How to change screen resolution on Windows Server 2008 Server Core

Monday, September 24, 2007
Since Windows Server 2008 Server Core doesn't have access to display properties, you must change the screen resolution using the registry. Here's how:

  • Log into Server Core with an admin account
  • Run Regedit from the command prompt and modify the following reg keys:
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video
  • There, you will find one or more GUIDs. Expand each one to find the one with a VolatileSettings subkey under the 0000 subkey (usually the first GUID)
  • Double-click the 0000 key and modify the DefaultSettings.XResolution and DefaultSettings.YResolution values to set your resolution
  • Close Regedit
  • Logoff and log back on to receive the new resolution settings

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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 13, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Sweet, works like a charm. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 12, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    I can't find DefaultSettings.XResolution and DefaultSettings.YResolution... pls help me

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jeff Guillet - @exptaApril 12, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    You need to go through all the GUIDs under HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video to find the one with the values.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LifeboyMay 24, 2010 at 3:19 AM

    And what does one do when none of the GUIDs have DefaultSettings.[X|Y]Reolution?

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousAugust 8, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    Found it in Video of first GUID. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. VitorMarch 30, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    Does anyone know about doing it on Windows Server 8 Beta?

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJune 6, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    i am not able to find this path in regedit HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJune 10, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    it's actula HKEY

    ReplyDelete

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