How do I change the active signal?

Travis Yoder 0 Reputation points
2026-09-22T14:30:05.1633333+00:00

Hi,

I went to display, advanced settings, List Modes changed the resolution from 1920X1200 to 1920X1080, however, the active signal did not change to 1920X1080. I am perplexed on how to change that, it will not display to my TV in duplicate mode. Please advise on how to fix that active signal.

Thank you, Travis Yoder

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. David-M 127.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-22T15:09:15.0433333+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    This issue happens because Desktop Resolution is the internal resolution Windows renders for your apps, while Active Signal Resolution is the physical signal timing your graphics card actually sends to the TV.

    When duplicating screens with different native specs (like a 1920x1200 monitor and a 1920x1080 TV), Windows often locks the Active Signal to the main monitor's higher native resolution. Most TVs cannot process a 1920x1200 signal over HDMI, which causes the TV to show a black screen or an unsupported signal error.

    To help you set the correct signal for your hardware, please reply with a screenshot of your Display Adapters in Device Manager.

    1. Open "Device Manager" (Windows + X and select Device Manager);
    2. Expand "Display adapters" and take a screenshot.

    Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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