Solved Advanced question about possible values for "PixelFormat" in registry


AsadAlrafidain

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Windows 11 24H2 Version 10.0.26100.2605
Hello everyone
I want to know what are some valid values for "PixelFormat" , which is located in this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\Configuration\(monitor EDID)\00

Screenshot 2024-12-28 225240.webp

I usually backup this key, so I noticed that "PixelFormat" is different between 2 recent backups:
"PixelFormat"=dword:00000015
and the other is:
"PixelFormat"=dword:00000071

so I wanted to have a better understanding of what does this value do, and which setting between the two is superior.

thanks in advance
 

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  • OS
    Windows 11 24H2 Version 10.0.26100.2605
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core I5 6600
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z170x Gaming 5
    Memory
    2 x 8 HeperX Fury DDR4 2666 HZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1070 ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    165 HZ Gigabyte GS32QC
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
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    1TB NVME M.2 Samsung 990 Pro
You don't play with this setting. It's a bitmask detailing what pixel encoding the display device (monitor) can handle. Windows sets this value in agreement between the GPU and monitor.

When installing a fresh Windows with generic drivers, this value might start with one number and change after updated drivers are loaded. It reflects the best possible supported display mode as agreed between the GPU & monitor. This value could be different on another display if you have multiple monitors. It's not a tweakable value. If you have the best drivers installed, then PixelFormat is what it's supposed to be.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
You don't play with this setting. It's a bitmask detailing what pixel encoding the display device (monitor) can handle. Windows sets this value in agreement between the GPU and monitor.

When installing a fresh Windows with generic drivers, this value might start with one number and change after updated drivers are loaded. It reflects the best possible supported display mode as agreed between the GPU & monitor. This value could be different on another display if you have multiple monitors. It's not a tweakable value. If you have the best drivers installed, then PixelFormat is what it's supposed to be.
so comparing between these values ( dword:00000015) and (dword:00000071) is meaningless ? isn't the second one higher (I didn't set these values myself, just found them like that after setting various display and GPU settings, with dword:00000071 being the most recent )
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 24H2 Version 10.0.26100.2605
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core I5 6600
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z170x Gaming 5
    Memory
    2 x 8 HeperX Fury DDR4 2666 HZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1070 ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    165 HZ Gigabyte GS32QC
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    1TB NVME M.2 Samsung 990 Pro
Being higher just means it's further up the table, not necessarily better just added later.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11 Pro 24H2 - 26100.2894
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel XEON E5-2699 v3
    Motherboard
    ASUS X99-A
    Memory
    48G Teamgroup UD4-3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER X34 Predator
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Crucial CT1000P 3P SSD8 1TB
    PSU
    GameMax Pro
    Case
    Fractal Design
    Cooling
    Corsair H110iGT + 6 140mm Fans
    Keyboard
    Corsair K4
    Mouse
    G-Skill G502
    Internet Speed
    50MBs
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    Chrome
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Windows queries the monitor to understand what RGB encoding & color depth the display handles. If it can handle another advanced mode, then PixelFormat gets updated.

There are monitor tools which do custom display modes (if they're possible), and they will do the necessary adjustments since it's not as simple as flipping one reg value in isolation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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