Adjust DPI in Windows 11: Correct scaling without blurring

When you change the resolution or work with multiple displays in Windows 11, scaling the interface can become a bit of a headache. Adjust DPI and scaling correctly It makes the difference between enjoying crisp text and clear graphics or suffering from blurred images and element sizes that are inappropriate for your viewing distance.

In the following lines, you'll find a clear and comprehensive guide to understanding what DPI/PPP is, how monitor scaling works in Windows 11, why scaling sometimes jumps more than it should when changing resolution, and what options you have to configure everything, both locally and when connecting remotely with the Windows app. We integrate practical advice and detailed configurations of various systems so you have everything at your fingertips.

What is DPI and how does scaling affect Windows 11?

The acronym DPI (dots per inch) refers to pixel density. The higher the density, the smaller the elements at the same resolution and distance, which requires higher scaling to make the interface more user-friendly. Scaling in Windows 11 adapts the size of text and images. apps to achieve readability and ergonomics without sacrificing image sharpness.

Windows 11 applies per-monitor scaling and generally handles mixed scenarios (e.g., an ultrawide at 2560x1080 and a QHD panel at 2560x1440). However, there's one key caveat: the system uses pre-set increments already internal decisions that, when changing resolution, can cause unexpected jumps in scale.

This is especially noticeable when playing at multiple resolutions and refresh rates or when connecting remotely. The goal is to maintain a proportional relationship between resolution and scale. that preserves the “apparent size” of the interface without degrading quality.

If you move between different resolutions for the same monitor (for example, due to port or panel limitations at a certain Hz), it is ideal for the scaling to adjust in a single proportional “step”. When the system interprets two jumps or applies a more aggressive value, that balance is broken and everything looks excessively big or small.

Avoid blurring: Use the monitor's native resolution

When a display does not operate at its native resolution, Windows must rescale the image. This rescaling entails a loss of quality, most visible on text and the edges of elements. If a QHD 2560x1440 panel displays 1920x1080, there is conversion, and therefore a risk of smoothing and blurring.

To maintain clarity, the golden rule is simple: Always set the monitor's native resolution on the systemYou can check it in the manufacturer's documentation or in your display settings; in Windows, it's usually marked as "Recommended."

Quick route in Windows 11: Right-click on the desktop, go to Display settings, and open the Scale and layout section. Under “Screen Resolution,” choose the recommended option. to avoid blurring and artifacts caused by rescaling.

If for some reason you need a different resolution (for example, to achieve 120Hz on a TV that doesn't support 4K at 120Hz), try to compensate by scaling as proportionally as possible. Prioritize text sharpness, since it is the first thing to be affected by a non-native conversion.

The real case: switching between 2560x1440 and 2560x1080 without losing the “ideal” scale

Imagine the following real-life scenario: an LG OLED TV that “runs smoothly” at 2560x1440 at 120Hz and, in addition, a remote connection from a Steam Deck to an ultrawide 2560x1080 monitor at 120 Hz using Sunshine and Moonlight. Scale preferences change depending on where you sit and the distance to the panel: 150% in the living room and 125% on the desktop ultrawide.

The problem comes when when toggling from 2560x1440 to 2560x1080 (or vice versa), Windows decides to “skip” the proportionality: it goes from 150% to 100% (two steps instead of one) or, even worse, when going from 125% in 2560×1080 to 2560×1440, it automatically “goes up” to 175%, an excessive size for that use.

This behavior is no coincidence. Microsoft's own documentation shows tables of display values ​​with predefined "steps" between 1080p and 1440p resolutions, which, in practice, expands the scaling range beyond what is strictly proportional. Hence, the system sometimes gets ahead of what the user expects.

Tools like HRC.exe (HotKey Resolution Changer) help to change resolution by keyboard shortcut, but they do not adjust the scale in parallelThis forces you to go into Windows settings every time to tweak the percentage, which disrupts your workflow or gameplay.

The need, therefore, is twofold: to alternate between fast resolutions and to “pull” consistent scaling with each resolution/scenario. The perfect combination would be 2560×1440 at 150% and 2560×1080 at 125%, without Windows deciding to move up to 175% or back down to 100%.

Change resolution and scale in Windows 11 step by step

In Windows 11, you have two main controls: monitor resolution and scaling percentage. Both live in Settings > System > Display (or right-click on the desktop > Display Settings).

