Stretched ultrawide display

The aspect ratio of a 3,840 x 2,160 monitor is 16:9, while the aspect ratio of a 2,560 (which is what I think you mean) x 1,080 monitor is 21:9. That explains the stretching.

2,850 x 1,080 is something of an oddball resolution. 2,560 x 1,080 is more prevalent (because it corresponds more closely to 21:9 which is a common resolution for ultrawides.) Regardless, neither one has the 16:9 aspect ratio of 3,840 x 2,160.

To show the same image in your external monitor, it will need to be 'letter-boxed' to a 16:9 aspect ratio. That means you have to display it in a resolution that works out to a 16:9 aspect ratio, which means the image won't fill the entire screen.

I honestly am not a graphics card nerd, but considering the laptop display is 3840x2160, I would think so.

Not to worry - I can explain.

Your monitor is capable of displaying 3,840 x 2,160 pixels if it receives a 3,840 x 2,160 signal from your graphics card, so your graphics card needs to be able to send a signal with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. The fancy way we say that is that the graphics card 'supports' 3,840 x 2,160. So that's what I'm asking: Does your graphics card support 3,840 x 2,160 and, if so, is that resolution selected in Start > Settings > System > Display > Display Resolution?

Does your graphics adapter (card) support that resolution?

Hi Joel. I'm Greg, awarded MVP for eleven years, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

1. See if the solutions here work for your XPS15 and the similar ultrawide monitors:

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/XPS-15-9560-...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/9d9edh/c...

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/Xps15-9560-w...

Keep in mind you also have a one year manufacturer's support, repair and replacement warranty that comes with the monitor so if problems persist you can call on them. It might also still be under Store return policy.

You might want to try another more compatible monitor if still possible:

https://www.windowscentral.com/best-external-mo...

2. The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or installing in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform.

______________________________________________

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I honestly am not a graphics card nerd, but considering the laptop display is 3840x2160, I would think so.