How to Set Up A 4K Monitor on Windows 10?

20 minutes read

To set up a 4K monitor on Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

  1. Begin by connecting your 4K monitor to your computer using the appropriate cable, such as an HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
  2. After connecting the monitor, right-click on any empty space on your desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
  3. In the Display settings window, scroll down to the "Scale and layout" section. Here, you will see an option labeled "Scale and layout." Adjust the scaling options to your preference. It's recommended to set it to 100% or 150% for a 4K monitor, depending on your visual preferences and the monitor's size.
  4. Next, scroll further down to the "Resolution" section. You should see a drop-down menu with different resolution options for your monitor. Select the highest available resolution, which would be the native resolution of your 4K monitor. Typically, it will be labeled as "3840 x 2160" or "4096 x 2160."
  5. After selecting the appropriate resolution, Windows will ask you to confirm the change. Click on the "Apply" button to proceed.
  6. Windows will now adjust the display settings and switch to the selected 4K resolution. If the screen goes black or displays an error message, Windows will automatically revert to the previous settings after a few seconds. This is normal, and you can try a different resolution or proceed to the next step.
  7. In some cases, you may need to update your graphics driver to ensure the best compatibility and performance with your 4K monitor. To do this, right-click on the Windows Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu. Expand the "Display adapters" section, right-click on your graphics card, and choose "Update driver" or "Search automatically for updated driver software." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
  8. Once the display settings are configured and your graphics driver is up-to-date, you should be able to enjoy the crisp visuals of your 4K monitor on Windows 10.


Remember that the interface of some applications may not be optimized for high-resolution displays, resulting in smaller texts or icons. In such cases, you can try adjusting the scaling settings for individual applications if supported.


Keep in mind that these instructions may vary slightly depending on your system configuration, monitor model, and graphics card. It's always a good idea to refer to the user manual for your specific monitor and consult the manufacturer's support resources if you encounter any issues.

Best 4k Monitors of 2024

1
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync (LU32J590UQNXZA),Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync (LU32J590UQNXZA),Black

  • WIDESCREEN UHD: With 4x the pixels of Full HD, get more screen space (vs 16:9 screen) and UHD images; View documents & webpages w/ less scrolling, work more comfortably w/ multiple windows & toolbars, and enjoy photos, videos & games in stunning 4K
  • A BILLION COLOR SHADES: Supporting a billion shades of color, the UJ59 delivers incredibly vivid and realistic images; Its color accuracy means colors appear true to life, making the UJ59 ideal for photo, video and graphics applications
  • SEAMLESS UPSCALING: Samsung’s UHD upscaling technology includes signal analysis and detail enhancement that seamlessly upconverts SD, HD and Full HD content to near UHD-level picture quality
  • WIDESCREEN 4K GAMING: With 8.3 million pixels supporting a wide range of colors and resolving every image with astonishing clarity, UHD gives you a wider view for a truly thrilling and immersive gaming experience
  • SMOOTHER GAMEPLAY: AMD FreeSync synchronizes the refresh rate of your graphics card & monitor to reduce image tear & stutter; Low Input Lag Mode minimizes the delay between mouse, keyboard or joystick input and onscreen response for smooth gaming
2
HP OMEN 27k UHD 144Hz Gaming Monitor, 4K UHD Display (3840 x 2160), IPS Panel, 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, 16:9, OMEN Gaming Hub, 27k (2023),Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

HP OMEN 27k UHD 144Hz Gaming Monitor, 4K UHD Display (3840 x 2160), IPS Panel, 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, 16:9, OMEN Gaming Hub, 27k (2023),Black

  • UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE - Get lost in the captivating definition and ultra-precise details of 4K resolution on this 27” diagonal monitor. The pixel dense 3840 x 2160 resolution transforms your game into a remarkable, lifelike experience
  • VISUALS BEYOND IMAGINATION - Get deeper hues and a wide array of colors with 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 for precisely recreated colors so lifelike you get lost in your gameplay
  • THE JOY HQ - Behold your gaming headquarters. Whether you’re playing in or out of game, quickly switch between devices and control them with the same keyboard & mouse thanks to the KVM switch
  • REFINE YOUR PLAY SPACE - Made to impress in and out of game, the new OMEN look blends sophistication and fun to elevate what a gaming setup can look like. Through aRGB lighting and integrated dual speakers, make your play space just how you like it
  • ALL YOUR FUN, CUSTOM - Play around with every possible setting in OMEN Gaming Hub—a one-stop shop for customizing your ecosystem. Make your monitor, any PC, and select accessories work better together the way you want
  • EVERY MOTION AND PIXEL KEEPS UP WITH YOU - How fast your pixels can react to changing frames is critical for fast-paced gaming, and a 1ms GtG response time with Overdrive ensures even the most action-packed moments are fluid, crisp, and free of motion blur
  • EASILY MAKE OUT DETAILS - See details even in shadow and replicate reality on your screen with VESA DisplayHDR 400 for enhanced contrast, deeper shadows and brighter highlights
  • NEXT GEN CONSOLE COMPATIBLE - Compatible with any console, and get 120FPS at 4K through HDMI 2.1 on the latest consoles
  • ADJUSTABLE STAND - Find comfort while you game with 100mm of height adjust, pivot and tilt capabilities
  • HP EYE EASE WITH EYESAFE CERTIFICATION - Keep your screentime comfortable with beautiful colors while reducing blue light.
3
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28” Monitor, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS, Adaptive-Sync/ FreeSync, Eye Care, DisplayPort HDMI, DCI-P3 HDR 10, Shadow Boost, Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28” Monitor, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS, Adaptive-Sync/ FreeSync, Eye Care, DisplayPort HDMI, DCI-P3 HDR 10, Shadow Boost, Black

  • 28-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS DCI-P3 grade gaming monitor for stunning crisp and detailed visuals.Specific uses for product - Gaming
  • Compatible with industry-standard HDR10 high dynamic range for color and brightness levels that exceed the capabilities of ordinary monitors
  • FreeSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
  • Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without over-exposing bright areas
  • Rich Connectivity with HDMI (v2.0) x2 and DisplayPort 1.2 ports
  • Supports both Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards and FreeSync with AMD Radeon graphics cards Compatible with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer graphics cards
  • What's in the box: DisplayPort cable, Power cord, Warranty card, Quick Start guide
4
Dell S2721QS 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, AMD FreeSync (HDMI, DisplayPort), VESA Certified, Silver

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Dell S2721QS 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, AMD FreeSync (HDMI, DisplayPort), VESA Certified, Silver

  • IMMERSIVE DISPLAY: Experience stunning 4K UHD with a three-sided ultrathin bezel design, providing immersive viewing with 4 times the resolution of Full HD. Supports HDR content playback for a lifelike visual experience.Specific uses for product - Gaming.Pixel Per Inch : 163. Brightness : 350 cd/m².Horizontal Viewing Angle : 178°. Vertical Viewing Angle : 178°
  • ELEGENT DESIGN: The back side of this monitor features a subtle textured pattern that gives it a unique look. It brings the feeling of a harmonious blend of great style and quality into every living space.
  • COMFORT VIEW: Customize your viewing experience with a height adjustable stand, tilt, swivel & pivot features, ensuring all-day comfort and ergonomic versatility.
  • SEAMLEASS SWITCHING: Built-in dual HDMI ports keep your devices always plugged in and let you effortlessly switch between streaming and console gaming.
5
SAMSUNG 43" Odyssey Neo G7 Series 4K UHD Smart Gaming Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms, VESA Display HDR600, Quantum Matrix Technology, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, LS43CG702NNXZA, 2023, Black

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

SAMSUNG 43" Odyssey Neo G7 Series 4K UHD Smart Gaming Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms, VESA Display HDR600, Quantum Matrix Technology, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, LS43CG702NNXZA, 2023, Black