For resolution, open “Scale and Layout” and select the desired resolution under “Screen Resolution.” If you see an option with “Recommended” it is the native oneFor scaling, under “Scale,” choose 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%… depending on how comfortable you are and how sharp you get the best results.

Helpful tip: If you notice an app appearing blurry, check its high DPI support. In the executable's Properties (Compatibility tab, high DPI settings), you can force specific behaviors on a per-app basis. This helps when running older apps with per-monitor scaling. of Windows 11.

There is also “Custom Scale” (a percentage between 100% and 500%), but it applies to the entire system, not per monitor. Use it with caution because it is global and may not fit in mixed or remote scenarios where you want fine-tuning on the screen.

In environments with a single physical monitor but alternating uses (TV vs. remote desktop), try leaving your preferred resolution-scaling “pairs” predefined. The goal is to minimize manual shifting every time you switch, especially if you do it often.

Per Monitor Scaling vs. Global Scaling

Windows 11 works, by default, with monitor scaling (a model inherited from Windows 8.1), which allows each display to be adjusted independently. This is ideal when each panel has a different size and density., or when, as in the example, you change resolution for refresh reasons.

Windows 8-style (global) scaling forces a single percentage for all monitors and contexts, which falls short when densities don't match. Avoid it unless you have a very specific need. of total uniformity or a very homogeneous configuration of screens.

By using the system's "Custom Scaling," you actually get closer to that global behavior. Therefore, in mixed scenarios, it's best to stick with per-monitor scaling and carefully adjust each combination. Be consistent with your values ​​on screen saves you trouble.

If Windows still “corrects” the resolution by jumping from 100% to 175% when switching resolutions, review your workflow: you may want to prioritize the native resolution and keep the scaling stable, or make changes to only one of the two parameters to avoid triggering the internal “jumps.” Reducing variables usually provides stability.

Can resolution and scale be linked automatically at the same time?

Windows does not offer a simple official mechanism to tie resolution and scaling into a single shortcut. HRC.exe or other similar utilities change the resolution, but they don't affect the scale percentage. "Custom Scale" is global and therefore doesn't address context-specific fine-tuning either.

Microsoft documentation shows that the system operates in stepping motion, especially between 1080p and 1440p, which explains some of the behavior. Modifying the registry to force values ​​can be risky. and is not documented to profile them by resolution, monitor, and context in a reliable and supported manner.

If you switch between very different environments (e.g., living room vs. remote desktop), consider keeping the native resolution fixed on your primary monitor and only scaling within consistent limits. Another idea is to group tasks by context. to reduce frequent changes, taking advantage of the fact that Windows 11 remembers settings per monitor.

For frequent changes, some users prefer to open ms-settings:display directly from a shortcut to quickly access the “Scale” control. It's not as convenient as a single shortcut, but it speeds up the operation and avoids navigating through multiple menus.

Remote Play: Configure the Windows app based on your platform

If you're connecting remotely to your devices and apps using the Windows app, it's a good idea to master its display options. Many of the sharpness and scale problems in remote are solved fine-tuning resolution, window adjustment, and fullscreen mode from the client.

Windows App on Windows

On Windows, open the Windows app, go to Devices, locate your device, and go to Device Settings. Disable "Use default settings." In Display Settings you can choose: Use all screens, use just one, or select which ones to use.

Each mode unlocks useful options. For example, “Single display when windowed” allows you to use only one display in windowed mode. “Start in full screen” opens directly in full screen, and “Fit session to window” adjusts the session scaling while maintaining the same resolution.

If you prefer to have the remote resolution change when you resize the window, enable “Update the resolution on resize.” If you disable it, the “Resolution” option appears. to choose from a predefined list. “Choose the displays to use” lets you define exactly which monitors to use, and “Maximize to current displays” controls how the session expands when maximized.

Windows app on macOS

On macOS, open the Windows app, tap the device's pencil icon, and select "Use custom settings." In the Display tab, you have options like "Resolution" (predefined lists or custom values), “Use all monitors”, “Start session in full screen”, “Fit session to window”, “Color quality”, “Optimize for Retina displays” (sharper, but uses four times more bandwidth) and “Update the session resolution on resize”.

You can also manage resolutions from Windows App > Settings > Preferences > Resolutions: add custom widths and heights, remove unused ones, or restore the defaults. If you work with multiple displays on macOS, enable “Displays have separate spaces” in Mission Control so each monitor has its own space; this way, you avoid blank screens when you don’t use “Use all monitors.”

