Fix Screen Aspect Ratio issues in Windows 11

Sometimes, when you install or upgrade to Windows 11 or Windows 10 on an old device, the screen aspect ratio goes for a toss. The problem occurs because the new version of Windows doesn’t support the GPU, or rather, the driver doesn’t work with Windows 11/10. In that case, Windows uses a generic driver that doesn’t support all the resolutions and the correct aspect ratio. In this post, we are looking at how to fix Windows 11/10 Screen Aspect Ratio issues.

It may so happen that you had a screen aspect ratio as 16:9, but post-upgrade you changed the screen resolution, and now its set to 16:10. Later you found that you cannot go back to the old ratio. Everything might look as if everything is stretched.

Fix Windows Screen Aspect Ratio issues

So, the real question is whether it is possible to change the screen aspect ratio directly in Windows if the GPU doesn’t have a compatible driver. Short answer: No. But then there is a way out to resolve this issue.

Follow these steps to fix Windows 11/10 screen aspect ratio issues:

1. Run compatibility mode
2. Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
3. Rollback the Driver

Let’s check out more about these solutions.

1] Run compatibility mode

To fix this, we will have to use, Compatibility Mode. However, you will need the driver that worked with your Windows 7 or anything which is latest.

• Download the driver, and place it on your desktop.
• Next right click on it, and select properties.
• Switch to Compatibility Tab. Here you have two options:
  • Compatibility troubleshooter, and let Windows figure out what works best for you. If it fails, follow the next.
  • Manually choose the Windows version that works correctly.
• You can also choose to change the DPI settings if that helps. Click Apply and then Ok.
• Right-click the file and select the Run As Administrator option to install.

Post this, you should be able to change your aspect ratio to what you were using earlier.

If you have any program that doesn’t work on the existing version of Windows, you can make sure to run it every time with this special Program Compatibility shortcut.

2] Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

You can also run the built-in troubleshooter available in Windows Update & Security > Troubleshoot. It will find a list of programs for you.  Since we already have the driver files downloaded, click on Not Listed which is available on top of the program list. Browse, and then select the driver files, and let the program do its job.

3] Rollback the Driver

If this issue occurred after a recent driver update through Windows, then its best to rollback to the older version of the driver. You will have to use the Devic Manager to achieve this.

One of the above solutions should fix your problem with aspect ratio on old devices upgraded to the new version.

However, I would always suggest you get in touch with the support guys of your OEM and ask for updated drivers which can offer you a better solution.

How do I fix the aspect ratio on my computer monitor?

There are three things you could do to fix the aspect ratio issue on your computer monitor. You can run the app in compatibility mode, run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, and roll back the driver. The first solution works perfectly, whether it is a portable or installed app.

How do I make my screen fit my monitor in Windows 11?

To make your screen fit your monitor in Windows 11/10, you need to change the screen resolution. To do so, right-click on the desktop and select the Display settings option. Then, find the Display resolution menu, and expand the list. Now, you need to select a resolution that suits your monitor. After that, your screen will fit your monitor.