5 petites modifications d’écran que tout le monde doit effectuer

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 damage or headaches in the long term. 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 so, you can change the screen resolution by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing Display Settings from the menu. You will then find the function you are looking for in the Resolution and Layout section.

Tip: If you change the screen resolution, always keep the image format correct. 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% for better readability. If you have a second screen, you can also use it in a vertical 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. You should ensure that the screen remains comfortable to look at. If the screen is too bright, we strain our eyes unconsciously, which can lead to fatigue and headaches. On the other hand, a screen that is too dark makes reading everything more difficult, also causing problems.

You can find the brightness setting under System and Screen. Here you can also select the night mode, which filters 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 viewing experience when streaming movies or series. Gamma correction can also be useful, as most screens use a standard value. There are calibration tools for this, which you can find online.

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 displaying a wider color range with more detail. Colors become more vivid and vibrant with HDR technology, while bright and dark scenes become more detailed.

3. Positioning and Workspace

You should not underestimate the 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 strain, leading to headaches quickly.

It is also ideal if you can tilt your screen slightly back, where you can reach up to 35 degrees. Otherwise, it is best to keep it straight and in the middle on the desk or in front of you. Frequent viewing from the side also increases neck tension.

4. Screen Refresh Rate

Gamers know the problem. If the refresh rate is too low, what happens on the screen will never appear 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 is reasonable, where nothing should appear delayed. However, the amount the human eye can recognize depends on your viewing habits.

To set the refresh rate of your screen, right-click on the desktop and open Display settings. Choose Display Advanced. Under Choose 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

Finally, 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 crucial if you have any environmental consciousness 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 at 4K or higher resolutions also consume a lot of power. LED screens are also among the most energy-efficient options.