Best Solutions to Fix a Blurry Screen in Windows - Make Tech Easier

Blurry screens can make your PC nearly impossible to use, and unfortunately, this is a common issue among Windows users. This problem, which can affect the sign-in screen, taskbar icons, or apps, is usually due to incorrect resolution settings or DPI scaling. Fortunately, resolving this issue is straightforward; you simply need to tweak a few system settings.

Tip: For a more secure experience on your PC, consider switching to Windows 11 S.

Table of Contents

• How to Resolve a Blurry Desktop Screen
• How to Resolve a Blurry Sign-in Screen
• How to Resolve Blurry App Icons
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Resolve a Blurry Desktop Screen

If you're encountering a blurry desktop screen, try these solutions. Choose the method that best suits your situation.

1. Tweak the Performance Settings

Start by adjusting the performance settings to optimize Windows for the best visual performance.

1. Search for “View advanced system settings” in Windows and select “Open.”

2. Go to the “Advanced” tab in the System Properties dialog and click on “Settings” under the “Performance” section.

3. In the “Visual Effects” tab, choose the “Adjust for best appearance” option.

4. Click “Apply -> OK” to save the changes.

2. Update Your Graphics Driver and More

There are several reasons why your desktop might appear blurry in Windows. For example, an outdated or corrupt graphics driver might not communicate effectively with your graphics card. Keeping your drivers updated is crucial not just for preventing blurry screens, but also for avoiding issues like distorted images, screen flickering, and color problems. Incorrect display resolution settings can also cause a blurry screen. If the resolution is set too low or too high, text and images may appear blurry or pixelated. For more information on resolving these issues, refer to our guide on fixing common screen resolution problems.

Good to know: If you encounter error code 43 in Windows, learn how to fix a malfunctioning GPU.

How to Resolve a Blurry Sign-in Screen

If your Windows sign-in screen looks blurry, it might be due to the acrylic blur effect, a feature that adds depth to the visual interface. This effect can cause blurriness, especially if the sign-in screen image has a lot of visual noise. You can disable this feature using one of the following methods.

1. Using the Group Policy Editor

1. Open a Run dialog by pressing Windows R.
2. Enter gpedit.msc and press Enter.

3. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control prompt.

4. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon.”

5. Double-click “Show clear logon background.”

6. Select “Enabled,” then click “Apply -> OK” to save the changes.

2. Via the Registry Editor

If the Group Policy Editor is not working for you, use the Registry Editor to make the same adjustments. Remember to back up your Registry first for safety.

1. Open a Run dialog by pressing Windows R.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.

3. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control prompt.
4. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

<code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows</code>

5. Click on the “System” key on the right. If it's not there, right-click on the “Windows” key on the left and select “New -> Key.”

6. Name the new key “System.”
7. Click on “System” in the left pane, then right-click an empty space in the right pane.
8. Choose “New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

9. Rename this value to “DisableAcrylicBackgroundOnLogon.”
10. Double-click the new value and set its “Value data” to 1.

11. Click “OK” to save the changes and exit the Registry Editor.

12. Once the acrylic blur effect is disabled, your sign-in screen should look normal again.

Tip: Unlock the hidden potential of your Windows OS with these registry hacks to enhance your experience.

How to Resolve Blurry App Icons

If specific apps, including those on the taskbar, are showing a blurry screen, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Adjust Graphic Preferences

Adjust the graphic preferences for the app experiencing blurriness. If you're using Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Settings app with Windows I.
2. Go to “System -> Display.”

3. In the “Related settings” section, click “Graphics.”

4. Select the app causing the issue, then click “Options.”

5. Choose “High-Performance” mode and click “Save.”

6. Restart your computer to see if the blurriness is resolved.
7. For Windows 10 users, navigate to “Settings -> Display -> Graphics settings.”

8. Choose between standard or Microsoft Store app from the drop-down menu.
9. For standard apps, click “Browse” to select the .EXE file. For Microsoft Store apps, select from the second drop-down.

10. Click “Add -> Options.”

11. Select “High Performance” and click “Save.”

Tip: Learn how to install new fonts on your Windows device.

2. Modify the ClearType Text

Try adjusting the ClearType text settings in the Control Panel to fix blurry fonts in apps.

1. Search for “Adjust ClearType Text” in Windows and click “Open.”

2. Select “Turn on ClearType,” then click “Next.”

3. Click “Next” again.

4. Choose your preferred text sample and click “Next.” Repeat this for several screens.

5. Once you've selected the best samples, click “Finish” and close the ClearType Text window.

6. Restart your computer to check if the issue is resolved.

Good to know: If HDR looks bad on your PC, learn what you can do about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I enhance screen visibility in Windows?

To improve screen visibility in Windows, ensure your screen resolution matches your monitor's native resolution. Adjust the scaling settings to display text and icons correctly by going to “Settings -> Display -> Scale & Layout,” and choose the recommended scale option. Additionally, keep your graphics driver updated.

What are other ways to address blurry and pixelated fonts?

If ClearType doesn't resolve blurry or pixelated fonts, try restoring the default font settings or recreating the font cache. This guide discusses various solutions to fix these font issues.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.

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