Fallout 4 Resolution Bug: Causes and Fixes Explained

Fallout 4 Resolution Bug: Causes and Fixes Explained

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Fallout 4 Resolution Bug: Causes and Fixes Explained.Fallout 4 remains one of the most loved open-world RPGs, drawing players into its immersive post-apocalyptic setting with strong storytelling and dynamic gameplay. But even a classic like this isn’t free from technical hiccups. One issue that frustrates many players is the Fallout 4 resolution bug—a glitch that messes with display settings, leaving the game looking blurry, stretched, or boxed in with black bars.

If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry—you’re far from alone. In this guide, we’ll explain what the bug is, why it happens, and the step-by-step fixes to restore your game to its full visual glory.

What Is the Fallout 4 Resolution Bug?

The resolution bug occurs when Fallout 4 fails to display at your monitor’s native resolution. Common symptoms include:

  • Black bars on the sides of the screen

  • Blurry or stretched visuals

  • The game opening in windowed mode instead of fullscreen

This issue has existed since the game’s release in 2015 and continues to appear on modern PCs, especially after system or game updates.

Why Does the Bug Happen?

There isn’t a single cause—several factors can trigger the Fallout 4 resolution glitch:

  • Outdated settings files not aligned with modern operating systems like Windows 10 or 11

  • Driver conflicts between your graphics card and the game

  • Mods altering visuals that interfere with display settings

  • Launcher detection issues, especially with ultrawide or multiple monitor setups

Fortunately, all of these causes have workable solutions.

How to Fix the Fallout 4 Resolution Bug

Follow these fixes in order, testing the game after each step:

1. Adjust Resolution in the Fallout 4 Launcher

  • Open Fallout 4 via Steam.

  • In the launcher, click Options.

  • Select your monitor’s native resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 for 1080p).

  • Ensure Fullscreen is checked.

If your resolution isn’t available, continue to the next step.

2. Edit the Configuration Files

  • Navigate to:
    Documents\My Games\Fallout4

  • Open Fallout4Prefs.ini with Notepad.

  • Under [Display], find these lines:

    iSize W=
    iSize H=

  • Replace with your native resolution (e.g., iSize W=1920 and iSize H=1080).

  • Save the file, then set it to Read-only in Properties to lock the changes.

3. Update GPU Drivers

Outdated drivers often cause compatibility issues. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers. Install, restart, and relaunch Fallout 4.

4. Use Your GPU Control Panel

  • NVIDIA Control Panel: Go to Display > Change Resolution and select native resolution. Under Manage 3D Settings, add Fallout 4 and enable GPU scaling.

  • AMD Radeon Software: Adjust resolution and scaling in Display Settings.

5. Disable Conflicting Mods

If you’re using mods, disable them with a mod manager (Vortex, Mod Organizer 2) and test the game. Re-enable mods one by one to identify the culprit—UI and graphics mods are often the issue.

6. Switch to Borderless Windowed Mode

If fullscreen refuses to work:

  • Open Fallout4Prefs.ini.

  • Set bFull Screen=0 and bBorderless=1.
    This simulates fullscreen mode while bypassing resolution conflicts.

Preventing the Bug in the Future

  • Keep drivers updated for compatibility.

  • Verify game files in Steam to fix corrupted settings.

  • Be selective with mods, especially those affecting graphics.

  • For ultrawide monitors, install mods like Fallout 4 Ultrawide Support.

  • On multi-monitor setups, launch the game with only your main display active.

FAQs

Q1: Why does Fallout 4 keep resetting my resolution?
The game overwrites your settings if config files aren’t set to Read-only, or if mods interfere.

Q2: Can I fix the bug without mods?
Yes—using the launcher or editing the .ini files is usually enough.

Q3: Does wrong resolution affect FPS?
Indirectly, yes. Lower or incorrect resolutions can blur visuals and strain the GPU, reducing performance quality.

Final Thoughts

The Fallout 4 resolution bug may be irritating, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Whether you tweak launcher settings, edit configuration files, or update drivers, there’s always a fix available. With these steps, you can restore sharp visuals and enjoy the Commonwealth as Bethesda intended.

Get back out there, survivor—the Wasteland is waiting, in full resolution.

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