If you use Apple Sidecar during a session, you can extend your desktop Mac with a iPad as an additional screen. It is a flexible way to gain surface area when managing remote desktops with varying resolution requirements.

Windows app on iOS/iPadOS

En iPhone and iPad, the app automatically adds letterboxing or pillarboxing to avoid clipping due to rounded corners and conflicts with system gestures. All devices and apps share the same display settings.: : There are no profiles per device or app.

To adjust the resolution and use full screen, open the app, go to Display, and choose a resolution from the list. En iPadOS You can activate “Use Full Display”, And in iOS “Use Home Indicator Area” to take advantage of the area occupied by the home indicator.

You can toggle Light/Dark in General > Appearance. You can also decide whether to allow automatic screen lock in General > Allow Display Auto-Lock. With external screensiPad with Stage Manager gains multitasking and dynamic resolution; without Stage Manager, the session is displayed at native resolution on the external display.

On iPhone, with a cable or AirPlay, the remote session is projected onto the external display at native resolution. The SwiftPoint GT/ProPoint GT mouse is compatible on an external display; configure it from the Windows app according to the instructions in the input and pointer section.

Windows app on Android/Chrome OS

On Android/Chrome OS, open the app, go to Display, and you'll see a default resolution. You can choose "Match this device" to replicate the local resolution, or "Custom" to select a specific resolution and scaling percentage. It is useful to adapt the session to your panel and maintain legibility without sacrificing surface area.

Orientation can follow the device's orientation or be locked to landscape or portrait. Additionally, you decide whether the device keeps the screen on during the session or respect the automatic locking of the system.

Windows app on the web

From the browser, once connected to the remote session, you can toggle full screen with the diagonal arrows icon. To exit, press it again., use Esc on Windows or hold Esc on macOS.

If your display is high-density, enable “Enable High DPI” in the in-session settings. This improves the fidelity of graphics and text. in the remote session. The web portal also allows you to toggle between light and dark mode from its own Settings.

Windows Application in Meta Quest

In Meta Quest, under Display you can choose “Match this device” or “Custom” with your scaling percentage. As Android, the orientation can be adjusted automatically or lock, and you can decide whether the screen locks automatically or remains active in session.

These options do not create profiles per application or device on this platform, but Yes, they allow you to balance resolution and scaling. for comfortable reading and control within the viewfinder.

Additional tips to maintain sharpness and comfort

Make sure your monitor works at its native resolution whenever possible. If you can't, try to scale it proportionally., especially when you switch to a lower resolution to gain Hz.

Avoid changing too many parameters at the same time (resolution, scaling, window/full screen mode, etc.). The more variables you move, the easier it is for Windows to “jump” in scale to an undesired value.

If you frequently switch between 2560x1440 and 2560x1080, try to keep the scaling at two values ​​that are comfortable for you and that the system respects with the least number of “jumps”. For example, 150% for 1440p and 125% for 1080p ultrawide, as long as the viewing distance requires it.

For remote sessions, choose whether to “Fit session to window” (maintains the resolution and scales to fit the window) or “Update resolution on resize” (changes the remote resolution when resizing). The first option usually preserves text sharpness better., while the second prioritizes taking advantage of real pixels at the cost of reconfiguring the resolution.

Keep in mind that features like “Optimize for Retina” in macOS greatly improve sharpness, but they consume a lot of bandwidth. If your connection is fair, you may prefer a slightly more contained resolution. and maintain better latency and stability.

If you're working with multiple displays on macOS, enable "Displays have separate spaces" to give each monitor its own space and avoid blank screens in some scenarios. With Sidecar you can add an iPad as an additional monitor and thus distribute tools or remote monitors more comfortably.

En mobile devices and Meta Quest, take advantage of full-screen and orientation options so the content adapts to your posture and support. Turn auto-lock on or off depending on whether you need to keep the screen alive during long sessions.

The key, in the end, is to define a couple of combinations that are comfortable for each environment (local/remote, living room/desktop). With a little discipline in setting your values and proper settings in the Windows app, you can minimize awkward scaling “jumps.”

If you still see stubborn values ​​of 100% or 175% when you don't want them, remember the background: Windows is guided by internal scaling tables between 1080p and 1440p. Minimize simultaneous changes, try to maintain native resolution, and adjust the scale just enough so that the interface is consistent with your distance from the panel.

With these guidelines, you'll make Windows 11 and your remote workflow work in your favor: legible text, elements at a comfortable size and as sharp as possible, whether working, playing, or managing teams remotely.