaming in no time — just the way you want. If you come across any tricky issues, looking up extra guidance or asking online can help you sort them out. Hopefully, this guide saves you some hassle!