2-to-1 integer scaling for desktop resolution

[jstamm]

I have the exact same issue as this older post. The near-UHD 3456 x 2160 resolution of my Dell XPS 15's built-in display causes lots of issues related to display scaling in Windows 11, especially when connecting an external monitor using a different scaling percentage. Setting the resolution to half (1728 x 1080) and using integer scaling should solve those issues and still look very sharp due to the scaling being exactly 2-to-1. Unfortunately, after doing this, the text is blurry, indicating that integer scaling is not being used.

I've enabled the Fixed Width (Integer Scaling) option in the Retro Scaling section of ArcControl, and I've also tried all the Scale options in Intel Graphics Command Center. I updated my graphics driver to latest, did lots of reboots, and tried every combination of the available options, but it looks like integer scaling isn't applying to the internal display's desktop rendering.

Please advise.

CPU: i9 12900HK

GPU: Iris Xe

OS: Windows 11, build 22631.4391

Graphics driver: 32.0.101.6078

[jstamm]

Doing a one-time bump of this post because it was originally falsely flagged as spam, so it got buried.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

Thank you for posting in the Community!

I understand that you have a laptop. Since this is an OEM (Brand) original equipment manufacturer device, please take into consideration that our support may be limited since we are not familiar with the technology, settings, customizations, custom drivers, and features that the OEM has designed and installed your system, nevertheless, I will do my best to assist you with your concern.

We supply generic versions of graphics drivers for general purposes. Computer manufacturers might have changed the features, incorporated customizations, or made other changes to the graphics driver software or software packaging. To avoid potential installation incompatibilities, we recommend that you check first with your computer manufacturer and use the driver software provided by them.

I would like to know more details with the issue.

• Have you tried using a different external monitor to see if the issue persists?
• Are there any specific applications where the blurriness is more noticeable?

A clean driver installation using DDU in safe mode is recommended. Follow this link for instructions.

This is the link for OEM Drivers:

Support for XPS 15 9520 | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[jstamm]

Hi Dean,

Thanks for the reply. I've done a clean install of the Dell-supplied driver (31.0.101.5186) and tried again, but still have the same results.

---

Have you tried using a different external monitor to see if the issue persists?

---

Yes. I have two different 3440 x 1440 external monitors from different manufacturers: one at work, and one at home. The external monitor seems to have no effect on this issue, which has to do with the built-in display. I only mentioned my external monitor because it confirms my machine is capable of operating in IS mode.

Are there any specific applications where the blurriness is more noticeable?

---

No, it applies to all on-screen graphics. Definitely not a case of per-app DPI scaling. This is at the monitor or OS level. I'll also add for clarity that I have HDR disabled, so that shouldn't complicate things.

Can you confirm that this use case of running the entire Windows desktop session (not just certain games and fullscreen apps) with integer scaling is supported? All the info I'm finding online indicates it should be available on 12th gen CPUs.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

This is noted, I will ask more questions with regards to this issue.

When did the issue started?

Any changes before the issue have started?

I suggest trying to reset the built-in display settings to default without external monitor to isolate the issue more.

To better understand your system's configuration, I kindly request that you download the Intel® System Support Utility for Windows* software.

You can find the download link here:

• Intel® System Support Utility for Windows*
• Here's a quick guide on using the Intel SSU:

1. Download and launch SSU.exe.
2. Check the box for "Everything."

• When the scanning is complete, click "Next."
• Click "Save."
• Please send the saved file to us.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[jstamm]

Hi Dean,

Attached is my SSU file. Please note that although I'm currently running Intel graphics version 31.0.101.5186, which is the latest version supplied by Dell for my model, I've also tried 32.0.101.6078 directly from Intel, but got the same results.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

Have you tried resetting your configurations with your built-in display? If the issue still persists, can you please provide a video of the issue?

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[jstamm]

I've gone through all the steps described here. This does not appear to be a configuration issue.

A video won't do much good. Internal screenshots and screen recordings will appear perfect because the issue occurs as display time, not rendering time. For example, this screenshot from my internal monitor looks pixel perfect...

...but on my actual internal monitor, everything is a little blurry.

All indications point to this being a feature the Intel display driver currently isn't capable of. Despite integer scaling being an advertised feature for these machines, it appears that it only works for certain games and full screen apps and not the entire Windows desktop. This puts high DPI Intel laptops in the awkward position of being more of a hindrance to many productivity workflows than an otherwise equivalent 1080p laptop despite being the more expensive of the two.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

This is an acknowledgement message for your case, do please wait as this concern will be investigated internally to be able to provide a resolution to your request. I will get back to your once I have the necessary information.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

I'm still investigating this internally.

Could you please provide the following details to help us assist you better?

1. Brand and model of your laptop
2. Brand and model of the external display
3. Type and version of the cable used to connect the laptop to the external display
4. Confirmation that HDR for the internal display has been turned off

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[jstamm]

Hi Dean,

Thanks for following up. I've provided most of this info above already, but I will summarize here.

1. Dell XPS 9520 (i9-12900HK)
2. The issue happens on the internal display even when no external display is connected, so I don't believe focusing on the external displays during your investigation will be productive. However, the external display I primarily use is a Dell S3422DW.
3. When I use the external display, it's connected to my Dell WD19TBS dock via the DisplayPort cable that came in the box with the monitor.
4. Yes, HDR is off, though I've tested with both.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

Thank you for this information, I will get back to you once I have the necessary information as this is currently investigated internally.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

I suggest installing latest graphics driver with the Intel Graphic Software and check if the issue will happen on the new app and driver. Intel® Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6325.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[jstamm]

Same results. I like the UI of the new app much better, but I tried every option, including retro scaling + integer scaling, and it's still doing some blurry shenanigans on my primary display.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

This is acknowledged. I will be investigating this internally and get back to you once I have the necessary information.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi jstamm,

I suggest installing the latest Intel Arc Graphics driver and set the scaling mode to retro scale same as the setting below:

Download the latest driver here: Intel® Arc™ & Iris® Xe Graphics - Windows*

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician