If your PC’s picture is cut off or doesn’t fill the TV in Windows 10, the usual cause is overscan on the TV. Set the TV’s picture size or aspect option to Just Scan, Screen Fit, 1:1 Pixel or Full Pixel (the name depends on the brand), and set Windows to the TV’s Recommended resolution in Settings > System > Display. If that isn’t available, adjust overscan in your graphics control panel. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
TV remote: Picture size / Aspect ratio > Just Scan (or Screen Fit). PC: Settings > System > Display > Display resolution > Recommended.
Step 1: Fix It on the TV
- Press the TV remote’s Menu or Settings button while the PC’s input is showing.
- Open Picture > Picture size or Aspect ratio.
- Choose Just Scan, Screen Fit, Fit to screen or 1:1 Pixel. Turn off any overscan option.
- Some TVs also have a PC mode or let you rename the HDMI input to PC, which turns overscan off.
Step 2: Set the Right Resolution in Windows
- Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings.
- Select the TV at the top if you have more than one screen.
- Set Display resolution to the option marked Recommended.
- Adjust Scale if text looks too small from the sofa.
Step 3: Graphics Control Panel
If the TV has no fit option, open your graphics software and adjust scaling: Intel Graphics Command Center (Display > Scale), AMD Software (Display > HDMI Scaling), or NVIDIA Control Panel (Adjust desktop size and position > Resize). Menu names vary by driver version.
Symptoms and Fixes
| Symptom | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Edges and taskbar cut off | Turn off overscan on the TV |
| Black border around the picture | Reduce underscan in graphics settings |
| Blurry text | Use the Recommended resolution |
| Text too small | Increase Scale in Display settings |
More sharing options: screen sharing on Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- No picture at all: Check the TV’s input. See switching HDMI on Windows 10.
- Resolution list limited: Update the graphics driver and try another HDMI cable or port. See changing resolution.
- Wireless instead of cable? See casting Windows 10 to a TV.
Related: Fix overscan in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the TV crop the picture?
TVs zoom in slightly by default, a leftover from broadcast TV. PCs need that turned off.
Should I use Duplicate or Extend?
Press Windows + P. Use Second screen only for a TV-only setup, which usually looks sharpest.
Does this apply to Windows 11?
Yes. The TV setting is the same, and Display settings are under System > Display.
Summary
- Turn off overscan on the TV (Just Scan or Screen Fit).
- Use the Recommended resolution.
- Adjust Scale for readability.
- Use graphics settings if the TV has no fit option.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.