Fixed: The Display Settings Cannot Be Changed from a Remote Session
This post primarily answers what to do if it says the display settings cannot be changed from a remote session on Windows computers when you need to customize your display. Keep reading if you’re interested.
By Ellie / Updated on November 11, 2022
How do I change my Display settings from a remote session?
Hi, guys. I have a virtual server based on Windows Server 2016 Standard that serves as a Remote desktop Services server. Users who connect to it via the RDC client need to change the scaling of the size of text, apps, and other items from recommended 100% to 125%. However, it says ‘The display settings cannot be changed from a remote session’. Is there any workaround for this issue? ”
- Question from TechNet
How to fix “The display settings cannot be changed from a remote session”
Here we’ll show you how to change display settings if you have encountered “The display settings cannot be changed from a remote session” on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016, for example.
Note: You are only allowed to change display settings like sizes of texts, apps, and other items during an RDP session. Other display configurations like Remote Desktop screen resolutions and color depth need to be changed before the remote session is established.
Step 1. Right-click the desktop within the RDP session, and click on Display settings.
Step 2. Go to Advanced display settings.
Step 3. Go to Advanced sizing of text and other items.
Step 4. Click on set a custom scaling level.
Step 5. Now choose a zoom level (requires logout) and press OK.
Bonus tip: Configure display settings during remote sessions with ease
If you would like to try a free remote desktop software that allows you to change display settings during remote sessions with ease, here we recommend AnyViewer. It offers users shortcuts to easily change resolutions and image qualities.
Step 1. Install and run AnyViewer on both your work and home computers. Navigate to Log in and then Sign up on the Controller computer (if you have already registered on the official website, you can log in directly).
Step 2. Fill out the sign-up form.
Step 3. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.
Step 4. On both devices, log in to the same AnyViewer account, then click One-click control for unattended remote support to establish a direct connection.
Step 5. After connecting successfully, you’ll see the remote desktop. Then you can completely control it and provide remote support just like you’re sitting in front of it. You are able to change the resolution to the one that you need by clicking Screen. If you don't know the appropriate screen resolution, you can also click Adaptive to adapt automatically.
Step 6. Click Mode to change the image quality.
- Notes:✎... It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy high image quality.
Closing words
This post primarily answers what to do if it says the display settings cannot be changed from a remote session on Windows Server 2008 or Windows 10 for example when you need to customize your display. It also notes that some display settings are not allowed to be configured during a remote session, for example, screen resolution and color depth. Please make sure you have these display settings properly set before establishing a remote connection.
Besides, if you want a free remote desktop tool that would allow you to quickly change display settings during a remote session, you’re recommended to use AnyViewer.
