Monitor Overscan and Underscan: Adjust and Fix

What are overscan and underscan?

Overscan and underscan are two display scaling issues that affect how much of the image appears on your monitor. Overscan means the monitor zooms in on the signal, so the edges of the picture are cut off. Underscan means the monitor shrinks the image, leaving a black border around the active area. Both problems prevent you from seeing the full frame, which can hide interface elements or make the picture look misaligned.

These issues are more common when a PC is connected to a television, but they can also appear on monitors, especially when using certain cables or adapters. The cause is usually a mismatch between the signal the graphics card sends and the scaling the display applies. Modern monitors and graphics drivers offer settings to correct this, so you can get a perfect edge-to-edge image.

Why does overscan happen?

Overscan has its roots in older television technology, where broadcasters intentionally drew the picture larger than the screen so that the edges would not show glitches. Many TVs still apply a small amount of overscan by default. When you connect a PC to a TV, the TV may zoom in on the desktop, cutting off the taskbar or window borders.

On a monitor, overscan can occur if the display is set to a scaling mode that enlarges the image, or if the graphics driver is configured to scale the output beyond the panel's native resolution. This is less common on dedicated PC monitors, but it can happen with certain models or when using a TV as a display. If you notice missing parts of the screen, check the monitor's aspect ratio settings first.

Why does underscan happen?

Underscan is the opposite of overscan. The monitor displays the image smaller than the full panel, leaving a black border around the picture. This often happens when a TV is set to a mode that avoids overscan, such as 'Just Scan' or '1:1', but the signal is not filling the screen. It can also occur when the graphics driver is set to a scaling mode that does not stretch the image to the full display area.

On a gaming PC, underscan can make the desktop look smaller and reduce the usable screen area. It is usually easy to fix by adjusting the scaling options in the graphics driver or the monitor's on-screen menu. For a step-by-step guide on setting the correct refresh rate, see how to set monitor refresh rate.

How to adjust overscan and underscan

The exact steps to fix overscan and underscan depend on your graphics card and display, but the general process is similar. First, check the monitor's on-screen menu for a setting like 'Aspect Ratio', 'Screen Fit', or 'Overscan'. Set it to '1:1', 'Just Scan', or 'Full' to disable any cropping. If the monitor does not have such a setting, you can adjust the scaling in the graphics driver.

For NVIDIA graphics cards, open the NVIDIA Control Panel and go to the 'Display' section. Look for 'Adjust desktop size and position' and set the scaling mode to 'Full Screen' or 'Aspect Ratio'. You can also use the 'Size' slider to fine-tune the image. For AMD graphics cards, use the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and look for 'Display' settings, where you can adjust scaling and overscan. Intel integrated graphics have similar options in the Intel Graphics Command Center.

If you are using a TV as a monitor, the TV's remote control may have a 'Picture Size' or 'Aspect Ratio' button. Cycle through the options until the image fills the screen without cropping. Some TVs have a 'PC' input mode that automatically disables overscan, so try switching the input to 'PC' if available. For more on choosing a display, see the best 1440p gaming monitors guide.

Tips for gaming with the full image

For gaming, having the full image visible is important for seeing the entire game world and interface elements. If you notice that the edges of the screen are cut off or there is a black border, adjust the scaling before you start playing. This is especially relevant when using a TV as a display, as many TVs default to overscan.

When you connect a gaming PC to a TV, check the display settings in Windows to ensure the resolution matches the TV's native resolution. You can also use the graphics driver's scaling options to force the correct aspect ratio. For competitive play, a monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time is ideal, and you can find options in the best gaming monitors for PC guide. Additionally, understanding what is a good refresh rate for gaming can help you choose the right display.

Using Windows display settings

Windows itself offers some basic scaling options that can help with overscan and underscan. Go to Settings > System > Display and check the 'Scale and layout' section. Set the scale to 100% for the native resolution. If the image still does not fit, try changing the resolution to a lower setting and then back to the native resolution. This can sometimes reset the display scaling.

If you are using a multi-monitor setup, ensure both monitors are set to their native resolutions. For more on setting up multiple displays, see how to set up dual monitors.

What to pick for your play

Questions

What is the difference between overscan and underscan?

Overscan crops the edges of the image, making it larger than the screen. Underscan shrinks the image, leaving a black border around it. Both are scaling issues that can be fixed by adjusting the display settings.

Why does my monitor have a black border around the picture?

A black border, or underscan, usually happens when the display is set to a scaling mode that does not fill the screen. Check the monitor's aspect ratio settings or the graphics driver's scaling options to fix it. For more on display settings, see how to set monitor refresh rate.

How do I fix overscan on my TV when using a PC?

Look for a 'Picture Size' or 'Aspect Ratio' setting on the TV and select 'Just Scan' or '1:1'. You can also try switching the input to 'PC' mode, which often disables overscan automatically. If the issue persists, adjust the scaling in your graphics driver.

Can overscan or underscan damage my monitor?

No, these are just scaling issues and do not cause any damage. Adjusting the settings will not harm the display.

Do I need a special monitor to avoid overscan?

Most modern monitors have settings to adjust scaling, so you can fix overscan or underscan on any display. However, some monitors offer more precise controls than others. For a guide on choosing a monitor, see best gaming monitors for PC.

Can I fix overscan on a laptop connected to an external monitor?

Yes, the same steps apply. Adjust the external monitor's on-screen menu or the graphics driver settings. Laptops with integrated graphics may have options in the Intel Graphics Command Center or AMD software.

What if my monitor does not have a 'Just Scan' option?

If the monitor lacks a direct setting, you can often fix the issue by adjusting the scaling in the graphics driver. Set the scaling mode to 'Full Screen' and use the size slider to eliminate any borders.