Forum Discussion
How can I set the resolution to 800x600 without entering Safe Mode?
I need to run an old game for someone, but the game requires a system resolution of 800x600 to launch.
I remember there used to be an option in the resolution settings to select 800x600 directly, but now only two resolution options are displayed. How can I add or switch to the 800x600 resolution?
3 Replies
Click "Create Custom Resolution", enter 800 (width) and 600 (height), set the refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz), and test it. Save if it works.
You can only choose the available options. Apparently, 800 x 600 is not.
Windows Settings only shows the resolutions reported as supported by the graphics driver and display. First check the complete mode list:
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select Advanced display settings.
- Click Display adapter properties for Display 1.
- On the Adapter tab, select List All Modes.
- Choose 800 by 600, True Color (32 bit), 60 Hertz, then select OK > Apply.
If 800×600 is not listed, install the correct graphics driver from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or the computer manufacturer. Safe Mode may show lower resolutions because it uses a basic display driver, while the normal driver filters modes according to the monitor information.
If the correct driver is already installed, check the graphics control panel for a Custom Resolution option and create 800×600 at 60 Hz. Do not force an unsupported refresh rate, and be prepared to let Windows automatically revert if the screen becomes blank.
Also check the game’s configuration file or launcher. Many older games can switch to 800×600 themselves when running full-screen, so changing the entire Windows desktop resolution may not be necessary.
