Change Server 2012 display resolution inside of a Hyper-V VM?

For Windows 8.1, with HyperV Manager 6.3.9600.16384

From HyperV Manager:
- Select 'Hyper-V Settings' for the host
- Under 'Server', Select 'Enhanced Session Mode Policy'
- UnCheck 'Enhanced Session Mode'

You may have to stop/restart the VM/session before/after doing this.

Connect to the VM, and change the resolution as per normal.

Undo changes above to re-enable Enhanced Session Mode connection, if so desired.


If you do not want to go back to a 'basic session', try this:

  • Close the session if you have it open. Just 'orange x' it out. No need to shut it down.
  • When closed, some settings behaviors change. Right click on your VM and under 'Connect', there should now be 'Edit Session Settings'.
  • This should now bring you back to the dialog that lets you select resolution and attach local devices to the VM.
  • Once you have a new resolution selected, just re-connect.

To allow you change resolution, you need to set "Basic Session" from HyperV Virtual Machine connection (last button on top panel)