How in the Tech

Per user screen resolutions in Windows

By Adam Myers ⋅ November 30, 2009 ⋅ Tags: Customization, Windows

Windows has never been a great multi-user operating system and while it’s continued to make strides with each release, there are a few things that just don’t make sense. Per user customizing is often lacking; sure each user can have their own wallpaper and sound schemes but why doesn’t that extend to screen size, or resolution? Even in Microsoft’s latest release, Windows 7, every use is stuck with the same screen resolution. While fixed-pixel display screens, such as every flat panel LCD on the market, look best at a specific resolution, their are situations where each user may choose a different resolution. If your eye-sight isn’t to the level of your children and you find yourself squinting to read websites on the high resolution 1920×1080 display, a simple fix is to adjust the display. The problem then shifts to that resolution being locked in for every user of the computer. An odd limitation with limited rationale behind it, as best I can tell at any rate.

A logical solution to the problem is to change the resolution yourself on each login. It gets tedious but it does solve the immediate problem. An even better solution is having a piece of software that does it for you. Carroll is that software and it’s free too boot! Once installed, each user can customize their screen resolution, color depth, and refresh rate. As Carroll runs in the tray and launches upon logon, each user has their settings applied automatically. A rather straightforward approach to solving a Windows annoyance – just the type of thing I like.