  • QUANTUM MATRIX TECHNOLOGY: Quantum Matrix Technology w/ Quantum Mini LEDs create controlled brightness and impressive contrast for games to come to life; Plus, advanced 12-bit back light unit allows detailed HDR control for unmatched picture quality*.Power Supply Type : AC100-240V 50/60Hz. Power Cable Length : 1.5 m
  • VESA DISPLAY HDR600: Experience a new level of multi-entertainment with life-like visuals; With 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and VESA Display HDR600, both videos and games deliver abundant, deeper blacks and greater color detail*Sync Premium Pro
  • SMART TV EXPERIENCE: Enjoy your favorite shows and movies through the Smart TV apps; Take a break from marathon gaming sessions and catch up on must-see streaming content with just a simple Wi-Fi connection**
  • SAMSUNG GAMING HUB: The best of gaming all in one place; Samsung Gaming Hub allows instant access to top cloud gaming services and your favorite consoles; Smooth visuals and responsive gameplay are powered by advanced game streaming technology***
  • 4K GAMING REFRESH RATES: 144Hz refresh rate eliminates lag for gameplay with ultra-smooth action; Identify enemies with elite precision with a 1ms(MPRT) response time , precise mouse movements, and blur-free frames with minimized ghosting*
  • AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM PRO: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low frame rate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
  • MATTE DISPLAY: Focus only on what matters; The matte display absorbs, but does not reflect, artificial and natural light, minimizing glare and keeping you immersed during the toughest battles and hardest levels*
  • FLEX MOVE SCREEN: Optimize your gaming setup for boosted performance with Flex Move Screen by adjusting the on-screen size from 43 to 20 inches so you can maintain a winning position****
  • ULTRAWIDE GAME VIEW: Extend the screen and uncover unseen areas of game worlds with the Ultrawide Game View feature; Expand the aspect ratio easily from 16:9 to 21:9 to gain a competitive edge****
  • GAME BAR: Easily view the status of the most important settings such as FPS or HDR; Modify response time or screen ratio, as well as the game picture mode, without having to leave your game screen to keep you focused on your goal*
6
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor - UHD (3840 x 2160) Display, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 8MS Grey-to-Grey Response Time (Normal Mode), Built-in Dual 3W Speakers, 1.07 Billion Colors Platinum Silver

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor - UHD (3840 x 2160) Display, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 8MS Grey-to-Grey Response Time (Normal Mode), Built-in Dual 3W Speakers, 1.07 Billion Colors Platinum Silver

  • SUPERIOR SCREEN: With a three-sided ultrathin bezel design that lets you to see more without interruptions, high functionality meets superb style. Enjoy crisp visuals with an impressive 4.0ms response time.Specific uses for product - Business.Pixel per inch (PPI) : 163. Operating Temperature : 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
  • COMFORT COMES FIRST: Customize your views with a height-adjustable stand and a monitor that tilts, swivels and pivots so you look your best and feel your best during work sessions or movie binges.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: Easily charge and connect your laptop on this USB-C monitor. This single-cable solution reduces clutter on your desktop and transmits power, video, audio and data—all at once.
  • INTEGRATED SPEAKERS: This usb-c monitor comes equipped with everything you need including built-in dual 3W integrated speakers.
  • PERSONALIZED COMFORT: Customize your views with a height-adjustable stand that tilts, swivels and pivots allowing you to view at your most optimal position.


How to set up a 4K monitor as the primary display on Windows 10?

To set up a 4K monitor as the primary display on Windows 10, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your 4K monitor to your computer using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
  2. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
  3. In the "Display settings" window, you will see multiple displays listed. Identify the 4K monitor you want to set as the primary display.
  4. Click on the desired 4K monitor and scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section.
  5. Check the box "Make this my main display" under the "Multiple displays" section. This will set the selected 4K monitor as the primary display.
  6. Adjust any other display settings you wish to modify, such as screen resolution, display orientation, or scaling.
  7. Click "Apply" to save the changes. Your 4K monitor should now be set as the primary display.


Note: If you don't see the desired monitor in the "Display settings" window, make sure the monitor is properly connected and turned on. You may need to click "Detect" to refresh the display connection or check the physical cable connection.


How to connect a 4K monitor to a Windows 10 laptop?

