How to Fix Overscan and Underscan Between a TV and Computer

Connecting a computer to a TV should provide a clear, full-screen display that matches your screen’s resolution perfectly. However, many users encounter issues like overscan, where parts of the desktop are cut off, or underscan, where the display appears too small with black borders around the picture. These problems can make text hard to read, images look cropped, or the overall viewing experience feel off. Fortunately, fixing overscan and underscan is usually straightforward once you understand the cause and know where to adjust settings. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to achieve a crisp, properly scaled display between your computer and TV, ensuring you get the best visual quality possible.

What You’ll Need

• A computer with a compatible graphics card (most modern GPUs support these adjustments)
• An HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable connecting your computer to your TV
• Access to your computer’s graphics driver settings (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Settings, Intel Graphics Command Center)
• Optional: TV remote or on-screen menu to adjust TV settings (such as Picture Size or Aspect Ratio)

Step-by-Step

1. Connect your computer to the TV using the appropriate cable (HDMI is most common). Ensure the connection is secure and the TV is set to the correct input source.
2. Turn on your computer and TV. Once both are powered, you should see your desktop on the TV. If not, check the cable connections and input source.
3. Access your graphics card’s control panel. For NVIDIA, right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.” For AMD, open “Radeon Settings.” For Intel, launch “Graphics Command Center” or “Intel Graphics Control Panel.”
4. Locate the display or screen resolution settings within the control panel. Make sure the resolution matches your TV’s native resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 for Full HD, 3840×2160 for 4K).
5. Adjust the scaling options. For NVIDIA, navigate to “Display” > “Adjust desktop size and position.” For AMD, go to “Display” > “Scaling Mode.” For Intel, find “Display” > “Scaling.”
6. Set the scaling mode to either “Aspect ratio” or “Maintain aspect ratio.” This prevents stretching and helps keep the image proportionate.
7. Look for a setting called “Override the scaling mode set by games and programs” or similar, and enable it if available. This ensures your adjustments take effect universally.
8. Test the display. If overscan persists (edges cut off), try reducing the scaling or adjusting the “Size” or “Underscan” slider until the image fits the screen perfectly.
9. Alternatively, access your TV’s picture settings via its remote or menu. Look for options like “Picture Size,” “Aspect Ratio,” “Just Scan,” or “Screen Fit,” and select the mode that displays the full image without cropping or borders.
10. Repeat the process of adjusting either your graphics card settings or TV settings until the image is correctly scaled, with no cut-off edges or black borders.
11. Once satisfied, save your settings and enjoy a perfectly scaled display that makes the most of your TV’s resolution and your computer’s graphics capabilities.

Common Mistakes

• Not setting the resolution to the TV’s native resolution, leading to blurry or stretched images.
• Ignoring the TV’s own aspect ratio settings, which can override your computer’s adjustments.
• Using default graphics driver settings without customizing scaling options, resulting in overscan or underscan.
• Forgetting to check both the graphics card control panel and the TV’s picture settings, missing the opportunity to fine-tune display fit.
• Connecting with incompatible cables or ports that do not support proper scaling or resolution features.

Tips

• Always use the highest quality cable supported by your devices, such as HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4, for 4K or high-refresh-rate displays.
• Update your graphics drivers regularly to access the latest scaling and resolution features.
• Consult your TV’s user manual for specific instructions on adjusting picture size or aspect ratio modes.
• If your TV has a “Game Mode” or “PC Mode,” enable it to reduce input lag and improve display scaling.
• Experiment with different scaling modes in your graphics settings — “Aspect,” “Full Screen,” “Maintain Display Scaling” — to find what works best for your setup.

Troubleshooting

If the display still isn’t correct after following these steps, try the following:

• Restart your computer and TV to refresh the connection and settings.
• Check all cable connections for damage or loose fittings, and replace cables if necessary.
• Update your graphics card drivers from the manufacturer’s website to ensure compatibility with your display.
• Reset your TV’s picture settings to default, then reconfigure the aspect ratio or picture size options.
• If using an HDMI splitter or switcher, connect directly to the TV to eliminate potential signal degradation.
• Test your setup with a different cable or port to rule out hardware issues.
• Try connecting to a different TV or monitor to determine if the problem is with the display or the computer’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my TV showing black borders around the screen?

This usually indicates underscan or a mismatch between your computer’s resolution and the TV’s display mode. Adjusting scaling settings or selecting the correct aspect ratio on your TV can fix it.

2. How do I know my resolution is set correctly?

Check your display settings on your computer to ensure the resolution matches your TV’s native resolution, such as 1920×1080 or 3840×2160. The image should fill the screen without cropping or borders.

3. Can I fix overscan without changing TV settings?

Yes, most graphics cards allow you to adjust scaling options in their control panels, which can fix overscan without modifying TV settings. However, some TVs require specific picture modes for optimal display.

4. What if my TV doesn’t have a “Just Scan” or “Screen Fit” mode?

Try selecting “Full” or “Native” in your TV’s aspect ratio options. If unavailable, adjusting the scaling in your graphics driver is often the best alternative.

5. Why does my display look blurry after fixing overscan?

This can happen if the resolution isn’t set to the TV’s native resolution or if the scaling settings are improperly configured. Ensure resolution matches the TV’s native resolution and use the correct scaling mode.

6. Is it better to fix overscan/underscan through the TV or the computer?

Ideally, fix the issue through your graphics driver settings first. If that doesn’t work, adjust the TV’s picture size or aspect ratio settings for the best result.

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