How to Change Your Monitor's Resolution

Screen Resolution

Right-click on your desktop.
Select "Properties"; The "Display Properties" dialogue box will open.
Select the "Settings" tab.
Move slider on lower left to your desired resolution .
Click "Apply".
A small dialogue box will ask you if you want to keep this new resolution; if you don't click it within 15 seconds, it will revert to your old resolution. You may also select the "No" option at this point to achieve the same result.
However, if you like the new resolution, select "Yes". If you change your mind later, you just repeat the above processes.

Most computers default to 32-bit colors, which can place a strain on your whole system. If you're a game player or graphic designer or some other occupation revolving around the precise use of color, your monitor should be specially calibrated for that purpose.
For the rest of us, changing the 32-bit color resolution (16.7 million colors, more than the human eye can see) to 16-bit resolution (32K colors) puts less of strain on your system and you won't notice the difference.
To change the setting, follow the steps above; on the "Settings" tab, look on the bottom right and click where it says "32-bit color". Select "16-bit color" and press "OK".
The first thing you'll notice is that everything looks exactly the same.

Updated: November 18, 2005