Fixed Advanced Display Settings Missing in Windows 10

If the Advanced display settings link has disappeared from the Display settings page in Windows 10, you can still access the same options through the classic Control Panel or by using a direct command. This guide explains why the link goes missing, how to restore it, and what to do if you need the settings for a specific monitor or refresh rate.

Why the Link Disappears

The Advanced display settings link was part of the older Settings app layout in Windows 10. In later feature updates, Microsoft moved most of its functions into the main Display page and the new Advanced display section. On some systems, especially after a major update or with certain graphics drivers, the old link is simply removed from the UI. The underlying settings are still present in the system, so you are not locked out—you just need a different route.

How to Open Advanced Display Settings via Control Panel

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Set View by to Large icons (top right).
3. Click Display.
4. On the left, click Adjust resolution.
5. Click the Advanced settings link in the lower right.

This opens the classic monitor properties dialog with tabs for Adapter, Monitor, and Color Management. From here you can change the refresh rate, view adapter properties, and access color calibration tools.

Using the Run Command

You can jump straight to the same dialog with a single command:

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type desk.cpl and press Enter.
3. Click Advanced settings in the dialog that opens.

This works on all versions of Windows 10 and is the fastest method if you use it often.

What You Can Do in Advanced Display Settings

• Refresh rate – change the monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 60 Hz to 144 Hz) if your display and cable support it.
• Adapter properties – view the graphics card name, driver version, and available video memory.
• Monitor properties – check the monitor’s plug-and-play name, enable or disable hidden modes, and view the current resolution.
• Color management – open the color calibration wizard and adjust color profiles.

These options are the same ones that used to be behind the missing link, so you are not losing any functionality.

Common Problems and Fixes

If the Advanced settings button is grayed out or does nothing, the issue is usually a driver or cable problem. First, try a different cable (DisplayPort or HDMI) and make sure it is plugged into the graphics card, not the motherboard. Then update your graphics driver from the manufacturer’s website—Windows Update often has older versions. If you are trying to set a custom resolution, use the graphics control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Software, or Intel Graphics Command Center) instead, as Windows may not expose all custom modes.

Alternatives in the Settings App

Windows 10’s Settings app now includes most of the important options directly. Go to Settings > System > Display. Here you can change resolution, scale, and orientation. Click Advanced display settings (if present) to see the refresh rate and bit depth. If that link is missing, scroll down to Multiple displays and click Advanced display settings—in some builds it appears there. The Settings app is the recommended place for basic changes, while the Control Panel dialog is better for advanced tweaks like custom refresh rates.

When to Use the Old Dialog vs. the New Settings

Use the Settings app for everyday changes: resolution, scaling, and orientation. Use the classic dialog when you need to set a specific refresh rate that is not listed in Settings, or when you need to check the exact driver version and video memory. For color calibration, the classic dialog is still the only place to launch the wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Advanced display settings link missing from Settings?

Microsoft removed it in later Windows 10 updates because the Settings app now has its own advanced options. The link was redundant, so they cleaned up the UI. The underlying settings are still accessible via Control Panel or the desk.cpl command.

Can I get the old link back?

No, there is no built-in way to restore the exact link in the Settings app. You can pin the Control Panel display dialog to the Start menu or taskbar for quick access. The desk.cpl command is the quickest workaround.

What if the Advanced settings button is grayed out?

This usually means the display driver is not properly installed or the monitor is not reporting its capabilities. Update the graphics driver, try a different cable, and check that the monitor is set to its native resolution. If it still fails, restart the computer.

Is there a difference between Advanced display settings and the new Display settings?

Yes. The new Settings page focuses on resolution, scaling, and multiple monitors. The classic dialog gives you access to refresh rate, color management, and adapter details. For most users, the Settings page is enough, but gamers and professionals often need the classic dialog.

Can I change the refresh rate without the Advanced settings dialog?

Yes. In Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, you can select the refresh rate from a drop-down menu. If that link is missing, use the Control Panel method described above.

Related

• Fix Mapped Network Drives Not Available in Windows 10
• How to Add Apps to an Element TV (Exact Method)
• Find Hidden Apps on Samsung Galaxy Phones