To connect a 4K monitor to a Windows 10 laptop, you need to ensure that your laptop and monitor support 4K resolution and have the necessary ports. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Check the ports: Look for the available video ports on your laptop and the 4K monitor. The most common ports for video output are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C/Thunderbolt.
  2. Determine the correct cable: Based on the available ports on your laptop and the monitor, choose the appropriate cable. For example, if both devices have an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI cable. If the laptop has a USB-C port and the monitor has a DisplayPort, you may need to use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or an adapter.
  3. Connect the cable: Plug one end of the cable into the appropriate port on your laptop and the other end into the corresponding port on the 4K monitor.
  4. Turn on the monitor: Connect the monitor to a power source and turn it on. Ensure that it's set to the correct input source using the monitor's menu settings.
  5. Configure display settings: Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." In the Settings window, you should see the connected monitor listed. Select the monitor and adjust the resolution to 3840x2160 (4K). You can also choose the orientation and scaling options to fit your preferences.
  6. Apply settings: Click "Apply" to save the changes. Windows may ask you to confirm the resolution change. If the screen appears cropped or distorted, you may need to adjust the display settings further or update your graphics drivers.


Note: In some cases, laptops may have limitations on the maximum resolution or refresh rate they can support. Ensure that your laptop specifications are compatible with the 4K display you want to connect. Additionally, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.


How to adjust brightness and contrast on a 4K monitor in Windows 10?

To adjust brightness and contrast on a 4K monitor in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the drop-down menu.
  2. In the Display settings, scroll down and locate the "Brightness and color" section.
  3. Adjust the slider under "Brightness" to increase or decrease the brightness level according to your preference.
  4. To adjust contrast, click on the "Advanced display settings" link located below the brightness slider.
  5. In the Advanced display settings, locate and click on the "Color calibration" link.
  6. The Display Color Calibration wizard will open. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust the contrast.


Alternatively, some 4K monitors have built-in buttons or controls to adjust brightness and contrast directly on the monitor itself. Consult your monitor's user manual for specific instructions on adjusting these settings.


How to enable and configure adaptive sync on a 4K monitor in Windows 10?

To enable and configure adaptive sync on a 4K monitor in Windows 10, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your monitor supports adaptive sync technology. Most modern 4K monitors usually support it, but you can check the manufacturer's website or the monitor's manual for confirmation.
  2. Ensure your graphics card also supports adaptive sync. NVIDIA GPUs support Adaptive Sync under the name "G-Sync Compatible," while AMD GPUs support it under "FreeSync." Check the respective manufacturer's website for a list of supported graphics cards.
  3. Connect your 4K monitor to your computer using a DisplayPort cable. Adaptive sync is typically supported through DisplayPort instead of HDMI.
  4. Once your monitor is connected, right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu.
  5. In the Display settings window, scroll down to the "Advanced display settings" section and click on "Display adapter properties for Display X" (where X represents the number associated with your 4K monitor).
  6. In the Graphics Properties window that opens, go to the "Display" tab, and check if you have an option for Adaptive Sync or FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible. If the option is available, enable it and click "Apply."
  7. If you don't find an adaptive sync option in the Graphics Properties window, you may need to update your graphics driver to the latest version. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the appropriate driver for your GPU model. Install the driver and restart your computer.
  8. After updating the driver, repeat steps 4 to 6 and check again for the adaptive sync option. If it is still not available, ensure that your monitor's firmware is up to date. Check the manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates specific to your model and follow their instructions for installation.
  9. Once enabled, you may want to configure additional adaptive sync settings specific to your monitor. To do this, access your monitor's settings menu using the physical buttons on the monitor. Look for options related to adaptive sync, such as overdrive or response time settings. Adjust these settings according to your preferences.
  10. Finally, test if adaptive sync is functioning correctly by running a game or application that supports it. Check for smoother motion and reduced tearing or stuttering. If everything is working as expected, you have successfully enabled and configured adaptive sync on your 4K monitor in Windows 10.


What is the ideal screen refresh rate for gaming on a 4K monitor in Windows 10?

The ideal screen refresh rate for gaming on a 4K monitor in Windows 10 would typically be 60Hz. Most 4K monitors have a default refresh rate of 60Hz, which means they can display up to 60 frames per second. This refresh rate is suitable for most gaming scenarios and provides smooth gameplay experience. However, some high-end 4K monitors may support higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz or even 144Hz, which can provide even smoother motion and more responsive gaming experience if your graphics card can handle it.

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