guidox / Hardware

Fix the Wrong Resolution After a Graphics Driver Update

TL;DR

Read the supported modes with **Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi WmiMonitorListedSupportedSourceModes**, then reset the driver or force the mode with the vendor tool. A missing EDID explains a capped list.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Admin rights
  • The display in question
  • 20 minutes
Step by step

Instructions

01

Record the current mode

The active mode, the available modes and the monitor's name are three different sources. Comparing them shows whether Windows is limiting the list.

Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorBasicDisplayParams | Select-Object InstanceName,MaxHorizontalImageSize,MaxVerticalImageSize
Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name,CurrentHorizontalResolution,CurrentVerticalResolution,CurrentRefreshRate,DriverVersion,DriverDate
Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorID | Select-Object InstanceName,ManufacturerName
02

Check what the monitor reports

**WmiMonitorListedSupportedSourceModes** lists the modes the monitor advertised over EDID. An empty list means the display did not report its capabilities.

$m = Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorListedSupportedSourceModes
$m | Select-Object InstanceName
$m.MonitorSourceModes | Select-Object HorizontalActivePixels,VerticalActivePixels,VerticalRefreshRateNumerator | Sort-Object VerticalActivePixels -Descending | Select-Object -First 10
03

Rule out the cable and the port

A 4K display on a bad cable falls back to a low mode. The link rate in the display topology is the evidence, and it is independent of the driver.

Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorConnectionParams | Select-Object InstanceName,VideoOutputTechnology
Get-DisplayResolution -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-PnpDevice -Class Monitor | Select-Object FriendlyName,Status,InstanceId
04

Reset the driver to a known state

A driver reinstall clears a corrupted mode table. Removing the device with its driver and scanning again is faster than a full rollback.

pnputil /enum-drivers | Select-String -Pattern 'Display|nv|amd|igdlh' -Context 0,3
Get-WindowsDriver -Online | Where-Object ClassName -eq 'Display' | Select-Object Driver,Version,Date
# Device Manager > Display adapters > Uninstall device > Delete driver > Scan for hardware changes
05

Force the mode when Windows will not offer it

A custom resolution needs a tool that talks to the driver, not to Windows. The vendor panel and CRU both write an override that Windows then treats as supported.

Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name,VideoModeDescription,AdapterRAM
Start-Process ms-settings:display
# Display > Advanced display > Choose a refresh rate
Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorListedSupportedSourceModes | Select-Object -ExpandProperty MonitorSourceModes | Measure-Object
06

Verify the result survives a reboot

A mode that resets after a restart is stored per display ID. Check that the monitor keeps the same instance name, then confirm the mode after a reboot.

Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object CurrentHorizontalResolution,CurrentVerticalResolution,CurrentRefreshRate
Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorID | Select-Object InstanceName
Restart-Computer
Troubleshooting

Common issues

The resolution list stops at 1024x768

The driver fell back to the basic display adapter, or the EDID is unreadable. Check Get-PnpDevice for a problem device first.

Only 60 Hz is offered on a 144 Hz monitor

The cable or the port limits the link. Use DisplayPort or a certified HDMI cable, and check the monitor's own menu for the mode.

The screen goes black after selecting a mode

Windows reverts after 15 seconds. If it does not, boot into safe mode and remove the override or reinstall the driver.

The second monitor shows the wrong native size

Windows uses the EDID per display. If the panel reports a wrong size, a custom EDID override is the only fix.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does a driver update change the resolution permanently?

It can store a new preferred mode. Switching back in Settings or reinstalling the previous driver restores the old list.

Is a custom resolution safe?

Within the panel's documented limits yes. Beyond them you risk an unstable image, not permanent damage on an LCD.

Why does the mode list differ between users?

Display settings are per user, but the supported list comes from the driver. A user sees only the modes the driver offers.

How to undo this

Roll back with Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, and set the resolution back in Settings > Display.

Changelog · 1 entry
  1. 2026-11-01
    First version
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