How to View Detailed Display Information in Windows 10


Starting with Windows 10 build 17063, you can now view detailed information about your display(s).

Most of the information should be self-explanatory, but here are a couple of pieces that you might want more detail on:

  • Desktop resolution vs active signal resolution - Typically, your desktop resolution and your active signal resolution will be identical. To provide a smoother experience, Windows prefers to keep your display running at its native signal resolution. If you change your display resolution, you may see a difference between your desktop resolution and your active signal resolution.
  • The mysterious 59 Hz refresh rate - Display enthusiasts may remember this conversation from the Windows 7 days. You may see 59 Hz listed as your refresh rate even though you have set it to 60 Hz, but rest assured that this is by design for monitors and TVs that report only 59.94 Hz but not 60 Hz. Learn more about it here.

Starting with Windows 10 build 21354, Microsoft is bringing HDR certification to Settings > System > Display under “Advanced display settings” with the latest Insider Preview builds. Under this settings page, a display’s HDR certifications will be shown. Microsoft will be rolling out this feature over time and are starting with select Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR models, so please don’t be alarmed if in the Advanced display settings, you see that your display has no HDR certification even though it is certified.

This tutorial will show you how to view detailed information about your connected display(s) in Windows 10.


For a Windows 11 version of this tutorial, see:

View Display Information in Windows 11




Here's How:

1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the System icon.

2 Click/tap on Display on the left side, and click/tap on the Advanced display settings link on the right side towards the bottom. (see screenshot below)

View Detailed Display Information in Windows 10-display_information-1.jpg

3 You will now see detailed display information for the display you selected. (see screenshot below)

View Detailed Display Information in Windows 10-display_information-2.png

4 You can now close Settings if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink