Windows 11 has undoubtedly brought a sleek and modernized experience to the OS game, but let's talk about those occasional "hiccups." One common issue that’s been resurfacing is the “missing Display option” from the Windows Settings menu. You’re itching to tweak that screen resolution or switch up your display arrangement, and bam—nothing. It's as if the settings simply packed up and left. But fear not—this isn't an unsolvable mystery, and here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the issue step by step.
Pro Tip: Did you know Windows has built-in Driver & Optional Updates in Settings? Check it out under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates.
Source: The Windows Club https://www.thewindowsclub.com/display-option-missing-from-windows-settings-windows
Why Is the Display Option Missing?
Before diving headlong into the fixes, let’s talk about possible reasons behind this vanishing act. The absence of the Display option in Settings may result from:- System glitches: A simple software hiccup after an update or operation.
- Driver mishaps: Outdated or buggy graphics drivers throwing Windows into disarray.
- Group Policy restrictions: If you’re in an organizational environment, admin-configured policies could hide the display settings.
- Corrupted system files: These can cause functionality to disappear altogether.
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Restart Your Computer
Let’s start simple. Sometimes your computer just needs a reboot to shake off a minor glitch that's affecting system functionality. Here’s what to do:- Click Start, then the Power button, and select Restart.
- Once back on, check if the Display option has reappeared in Settings > System > Display.
2. Reset or Repair the Settings App
Ah, the Settings app—your go-to for all system tweaks. But it’s not immune to corruption or failure. Resetting or repairing the app might just bring back that elusive Display page. Here’s how to do it:- Press Win + S and type
Settingsinto the search bar. - Right-click on Settings, then choose App settings.
- Scroll down to the Reset or Repair option.
- First, click Repair to fix the app. This option won’t erase your data.
- If Repair doesn’t work, select Reset (this may reset app-specific preferences to default).
PowerShell Command—Extra Measure:
For deeper issues, run the following command:
Code:
Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage- Open PowerShell as an admin (Win + X, then click Windows Terminal (Admin)).
- Execute the above command.
- Restart your system.
3. Update Your Display Drivers
Drivers are like the middlemen between your hardware and Windows OS. If they’re outdated or corrupted, it’s no surprise that functionalities like Display options are MIA. Here’s how to update:- Hit Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click on your graphics driver, and choose Update driver.
- In the new window, click Search automatically for drivers.
4. Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Sometimes updating isn’t enough; you might need to start from scratch. Here’s the process to completely reinstall your graphics drivers:- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card, then choose Uninstall device and confirm by clicking Uninstall again.
- Note: Your screen may flicker or go black temporarily.
- After uninstalling, click Scan for hardware changes from the Device Manager menu bar. Windows will install a generic driver.
Pro Tip: Did you know Windows has built-in Driver & Optional Updates in Settings? Check it out under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates.
5. Check Group Policy Settings
Now, if you’re on a work or school device configured by an IT admin, Group Policy might be the Sherlock Holmes behind the missing Display page. Here’s how to check and alter it (if permitted):- Open the Group Policy Editor. Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
Code:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel - Look for the Settings Page Visibility policy in the right pane.
- Double-click to open it and ensure it’s set to Not Configured or does not hide the Display setting.
- For reference:
- To hide the Display page, it's configured as
Hide:Display. - To show only the Display page, it’s
ShowOnly:Display.
6. Reset or Reinstall Windows
Desperate times call for desperate measures—though it’s unlikely that it will come to this. If none of the above works, resetting or reinstalling Windows is a sure-fire way to iron out stubborn bugs.Reset This PC (Keep Files):
- Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC and select Keep my files.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Cloud Restoration:
Windows 11 offers a Cloud Download Reset option that pulls a fresh copy of the OS online, ensuring you bring back all lost settings and features without wiping personal data.Media Creation Tool for Full Reinstallation:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website to create installation media.
- Run the tool, and follow instructions to reinstall without losing your data.
Summary of Key Steps
- Restart the System: Eliminate a temporary glitch.
- Repair the Settings App: Fix app-level data corruption.
- Update/Reinstall Drivers: Ensure graphics hardware communicates properly with Windows.
- Check Group Policy Settings: Lift any restrictions potentially hiding your Display page.
- Reset/Reinstall Windows: The last resort for fixing unresolvable issues.
Final Take
There’s nothing more annoying than a Windows Settings menu that doesn’t cooperate—especially when critical Display settings decide to play hide-and-seek. But now, armed with this guide, you can tackle the issue headfirst and get your system back in working order. Were any of these fixes the magic wand for your system? Let us know in the comments on WindowsForum.com. Remember—every tech problem has a solution, even when it makes you feel like pulling your hair out.Source: The Windows Club https://www.thewindowsclub.com/display-option-missing-from-windows-settings-windows
