How to Fix Video Issues on Windows Tablets

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Video issues can be frustrating. This guide will help you to troubleshoot a variety of video issues you may come across.

Microsoft Surface Tablet

2. Check Resolution

  1. Open the Start Menu.
Start Menu Icon


  1. Choose the Settings icon.
Settings Icon


  1. Choose the System icon.
System control panel icon


  1. On the left side of the screen, choose Display.
System settings choices with Display highlighted


  1. On the right, choose 100% for scale, and the entry labeled Recommended for Resolution.
display settings with scale and resolution highlighted


3. Manual Update

  1. Click the Start button.
Windows 10 start button icon.
  1. Click the Settings button on the left side of the start menu
Windows 10 settings button icon.
  1. Click Update and Security.
Windows 10 update and security icon.
  1. Click Check for updates.
Windows 10 update and security screen with check for updates highlighted.
  1. Once the system has finished checking for updates, it will automatically download and install the latest applicable updates.
  2. Your computer may also prompt you to restart. If it does, please do so at your earliest convenience. Some changes that updates need to make cannot be processed until a restart has been performed.

If you system was already recently updated, chances are that no further updates are available and your Update status will indicate: Your device is up to date.

4. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

5. What's next?

6. Night Light

Night light changes the color on the screen at night to make it easier on your eyes. Use the following steps to modify the settings.

  1. Open the Start Menu.
Start menu icon


  1. Choose the Settings icon.
settings icon


  1. Choose the System icon.
System settings icon


  1. On the left side of the screen, choose Display.
System settings menu with display highlighted


  1. Use the toggle to turn on or off Night Light.
night light setting with toggle highlighted


  1. You can choose Night light settings to modify additional settings.
night light setting with night light settings highlighted


  1. To change the color temperature, you can slide the bar left and right.
color temperature slider


  1. To set a schedule you can toggle the Schedule Night Light to on and manage your schedule.
night light schedule toggle


7. Manual Update

  1. Click the Start button.
Windows 10 start button icon.
  1. Click the Settings button on the left side of the start menu
Windows 10 settings button icon.
  1. Click Update and Security.
Windows 10 update and security icon.
  1. Click Check for updates.
Windows 10 update and security screen with check for updates highlighted.
  1. Once the system has finished checking for updates, it will automatically download and install the latest applicable updates.
  2. Your computer may also prompt you to restart. If it does, please do so at your earliest convenience. Some changes that updates need to make cannot be processed until a restart has been performed.

If you system was already recently updated, chances are that no further updates are available and your Update status will indicate: Your device is up to date.

8. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

9. What's next?

10. Charge

  1. Using the included cable, connect your Windows 10 tablet to an outlet.
diagram of connecting tablet to power


  1. Allow your tablet to charge for at least 15 minutes.

You can continue to use your tablet while it charges.

11. Adjust Power Settings

  1. Open the Start Menu.
start menu icon
  1. Choose the Settings icon.
settings icon
  1. Choose the System icon.
system icon
  1. On the left side of the screen, choose Power & sleep.
system menu with power and sleep highlighted
  1. Change Screen and Sleep settings as needed.
Power and sleep settings with turn off time choices highlighted

12. What's next?

13. Charge

  1. Using the included cable, connect your Windows 10 tablet to an outlet.
diagram of connecting tablet to power


  1. Allow your tablet to charge for at least 15 minutes.

You can continue to use your tablet while it charges.

14. Powercycle

  1. Push and hold the power button on your tablet for 10 seconds.
  2. Wait 10 seconds.
  3. Push and hold the power button for 5 seconds to turn it back on.

15. What's next?