If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer or laptop, chances are you have a screen in front of you. However, very few people care whether their screen is properly set up or not.
Whether you use the screen for work, gaming, or just browsing, improperly adjusting the screen can lead to eye strain or headaches in the long run. Here’s how to avoid the biggest mistakes.
Read more: Best screens for 2024: Gaming, 4K, HDR, and more
1. Resolution and Scaling
First, make sure to set your screen to its native resolution. This is the highest resolution supported by your screen and provides the best image quality.
Windows usually recognizes this automatically. However, when switching to a different screen mode, such as split-screen mode, the resolution may become blurry. If that’s the case, you can change the screen resolution by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Display Settings” from the menu. Then you will find the function you are looking for in the “Scale and Layout” section.
Tip: If you change the screen resolution, always keep the correct aspect ratio. This means 16:9 or 4:3, for example, to prevent distorted images.
In the scaling settings, you can also adjust the size of the applications on the screen. We recommend 150 percent for better readability. If you have a second screen, you can also use it in portrait format to make reading long texts easier.
2. Brightness and Contrast
It is also important to optimize the screen brightness, especially in changing lighting conditions. Make sure the screen remains comfortable to look at. If the screen is too bright, we strain our eyes unconsciously, leading to fatigue and headaches. On the other hand, a screen that is too dark makes reading everything more difficult, causing problems as well.
You can find the brightness settings under “System” and “Screen.” Here you can also select the Night Mode, which filters out blue light and is therefore perfect when sitting in front of the screen in the evening. However, this is not recommended if you are editing photos or playing video games, as the colors will be severely distorted.
You can also improve the contrast so that the image on your screen remains clear. There are online tests to check the contrast value. Correct contrast helps improve the viewing experience when streaming movies or series. Gamma correction can also be useful, as most screens use a standard value. There are calibration tools available online where you can find them.
For the best contrasts, it is also recommended to use a screen that supports HDR technology. Windows 11 also has an HDR mode that you can activate. This allows for a wider color range with more detail. Colors are more vivid and vibrant with HDR technology, while bright and dark scenes become more detailed.
3. Positioning and Ergonomics
Do not underestimate your workspace environment. As a general rule, there should be a distance of 50 to 70 cm between your head and the screen. If the screen is too close or too far away, it will not only harm your eyes but also your neck.
You should also adjust the screen height so that the top edge is either at eye level or slightly lower. If you have to look up while reading, your neck will stretch, leading to headaches quickly.
It is also ideal if you can tilt your screen back slightly, up to 35 degrees. Otherwise, it is best to keep it straight and centered on the desk in front of you. Frequently looking to the side also increases tension in the neck.
4. Screen Refresh Rate
Gamers know the problem. If the refresh rate is too low, what is happening on the screen will never look smooth. While 60 Hz is more than enough for most people, you should choose a higher frequency for gaming.
This can make a big difference, especially in multiplayer games. Up to 144 Hz makes sense, where nothing should appear delayed. However, the amount the human eye can perceive depends on your viewing habits.
To set the refresh rate of your screen, right-click on the desktop and open display settings. Choose “Advanced Display.” Under “Select refresh rate,” you can now adjust the desired value. The maximum is set by the manufacturer, so it is best to check the maximum hertz value possible at the time of purchase.
5. Power Consumption
Last but not least, you should monitor your screen’s power consumption, especially when working in a home office or during long gaming sessions. Otherwise, consumption can quickly rise with all other devices.
Using power-saving mode is essential if you have any environmental awareness at all. If you are away from the screen for a long time, it should automatically turn off. If you are not using the screen at all, it is best to completely disconnect it from the power source.
If the brightness is set too high, the screen will consume more power. High-resolution screens, like 4K or higher, also consume a lot of power. LED screens are also among the most energy-efficient options.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and has been translated and localized from German.
