Struggling with your computer screen that won't display in full size? Don't worry, this article offers 6 proven fixes to how to restore computer screen to full size.
It's troublesome when your computer screen doesn't display properly—whether it's too small, cropped, or stretched. A distorted or improperly sized screen can reduce productivity and create discomfort while working or browsing the web.
But don't worry; in most cases, restoring your screen to full size is quick and easy. In this article, we'll cover 6 proven fixes to help you restore your computer screen to its normal size whether you're dealing with a resolution mismatch, an accidental keystroke, or an issue caused by faulty graphics drivers.
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One of the easiest ways to restore your screen to full size is using keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts are quick and can often fix display issues with just a few keystrokes.
These keyboard shortcuts are designed to maximize your screen by removing unwanted borders, and allowing apps or windows to fill the entire screen. It's a fast fix, especially for browser or application window issues.
Sometimes, the issue lies with your screen resolution settings. If your resolution has been changed, your screen may not display content correctly.
Step 1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display Settings from the context menu.
Step 2. Scroll down to the Display Resolution section.
Step 3. Make sure that the resolution is set to the Recommended option or choose the highest available setting that matches your screen's native resolution.
Step 4. Click Apply to confirm the changes, and your display should return to full size.
Setting the resolution correctly ensures that the content on your screen is scaled to fit properly. If you set the resolution too low, your screen may appear smaller, with black borders or text and images looking pixelated.
If you're using an external monitor or projector, the issue may not be with your computer but with the monitor's settings.
Step 1. Right-click on the desktop and select Graphics Options or open your graphics card software (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
Step 2. Check if any display settings have changed for the external monitor, such as screen scaling or resolution.
Step 3. Use the monitor's physical buttons or on-screen menu to adjust the display settings, ensuring they match the native resolution of your computer or the desired output.
Step 4. You can also try adjusting the monitor’s aspect ratio to make sure the screen is properly stretched or fitted.
External monitors often need to be manually configured to match the correct resolution and aspect ratio. If not, the display may appear incorrectly sized or stretched, making your computer look like it's not working properly.
A common cause of display issues is outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. If your drivers aren’t up to date, they might not work correctly with your screen, causing it to appear out of size or improperly scaled.
Step 1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, then select Device Manager.
Step 2. Expand Display Adapters and right-click on your graphics driver.
Step 3. Select Update Driver to check for new driver updates automatically. If no updates are available, you can try Uninstalling the driver and restarting your computer.
Step 4. Alternatively, visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest driver manually.
Updating Graphics drivers ensures that any bugs or compatibility issues with your screen resolution or display settings are fixed. This can resolve many screen display problems.
Display scaling can sometimes cause the screen to appear cropped, too small, or improperly stretched. Adjusting the scaling settings ensures that the content fits your screen appropriately.
Step 1. Open Settings and go to System > Display.
Step 2. Under Scale and Layout, check the Display Scale setting.
Step 3. After adjusting the scaling, click Apply, and check if the screen now displays correctly.
Ensuring the scaling matches your screen's resolution ensures everything looks clear and properly proportioned.
Sometimes, malware or corrupted system files can interfere with your computer's display settings, causing various issues, including screen size problems. If other solutions haven’t worked, it's worth checking for malware and fixing any system file issues.
Step 1. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus program to check for malware.
Step 2. If no malware is found but the issue persists, use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted system files.
Step 3. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
By scanning for malware and repairing corrupted files, you can restore your system’s stability and normal display settings.
When troubleshooting display issues or making significant changes to your system settings, it's important to back up your data to avoid potential loss. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a professional backup solution that can protect your files and system, giving you peace of mind during the troubleshooting process.
System Backup & Restore: Safeguard your entire system, including settings and applications, so you can restore it exactly as it was if something goes wrong.
File Backup & Sync: Protect specific files and folders, ensuring that important documents are safe during troubleshooting.
Disk Imaging: Create a complete backup image of your disk to restore it to its exact state if needed.
Backup Automation: Customize your backup schedule to run daily, weekly, or monthly based on your needs.
Step 1. Choose Backup from the main menu and select System Backup.
Step 2. Click the box to select your destination (external hard drive, cloud storage, or network location).
Step 3. To begin the backup process, click Start Backup.
Backing up your system is always a good idea before making any major changes to your computer. AOMEI Backupper provides a simple and reliable way to ensure your data is protected, reducing the risk of losing important information while fixing display issues.
The listed fixes for how to restore a computer screen to full size should help you get back to a full-screen experience in no time. From using keyboard shortcuts to adjusting display settings and drivers, restoring your computer screen to normal size is often a straightforward process.
If you’ve followed all these steps and still face issues, consider backing up your important data with AOMEI Backupper to ensure your files are safe while you troubleshoot further. Regular backups can save you from potential data loss, providing an extra layer of security during the resolution process.