Windows 11 has no single reset button for display settings, but you can put things back to the defaults in a few minutes. The key is choosing the options marked Recommended, which Windows picks for your screen.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, System, Display and set Scale and Display resolution to the options marked Recommended. Set orientation to Landscape. If the screen still looks wrong, press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B to restart the graphics driver.
How to Reset Display Settings in Windows 11
- Press Windows key + I and go to System, Display.
- Under Scale, choose the value marked (Recommended).
- Under Display resolution, choose the value marked (Recommended).
- Set Display orientation to Landscape.
- Open Advanced display and choose the highest refresh rate your screen supports.
- Turn off Night light and HDR if you changed them.
- Check Accessibility, Text size and drag it back to 100.
- If the screen flickers or looks wrong, press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B.
Settings to Reset
| Setting | Default |
|---|---|
| Scale | The (Recommended) value |
| Display resolution | The (Recommended) value |
| Orientation | Landscape |
| Night light | Off |
| Text size | 100 |
| Multiple displays | Extend these displays |
Undo Custom Scaling
If someone entered a custom scaling percentage, Windows shows a warning at the top of the Display page and the Scale list may be locked. Click Scale, choose Custom scaling, then click Turn off custom scaling and sign out. When you sign back in, pick the Recommended scale again.
Reset Multiple Monitors
- In Settings, System, Display, click Identify to see which number belongs to each screen.
- Drag the screen boxes so they match how the monitors sit on your desk, then click Apply.
- Select your main screen and tick Make this my main display.
- Under Multiple displays, choose Extend these displays if they are showing the same picture by mistake, or press Windows + P to switch modes quickly.
- Set each monitor’s resolution and scale separately; the Recommended values can differ.
If You Can’t See the Screen
If a bad resolution or refresh rate leaves the screen blank, wait about 15 seconds: Windows reverts unconfirmed display changes automatically. If the problem stays after a restart, boot into the low-resolution mode: hold Shift while you click Restart, then choose Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Startup Settings, Restart, and press 3 for Enable low-resolution video. Once Windows loads, fix the resolution and restart normally. Connecting a different monitor or using the laptop’s own screen also works if an external display is the problem.
On Windows 10? See how to reset display settings in Windows 10.
Troubleshooting
- Screen went black after a change: wait 15 seconds and Windows reverts automatically.
- Recommended resolution missing: update the graphics driver from Windows Update or the PC maker.
- Still wrong: in Device Manager, uninstall the display adapter and restart to reinstall it.
- Related: fixing a sideways screen and changing active signal mode.
Related: Make colors more vibrant on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a reset button?
No. You reset each setting to its recommended value.
What does Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B do?
It restarts the graphics driver. The screen blinks, but your apps stay open.
Will this change my wallpaper?
No. Wallpaper is in Personalization.
Does this reset color calibration?
No. Use Color profile in Advanced display to change that.
Summary
- Open System, Display.
- Pick Recommended scale and resolution.
- Set Landscape.
- Turn off Night light and HDR.
- Restart the graphics driver if needed.
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.