How to find out the maximum resolution supported by your screen in Windows 11

You ask yourself How to find out the maximum resolution your screen supports Windows 11You're not alone. These days, whether you've inherited a monitor salvaged from a corner of your home, picked up a secondhand one (or simply can't find the original manual), knowing your screen's maximum resolution can mean the difference between enjoying a sharp image or seeing everything blurry. With the multitude of resolutions, cables and configurations possible in Windows 11It may seem a bit complicated, but we're going to unravel everything, step by step, so you know where the limits of your screen are and, above all, how to get the most out of it.

In this article we have compiled all the information possible from the main specialized media, guides and forums, organizing it into a single definitive guide. All the ways to know and configure the maximum supported resolution through your monitor or computer in Windows 11. We explain all the methods, common errors, how to fix them, and what factors you need to consider (such as the graphics card or type of cable you're using) to ensure you see everything as you should.

Why is it important to know the maximum supported resolution?

The choice of Adequate resolution directly affects image quality what you see on the screen. Using a resolution lower than the maximum supported by your monitor results in a considerable loss of sharpness, especially on LCD, LED, and OLED displays that are so common today. If you do not adjust to the native resolutionYou'll notice blurred edges, unclear text, images lacking detail, and a general sense of blur. This problem didn't exist on older CRT monitors, but today's panel technology works differently: Each physical pixel should receive an exact signal, and if not, Windows and the graphics fill in the gaps using interpolation (creating intermediate colors between the actual pixels). The result? A clear drop in visual quality.

Furthermore, when we use applications in windows by adjusting their size, or forcing resolutions that are not recommended, what we are seeing is interpolated information (not 100% of the original details). Therefore, it is ideal to always work in the maximum native resolution. of your monitor.

Key concepts: native resolution, graphics, and cabling

While we typically limit settings to what the monitor can handle, there are three main factors to consider:

• The native resolution of the monitor: This is the number of "real" pixels (width x height) on the panel. Consult the back sticker of your monitor, the manual, the manufacturer's website, or Windows settings to find out.
• The graphics card (GPU): It's responsible for generating the image received by the monitor. Except in very old computers or with very basic integrated graphics, the graphics card usually supports higher resolutions than the monitor. However, if you have very high-resolution monitors (4K, 5K, 8K, etc.), make sure the graphics card supports it. If you want to learn more about how the graphics card works and how to get the most out of it, you can take a look at our guide on drivers of GPU in Windows 11.
• The cable and connection type: The HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA used also sets the maximum frequency and resolution limits. Even if you have a compatible monitor and graphics card, using an older cable can severely limit the resolution you can set.

How to check the maximum supported resolution in Windows 11?

Luckily, the operating system itself automatically suggests the best possible resolution depending on the connected monitor and your graphics card. If you want to check or modify it, follow these steps:

• click with it right mouse button on the desktop and select Screen settings.
• Scroll down to the section Scale and distribution and locate Screen resolutionHere, the option marked as “recommended” is generally the maximum supported by your monitor (as long as everything is properly connected and configured).
• You can open the drop-down menu to see all supported resolutions at that time. If you have multiple displays connected, select the one you want to review at the top of the panel.

If you would like to Additional technical details about the display (such as bit depth, refresh rate, or whether it supports HDR), go to Advanced display settings in that same window. There you'll see the monitor's specifications and all the frequencies and resolutions it accepts.

Alternative methods to check the actual native resolution

The above method may not work if your monitor isn't displaying information correctly, or if you want to check it through other means. Here are some alternatives:

• Check the back of the monitor: Many monitors will have a sticker with the exact model and maximum supported resolution, along with the maximum frequency (Hz).
• Find the model on the manufacturer's website: If you have the model, locate the official manual or spec sheet. The native resolution and maximum frequencies are always listed there.
• Third Party Programs: Tools like AIDA64, HWiNFO or Custom Resolution Utility can give you very precise details about the hardware video and its capabilities.

What if the limitation is in the graphics card?

Although it is usually the monitor that sets the limit, the graphics card may limit the maximum available resolution, especially if you're trying to use very high-end monitors. To find out how far your GPU can go:

• Identify your graphics card on your PC. You can do this from the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc > 'Performance' tab > GPU), with the tool dxDiag (run it from the Start menu and check the 'Display' tab), or by looking to see if you have any software installed NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
• With the model noted, search on the manufacturer's official website (AMD, NVIDIA or Intel) for the Technical specificationsLook at the “Maximum Digital Resolution” section.
• In some cases, if the manufacturer doesn't have the information, consult the assembler's website or trusted stores that include complete technical specifications.

Remember Some graphics cards display different resolutions depending on the connector used. (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI…). For more details on how to get the most out of your graphics card, you can check out our guide on .

The role of the cable and the type of connection

Not everything depends on the monitor or graphics card; The cable and its version may limit the video signalHere's a guideline table of common compatibility options:

Interface type	Version	Maximum resolution @ Hz
HDMI	1.0-1.1	1920 × 1080 @ 60Hz
	1.2-1.2a	1920×1080@60Hz, 2560×1440@30Hz
	1.3-1.4b	2560×1440 @ 144Hz*, 3840×2160 @ 75Hz*
	2.0-2.0b	3840×2160 @ 60Hz, 3840×2160 @ 120Hz*, 5120×2880 @ 30Hz / 60Hz*
	2.1	7680 x 4320 @ 120Hz
DisplayPort	1.0-1.1a	2560 x 1440 @ 75Hz
	1.2-1.2a	5120 x 2880 @ 60Hz*
	1.3	7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz*
	1.4-1.4a	7680 x 4320 @ 144Hz*
	2.0	15360 x 8460 @ 60Hz *
VGA (QXGA)		2048 × 1536 @ 85Hz
*With color space limitations

In the case of DVI, there are many variants and it is more cumbersome, but as a general rule, always use modern, quality cables if you want to take full advantage of your screen's potential.

Don't forget either that you must connect the monitor to the correct port from your PC: If you have a dedicated graphics card, connect the monitor there, not to the motherboard (those ports are for the integrated graphics card and may be limited).