How to Fix Overscan in Windows 10?

Overscan is a common issue on some displays where part of the screen is cut off, causing the image to appear zoomed in. This problem can be particularly frustrating when you’re using a TV as a monitor, as it can hide the taskbar or important parts of applications. If you’re experiencing overscan on Windows 10, don’t worry—this issue can usually be fixed with a few simple adjustments. Here’s how to fix overscan in Windows 10:

What is Overscan?

Overscan occurs when your display is not properly scaling the image from your computer. This is often seen when using a TV as a monitor, especially with HDMI connections. The image gets cropped around the edges, which can result in a loss of content, such as the edges of windows, icons, or even the taskbar.

2. Check Display Settings in Windows 10

The first step in fixing overscan is to adjust your display settings within Windows 10. Follow these steps to ensure your computer is sending the correct display signal to your monitor or TV.

Steps:

1. Right-click on the Desktop:
   • Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Display Settings from the context menu.
2. Adjust Resolution:
   • Scroll down to the Display resolution section.
   • Ensure that the resolution is set to the recommended resolution (for most monitors and TVs, this is usually the native resolution of your screen).
   • If the resolution is set too high or low, it can cause overscan issues, so set it to the correct value.
3. Click on “Advanced Display Settings”:
   • Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
   • Check if your refresh rate is set correctly (it should match your monitor’s specifications). Sometimes, an incorrect refresh rate can cause overscan.
4. Apply Changes:
   • Once you’ve adjusted the settings, click Apply to confirm the changes.

3. Adjust the Scaling Settings

Sometimes, overscan can be caused by incorrect scaling settings in Windows 10. Scaling adjusts the size of text, apps, and other items on your screen.

Steps:

1. Open Display Settings:
   • Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Adjust Scaling:
   • Scroll down to the Scale and layout section.
   • Set the Scale to 100% (or a value that best fits your screen). If it’s set to something larger, it can cause overscan issues.
   • Try experimenting with different scaling options to see if one fixes the issue.
3. Apply and Test:
   • After adjusting the scaling, click Apply and check if the overscan issue has been resolved.

4. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can contribute to overscan problems. Ensuring your drivers are up to date is a key step in resolving this issue.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters:
   • In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters section.
3. Update Driver:
   • Right-click on your graphics card (e.g., Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA) and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
   • If a newer driver is found, follow the prompts to install it.
4. Restart the PC:
   • Once the update is complete, restart your computer to apply the new driver.

5. Use the Graphics Card Control Panel (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

Most graphics card manufacturers offer dedicated control panels that allow you to fine-tune the display settings, including overscan adjustments.

For NVIDIA Graphics Cards:

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel:
   • Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Adjust Display Settings:
   • Under Display, click Adjust desktop size and position.
   • In the Scaling tab, set Scaling Mode to Aspect ratio or No scaling.
   • Ensure that Override the scaling mode set by games and programs is checked, and apply the changes.

For AMD Graphics Cards:

1. Open AMD Radeon Settings:
   • Right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
2. Adjust Scaling:
   • Go to the Display tab.
   • Adjust the Scaling Mode to Preserve aspect ratio or Full panel.
   • You can also adjust the Scaling Options to suit your preferences.

For Intel Graphics:

1. Open Intel Graphics Control Panel:
   • Right-click on the desktop and select Intel Graphics Settings (or Intel HD Graphics Control Panel).
2. Adjust Scaling:
   • Navigate to Display and choose the Scaling tab.
   • Select Maintain Display Scaling or adjust according to your screen’s requirements.

6. Adjust TV Settings (For HDMI Connections)

If you are using a TV as a monitor, overscan is often caused by the TV’s settings. Many modern TVs have an option to turn off overscan (sometimes referred to as “just scan” or “1:1 pixel mapping”).

Steps:

1. Check TV’s Picture Settings:
   • Use your TV remote to open the Settings or Picture Settings menu.
   • Look for options like Picture Size, Aspect Ratio, or Display Mode.
2. Set the Correct Picture Mode:
   • Change the setting to Just Scan, Full Screen, or 1:1 Pixel Mapping.
   • This option ensures the TV displays the image without any scaling or cropping.
3. Disable Overscan:
   • Some TVs may have an explicit Overscan option that can be disabled. Look for a setting to turn it off.

7. Try a Different HDMI Cable or Port

If the overscan persists, it could be related to the cable or HDMI port. Try the following:

• Use a Different HDMI Cable: A faulty or low-quality cable can cause display issues.
• Try a Different HDMI Port: If your TV or monitor has multiple HDMI ports, switch to a different one to see if the issue is resolved.

8. Factory Reset Your Display Settings

As a last resort, you can reset all your display settings to their defaults.

Steps:

1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Display Settings.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced display settings.
3. Click on Display adapter properties for your monitor and go to the Color Management tab to reset settings.
4. Additionally, you can reset the settings on your TV by referring to its user manual.

Conclusion

Overscan is a common issue, especially when using TVs as monitors or when using certain HDMI connections. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments to your display settings in Windows 10, graphics card control panels, and TV settings, you can eliminate overscan and get your display back to normal. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to fix the issue and enjoy a perfectly scaled and clear screen.