Changing screen resolution with Horizon client synchronization

[GestInfra]

Hello,

I have just updated "VMware Dynamic Environment Manager" on my virtual machines equipped with VMware Horizon to version 7.13.1.

The previous used version of DEM was the 2006 version.

When I updated it, I noticed that the display changed on laptops, running Windows 10. Their commonality was that the local Windows environment had display zoom applied. It was 125% to 175% depending on the model.

Visually what has changed is that the display resolution in the Horizon session has become much bigger, so not pleasant
use.
Example number 1:
Laptop resolution: 1680x1050
Laptop Windows display zoom: 150%

Resolution in Horizon: 1344x840
Windows display zoom in Horizon: 125%

If I disable display scaling, the Horizon session resolution does revert to 1680x1050.

Example number 2:
Laptop resolution: 1920x1200
Laptop Windows Display Zoom: 175%

Resolution in Horizon: 1536x960
Windows display zoom in Horizon: 125%

If I disable display scaling, the Horizon session resolution does revert to 1920x1200.

I don't see any option that could make resolution and DPI sync like before.

I would point out that in the Horizon client, the display parameter is checked on "All monitors". That the display protocol is VMware Blast.

Do you have any idea where the problem comes from ?

Best regards.

[kvmw2130]

If you are exporting DPI settings through DEM, please comment the following line: 

HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\LogPixels

[GestInfra]

Hello kvmw2130, 

I just commented out this line I was using in the exported settings from DEM.

However the screen resolution change I describe in my first post has not changed. I can't figure out what is causing this problem !

[kvmw2130]

Hello,

Thanks for trying that,

* Please disable DPI sync on Agent: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\VMware, Inc.\VMware VDM\Agent\Configuration

"DpiSync" DWORD to value 0

* To isolate DEM from picture you can create a text file at DEM Archive share as "FLEXDISABLE.txt" [ https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2138928 ] --> To disable any import and export of DEM settings only for your user account

* Then before making connection Enable the option on client "Allow Display Scaling"  and see if the DPI sycn works as expected

[GestInfra]

Hello,

I just made the changes you suggested. For me, using "FLEXDISABLE.txt" in the user's DEM profile doesn't work. Despite deleting user data, which I previously performed before logging in,
I still see files and folders being created.
I see no mention of the file in "FlexEngine.log".

DPI synchronization is indeed disabled: The zoom in the Horizon session remains at 100%. Even with screen resolution changes, in the physical computer's Windows session.

However, the resolution continues to change in the Horizon session. What is surprising is that the taskbar is as big on the physical desktop of the computer as that of Horizon. Inevitably, that of Horizon is much smaller.

Some examples for you to understand better:
1) Physical PC screen resolution: 1920x1440
Zoom used: 175%

Display resolution in Horizon session: 1096x822
Zoom used: 100%

2) Physical PC screen resolution: 2736x1824
Zoom used: 225%

Display resolution in Horizon session: 1216x810
Zoom used: 100%

3) Physical PC screen resolution: 1680x1050
Zoom used: 150%

Display resolution in Horizon session: 1120x700
Zoom used: 100%

Thank you.

[kvmw2130]

Thanks for clarification. Is there Nvidia vgpu in the setup?

Btw FlexDisable.txt is case sensitive. 

[GestInfra]

Hello kvmw2130, 

Yes, we have hardware acceleration with Nvidia graphics cards.

I will check if the file is case sensitive.

[GestInfra]

A little additional information: As soon as I install DEM of the virtual machine, the problem disappears immediately. With the BLAST protocol used.

I just tested the latest versions of DEM, it's only the 2111 that is problematic. Version 2103 or 2106 works perfectly for example.

[GestInfra]

VMware support invited me to stay on the version of DEM in 2106. Which for them is the last version compatible with Horizon 7.13.1

I don't understand why it is marked that version 2111 is compatible with agent version 7.13.1 in your software compatibility matrix. It's inconsistent.

[nzorn]

Looks like the same problem we are having:  https://communities.vmware.com/t5/Dynamic-Environment-Manager/DEM-2111-makes-everything-large-but-DE...

Do you have a ticket opened with VMware?