How To Create A Custom Resolution Nvidia

Create Custom Display Resolution Nvidia GeForce

Nvidia GeForce Resolution Missing? How to Create a Custom Resolution in Windows

Last updated on February 7th, 2021 | 16 replies

If your monitor and graphics card support a higher resolution such as 2560 x 1440 but Windows is not showing anything higher than 1920 x 1080, you may be able to force a higher resolution using the Nvidia Control Panel.

Introduction

I recently bought a HP Pavilion Gaming Monitor 32″ QHD (2560 x 1440) and plugged it into my old 2011 Sony Vaio laptop with an Nvidia GeForce GT 330M, only to find that the max resolution reported by Windows 10 was 1920 x 1080 😪. The specs for the GeForce GT 330 clearly state the max resolution supported is 2560 x 1600, so what was the problem?

1. Graphics Card and Monitor Spec

Firstly, go to the NVIDA website, search for your graphics card and make sure that the custom resolution you require is listed in the specifications.

Also check your monitor manufacturer's website for your monitor specs and ensure it also supports the custom resolution you require.

2. HDMI Cable

In my experience, not all HDMI cables are equal! I've had problems before with cheap HDMI cables not meeting certain audio and video specifications. If you are using a HDMI cable, make sure that it supports resolutions higher than 1080p. Ideally, you should test it on another machine to see if it supports a higher res.

3. Update Drivers

Make sure you have installed the latest driver for both your monitor and Nvidia GeForce GPU as sometimes this can make higher resolutions available to you in the Windows Display settings. Restart the machine, and if the resolution you require is still not shown, continue to the next step to create a custom resolution.

4. Create Custom Resolution

Right-click the Windows Desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the context menu.

Nvidia Geforce Custom Resolution - Windows 10 Desktop Context Menu

Expand the Display menu, click Change Resolution, and then click Customize.

Note: The Display tab may not be available if you have Nvida Optimus hardware. See comments below for possible solutions.

Nvidia Geforce Control Panel - Force Custom Resolution

Check Enable resolutions not exposed by the display and click Create Custom Resolution.

Nvidia Geforce Create Custom Resolution

Type in the Horizontal pixels and Vertical lines, in this example 2560 x 1440. Ensure that your monitor spec supports this.

Set your refresh rate, in this example 60 Hz. Make sure to consult your monitor spec for the highest refresh rate supported.

Set the Timing to CVT reduced blank.

Create Custom Resolution - Nvidia Geforce Windows 10

Now for the moment of truth. Click Test. If your monitor resolution looks correct (it should be sharp, not blurry), accept the changes. If it doesn't look right, try selecting a different Timing Standard from the dropdown or try a different scan type.

If you still cannot get it to work, there may be a hardware limitation with your GPU or monitor 😪. If you can, test the monitor on a different GPU, or test your GPU on a different monitor to try and isolate the problem.

You should now see your custom resolution. Click OK.

Nvidia Geforce create custom resolution

Below you can see the custom resolution. Close NVIDIA Control Panel.

Nvidia Geforce Add Custom Resolution

Right-click on the Desktop and click Display settings.

Windows 10 Custom Display Resolution

Make sure to select the correct monitor and you should now see your new custom resolution listed.

2560 x 1440 Custom Resolution Windows 10

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