Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: How to resolve error when trying to open Windows Display Settings?

Windows Display Settings error message resolved by updating Windows Explorer and fixing URL protocol handling issues.

Quick Answer: Update Windows Explorer to the latest version, and fix URL protocol handling issues by disabling any recently installed antivirus software or browser extensions.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The error message 'The operating system cannot run ms-settings:display' occurs when trying to open Windows Display Settings on Windows 10. This issue affects users who have upgraded from Windows 8.1 and are experiencing frustration with this feature not functioning as expected.

This problem is particularly vexing because it seems to be related to other URL protocol handling issues in Windows Explorer, such as problems with opening links in HTML emails or searching for websites using the Start menu.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is a known issue with the ms-settings:display URL protocol. This protocol is used by Windows to open settings pages, but it appears that there is a problem with its implementation in Windows 10.
  • Another possible cause of this error could be related to the way Windows handles shell integration. In some cases, certain features may not function correctly due to issues with how they interact with other parts of the operating system.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Using the Windows Settings App

  1. Step 1: To fix this issue, users can try using the Windows Settings app instead of the Display Settings page. To do this, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then click on System and select Display.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, users can also search for 'Display settings' in the Start menu or type it into the Search bar at the top of the Settings window.
  3. Step 3: By using the Windows Settings app, users should be able to access the Display settings page without encountering the error message.

Disabling Shell Integration

  1. Step 1: Another possible solution is to disable shell integration for the ms-settings:display URL protocol. To do this, press the Windows key + R and type 'regedit' into the Run dialog box, then navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/software antasyland egistry iletypes ext iletype ormat iletype ilename ame
  2. Step 2: Once in the registry editor, find the entry for ms-settings:display and right-click on it, then select 'Modify'. In the Value data field, enter 'open' (without quotes) and click OK.
  3. Step 3: By disabling shell integration for this protocol, users should be able to access the Display settings page without encountering the error message.

✨ Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the error message 'The operating system cannot run ms-settings:display' can be resolved by using the Windows Settings app or disabling shell integration for the ms-settings:display URL protocol. By following these steps, users should be able to access the Display settings page and manage their display settings without any issues.

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