How to Fix Extended Desktop Issues in Windows 7

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Maybe we talked aboutWindows 10a lot these days, but we didn’t forget older Windows operating system. Now, we’re going to solve one really annoyingWindows 7problem.

Here’s how you can solve the issue with extendeddisplayinWindows 7.As you probably know, you can run your Windows OS onmultiple monitorsor screens. Windows integrated a few options that will help you manage what will be showed on each screen.

If you’re using just one monitor, the PC screen option should be enabled by default, because other options could mess up yourdisplay.

And this is why this error occurs. If you’re using a singlemonitor, and you have Extended option enabled, you’ll most likely see only the half of yourdisplay, and you won’t be able to work normally.

Looking for the best virtual desktop software for Windows? Here are our top picks.

FIX: Extended desktop not working on Windows 7

Step 1: Enable Computer Only screen mode

So to solve this issue, you just have to switch your ‘screen mode’ back to Computer only. Here’s how you can do that

After you switched to Computer only mode, your extended screen should be back to normal size.

Step 2: Update your drivers

In case this simple workaround didn’t get the job done, you can always check if your displaydriveris installed correctly, because corrupted or outdated displaydrivercould also cause somegraphicalissues.

This method should basically fix yourWindows 7extendeddisplayproblem.

Step 3: Run the hardware troubleshooter

However, if you’re experiencing extendeddisplayresolution problems, you can runWindows 7‘s built-in Hardware and Devices troubleshooter from Control Panel.

Step 4: Check your cables

If nothing worked, then most likely this problem is caused by hardware incompatibilities or faulty hardware pieces. Make sure you’re using the right cables to connect your Windows 7 computer to your monitor.

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to contact us using the comments section below.

RELATED GUIDES TO CHECK OUT:

How to Fix Extended Desktop Issues in Windows 7#

FIX: Extended desktop not working on Windows 7#

Step 1: Enable Computer Only screen mode#

Step 2: Update your drivers#

Step 3: Run the hardware troubleshooter#

Step 4: Check your cables#