Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custom Resolution Utility (CRU)?

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) is an EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) editor designed for creating custom resolutions. It allows users to view and modify how their monitor handles resolutions and other display settings. With CRU, you can add custom resolutions, remove unnecessary ones, adjust FreeSync ranges, and more. It works by creating software-based EDID overrides in the registry without making any hardware changes.

Is it Safe to Use Custom Resolution Utility?

While CRU allows you to set custom resolutions, it’s generally recommended to use your monitor’s native or pre-set resolutions, as most displays perform best at their default settings. Proceed with caution when altering resolutions to avoid potential display issues.

What are the System Requirements for CRU?

CRU is compatible with Windows Vista and later versions (XP does not support EDID overrides). It works with AMD/ATI or NVIDIA GPUs, provided the correct drivers are installed. Some Intel GPUs and laptops with switchable graphics are also supported, depending on the drivers used.

How Do I Prepare for Potential Issues When Using CRU?

Before making any changes with CRU, it’s important to know how to access safe mode in case your screen becomes unresponsive. If you don’t have a recovery drive, you can trigger recovery options by shutting down your computer during the boot process. This allows you to enter safe mode and fix any display issues.

How Do I Use CRU?

To use CRU, simply run CRU.exe and select a display from the drop-down menu. Modify the configuration as needed and, if necessary, repeat the process for additional displays. Once you’re finished, click OK to save your changes, then run restart.exe to restart the graphics driver. Afterward, adjust your resolution in the Windows display settings.

What Should I Do if the Graphics Driver Crashes After Using CRU?

If the graphics driver crashes while restarting:

  1. Reboot your system.
  2. Run restart.exe again after rebooting to re-enable the graphics driver.

In most cases, the driver will return to normal after a second restart.

How Do I Set a Custom Refresh Rate?

To set a custom refresh rate in CRU:

  1. Open CRU and select your display.
  2. Add a new Detailed Resolution and input your desired refresh rate (e.g., 75Hz, 90Hz).
  3. Click OK to save, then run restart.exe to restart the graphics driver.
  4. Set the custom refresh rate in Windows under Display Settings > Advanced Display Settings > Monitor Tab.

Can I Use CRU to Adjust FreeSync or G-Sync Settings?

Yes, CRU allows you to modify FreeSync or G-Sync ranges if your monitor supports it. You can adjust the lower and upper bounds of the FreeSync range to optimize performance in specific situations. However, this should be done carefully to avoid screen tearing or performance issues.

How Do I Restore My Display Settings If Something Goes Wrong?

If you cannot access your display due to a configuration issue:

  1. Boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  2. Open CRU and either reset the display settings using the Delete button or run reset-all.exe.
  3. Reboot your computer to return to the default display configuration.

What Are Extension Blocks in CRU?

Extension Blocks in CRU allow you to configure additional features, such as:

  • HDMI support: To enable specific HDMI features.
  • Audio capabilities: For displays that support audio over HDMI or DisplayPort.
  • FreeSync range adjustments: To fine-tune variable refresh rate ranges for compatible displays.

You can manage extension blocks for advanced display features, but modifying these settings requires a deeper understanding of your display’s capabilities.

How Do I Backup My Display Settings Before Using CRU?

Before making any changes with CRU, it’s wise to back up your display settings:

  1. Open CRU and select your display.
  2. Use the Export feature to save the current configuration to a file.
  3. You can later restore this backup if anything goes wrong by using the Import option.

How Do I Add a Custom Resolution with CRU?

  1. Open CRU and select your display from the drop-down menu.
  2. Under Detailed Resolutions, click Add.
  3. Enter your desired resolution, refresh rate, and timing details. If you’re unsure, you can use preset options such as LCD Standard or LCD Reduced for common setups.
  4. Click OK to save the changes.
  5. Run restart.exe (included with CRU) to restart the graphics driver and apply the new resolution.

What Happens If My Display Does not Work After Making Changes?

If your display becomes unviewable after adding a new resolution or making changes:

  1. Restart your computer and repeatedly interrupt the boot process by holding down the power button to access recovery options.
  2. From recovery options, enter Safe Mode and open CRU.
  3. You can either restore your settings from a backup or delete the custom resolution.
  4. Alternatively, use restart.exe in recovery mode to revert temporary changes without removing all EDID overrides.

How Do I Reset All Changes Made by CRU?

To reset all changes made by CRU:

  1. Run reset-all.exe (included in the CRU download).
  2. Reboot your computer. This will remove all custom resolutions and restore the default display settings.
  3. If needed, you can run this in Safe Mode if your display is not working properly.