4K Resolution Not Showing on Windows 10: 3 Ways to Enable It

Find out what worked for other users

by Vladimir Popescu
Vladimir Popescu
Vladimir Popescu
Managing Editor
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related. With an innate fascination... read more
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  • Display issues are common, especially when using an external monitor, and many users found that 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10.
  • The problem appears due to improper connections or outdated and buggy graphics drivers.
  • To fix things, plug the cable into another port, check the in-app settings, or update the graphics driver.
fix 4k resolution not showing in windows 10
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Adding external displays has long been a common practice amongst users, and it does help to a great extent. But for some users, 4k resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

Using your 4K TV as a monitor for your Windows 10 PC allows you to view more items simultaneously if you’re working or to watch your favorite TV shows and movies online.

Getting this setup to work shouldn’t be too hard, but sometimes a small glitch can make it seem like a never-ending problem. So, let’s find out why Windows 10 will not recognize 4k screen resolution.

Why is my monitor not displaying 4K?

Here are a few reasons your PC is not showing 4k resolution:

  • Improper connection: An improper connection is the most common reason the 4K monitor is not showing 4K on your PC, be it a loose connection or using an improper port.
  • Damaged HDMI cable: When it comes to connections, the cable plays a vital role, and a damaged one can trigger several problems.
  • Misconfigured settings: Several settings need to be in order for the 4K resolution to show up on the Windows 10 PC.
  • Issues with the driver: An incompatible or outdated driver has often been found to be the underlying cause when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

What can I do if 4K resolution is not showing on Windows 10?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

  • Ensure your graphics card and the monitor/TV support 4K resolution.
  • Use a different port on the PC to connect the HDMI cable.
  • Check for any damages to the cable and replace it with a compatible HDMI cable.
  • In case you are using an HDMI to DP connector, make sure it works fine. Some users reported that replacing it with a DP to DP connector got things working.
  • Disconnect the other displays and only use the one that supports 4K resolution and that you want to project to.
  • Make sure any in-app settings are not changing or conflicting with the resolution.
  • Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Use the dedicated utility to set the resolution

Note icon NOTE
The steps listed here are Intel Graphics. In case you have Nvidia or AMD, there is a dedicated control panel for both, with an option to set the display resolution.
  1. Launch the dedicated utility provided by the graphics card manufacturer and head to the Display tab.display
  2. Now, choose the desired setting from the Resolution dropdown menu.set manually to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10

If 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10, your primary approach should be to use the dedicated utility provided by the GPU manufacturer to set the desired resolution. If the option is also missing here, head to the next method.

2. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the graphics card, and choose Update driver.update driver to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers from the context menu.search automatically for drivers

Updating the graphics card helps a lot of users get things running when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10. Also, if Windows is unable to find a better version, you can always manually install the latest driver.

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  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
  3. Now, it will show you a list of all faulty drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
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  4. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
  5. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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3. Roll back the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.device manager
  2. Double-click on Display adapters, right-click on the graphics card, and select Properties.properties
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab, and then click on Roll Back Driver.roll back driver to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  4. Choose a reason for the roll back, and click Yes to confirm.revert driver update to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  5. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! If updating the driver didn’t work and everything else, ranging from connections to cable and compatibility, seems to be in order, rolling back the driver should do the trick when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

Once you have fixed the problem, check some quick tips to enhance the display in Windows.

For any queries or to share what worked for you in this case, drop a comment below.

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