Custom Resolution Utility - CRU for Windows

Quick overview

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) is a free tool from ToastyX that lets you add custom display resolutions to your monitor. It creates EDID overrides in the Windows registry so you can define resolutions and timing parameters without editing .inf driver files. Note: if you want a simpler alternative, Hotkey Resolution Changer is a no-cost option to consider.

Supported graphics and known restrictions

• CRU works with AMD/ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards only; Intel GPUs block EDID override, so they’re incompatible.
• Systems with switchable graphics (common in many laptops) typically won’t be able to use these overrides.
• Whether a resolution will actually run depends on both the GPU and the monitor’s capabilities.

How CRU applies custom resolutions

CRU writes EDID override entries directly into the registry rather than creating or installing modified driver files. You can add new (native) resolutions — the utility does not create downscaled versions of higher modes. The driver will usually provide lower resolutions that are scaled up as separate entries, but CRU itself cannot force the GPU to scale higher modes down.

Adjustable timing and display options

You can configure detailed timing parameters manually, including:

• Refresh rate settings (Hz) to determine how often the display updates.
• Horizontal and vertical active pixel counts (the actual resolution dimensions).
• Sync polarity (positive/negative) for horizontal and vertical sync signals.
• Blanking intervals that affect total timing and bandwidth.
• Sync width values that control the pulse durations for sync signals.

In addition:

• CRU allows up to six custom entries per monitor profile; the first one is treated as the primary selection.
• There are preset timing templates for common LCD and CRT displays if you prefer not to set timings by hand.
• You can also import EDID files to replace or augment the monitor’s existing configuration.
• Standard (legacy) modes intended for CRT-style timings are available, though they may be more detailed than most casual users need.

Is it a good choice for you?

If you need unconventional resolutions or precise timing control and you have an AMD/ATI or NVIDIA GPU, CRU is a powerful option that can unlock higher native modes — provided the monitor supports them. It’s less suitable when:

• Your system uses Intel integrated graphics or switchable graphics.
• You expect automatic downscaling of higher resolutions (CRU only enables upscaling of lower modes).
• You prefer a plug-and-play solution rather than manually editing timing parameters.

For power users and anyone comfortable with display timings, CRU offers fine-grained control; casual users may prefer a simpler utility or driver-provided scaling features.