NVIDIA Control Panel Custom Resolution Greyed Out?

Custom resolutions in the NVIDIA Control Panel are often sought after by users for various reasons, one of which is to resolve issues related to refresh rates. For instance, users unable to achieve desired refresh rates like 144hz or 240hz often find that setting a custom resolution can be a useful workaround. This approach is also common for creating a more tailored display setup, catering to specific gaming or professional needs where higher refresh rates are crucial for smoother visuals and enhanced performance.

However, a common issue arises when users attempt to set these custom resolutions in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Upon navigating to the “Change Resolution” setting page, they find the “Customize” button, which is crucial for this process, inexplicably greyed out. This issue can be frustrating, especially when the need for a custom resolution is pressing. The following solutions aim to address this problem, providing straightforward and effective methods to make the custom resolution button clickable again.

NVIDIA Control Panel Custom Resolution Greyed Out

Also see: 144Hz Monitor Only Showing 60Hz in Windows 11, Why?

Page Contents

Solution 1: Disabling Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) Factors

The first and most common solution to the greyed out “Customize” button for setting custom resolutions in NVIDIA Control Panel involves disabling the Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) factors. NVIDIA Control Panel often accompanies the greyed-out button with a message guiding users to this solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disable DSR factors:

Open NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel” from the context menu to open it.
Navigate to Manage 3D Settings: On the left-hand panel, click on “Manage 3D Settings” under the 3D Settings category.
Access Global Settings: In the Manage 3D Settings page, go to the “Global Settings” tab.
Locate DSR – Factors: Scroll through the list of settings until you find “DSR – Factors”. This option allows the control of Dynamic Super Resolution, which enhances your game’s graphics by rendering it at a higher resolution and then scaling it down.
Disable DSR Factors: Click on “DSR – Factors” and uncheck any selected factors. You might see options like “2.00x” checked. Ensure no factors are selected; when none are selected, “DSR – Factors” should display “Off”.
Apply changes: Click ‘Apply’ at the bottom right of the NVIDIA Control Panel window to save your changes.
Return to Change Resolution settings: Now, navigate back to the “Change Resolution” settings under the Display category in the NVIDIA Control Panel.
Check the Customize button: The “Customize” button should now be active. Click on it to proceed with adding and customizing your desired resolutions.

By turning off the Dynamic Super Resolution factors, you effectively inform the NVIDIA software that you wish to manually manage resolution settings, thereby unlocking the customization options.

Linked issue: Windows 11 Screen Resolution Greyed Out, What to do?

Solution 2: Switching to a lower resolution first

If disabling Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) factors doesn’t resolve the issue, another effective workaround involves temporarily switching to a lower resolution. This method has been widely discussed and suggested in various online forums, including Reddit. Here’s how to correctly execute this workaround:

Access the NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel”.
Go to Change Resolution: Within the Control Panel, select “Change Resolution” under the Display category.
Select a lower resolution: In the Change Resolution panel, you’ll see a list of available resolutions for your display. Choose a resolution that is lower than your current setting. For instance, if you are currently at 1920×1080, you might select 1600×900 or a similar lower resolution.
Apply the lower resolution: Click “Apply” to change to the selected lower resolution. Confirm the change if prompted.
Check the Customize button: After switching to the lower resolution, revisit the “Customize” button. It should now be clickable, allowing you to proceed with custom resolution settings.
Return to preferred resolution: Once you have accessed and set up your custom resolution, you can switch back to your original or preferred resolution.

This workaround is particularly useful as it seems to refresh the settings within the NVIDIA Control Panel, overcoming any temporary glitches that might be causing the “Customize” button to be greyed out.

Related resource: How to Change Desktop Screen Refresh Rate in Windows 11

Solution 3: Restarting the computer after disabling DSR Factors

Sometimes, the simplest solution can be the most effective. If the previous methods haven’t worked, restarting your computer can help. This is especially true if you have already disabled the Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) factors. A restart can ensure that all changes are fully implemented and can resolve any lingering issues. Here’s what to do:

Disable DSR Factors: Before proceeding with the restart, ensure that the DSR factors in the NVIDIA Control Panel are turned off, as explained in the first solution.
Restart your computer: Save any open work and restart your computer. This can be done through the Start menu or by pressing the power button on your device, depending on your preferences and system setup.
Reopen NVIDIA Control Panel: After your computer has restarted and you’ve logged back in, reopen the NVIDIA Control Panel by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting it from the context menu.
Check the Customize button: Navigate to the “Change Resolution” section under the Display category. The “Customize” button should now be active and clickable.

A restart can help reset any temporary software glitches or conflicts that might be preventing the NVIDIA Control Panel from functioning correctly. It’s a tried-and-true method for resolving many computer-related issues, including this one.

Reinstalling NVIDIA Control Panel

If all the above solutions fail, it might be time to consider reinstalling the NVIDIA Control Panel. This step can help resolve any underlying issues related to software corruption or outdated components. Here’s how to do it:

Uninstall NVIDIA Control Panel:
- Go to the “Settings” on your computer.
- Click on “Apps” and then “Installed apps”.
- Find the NVIDIA Control Panel in the list of installed programs.
- Click on it and select “Uninstall”. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Restart your computer: After uninstalling, restart your computer to ensure that all components of the NVIDIA Control Panel are completely removed.
Reinstall NVIDIA drivers:
- Visit the NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. The installation package typically includes the NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Run the installation file and follow the instructions to install the drivers and the Control Panel. Make sure to perform a clean installation if prompted, as this will remove any previous settings that might cause conflicts.
Open NVIDIA Control Panel: After installation, right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel” to open it.
Check the Customize button: Navigate to the “Change Resolution” section and check if the “Customize” button is now available.

Reinstalling the NVIDIA Control Panel and drivers ensures that you have the latest version and can help fix any issues that were a result of corrupted or outdated software.

Summing up

In most situations, the “Customize” button for setting custom resolutions in the NVIDIA Control Panel is greyed out due to settings related to NVIDIA’s Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) factors. These factors, when enabled, can restrict access to custom resolution settings. Turning off the DSR factors is usually the most effective way to enable the “Customize” button, allowing you to proceed with setting up your desired resolutions.

However, there are rare instances where this solution alone might not do the trick. In such cases, a simple yet effective workaround is to switch to a lower resolution temporarily. This action can refresh the Control Panel’s settings, making the “Customize” button clickable again.