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Use Settings > Accessibility > Text size to resize text alone, Settings > System > Display > Scale to resize apps and other screen content, and the desktop’s View menu to resize desktop icons. These are separate controls; choose the one that matches what you want to change.
Choose the control that matches what you want to resize
| If you want to change… | Use… |
|---|---|
| Text in Windows, without changing the size of apps and images | Accessibility > Text size |
| Apps, images, and other screen content | System > Display > Scale |
| Desktop icons only | Desktop right-click > View |
| A temporary magnified view of part or all of the screen | Windows Magnifier |
Display scaling is different from changing screen resolution. If text is the only problem, start with Text size rather than changing resolution or overall Scale.
Change text size without scaling apps and images
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Text size. Or press Windows logo key + U to open Accessibility.
- Move the Text size slider to the right to enlarge text or toward the smaller end to reduce it. Check the sample text as you adjust the slider.
- Select Apply.
Microsoft says this setting changes text such as title bars, menus, and icon text without adjusting screen resolution. It targets text; use Display Scale if you also want apps and images larger or smaller. Microsoft Support’s “Make text and apps bigger” and its Windows accessibility guidance explain these controls.
Scale apps and other screen content
- Open Settings > System > Display. Press Windows logo key + I to open Settings if needed.
- If you have more than one display, select the monitor you want to adjust.
- Scroll to Scale & layout, open Scale, and choose an option. The option marked Recommended is a sensible starting point; Microsoft says it is typically best for the display.
Overall Scale changes the size of apps, images, and other screen content. Most changes take effect immediately, but some apps may need you to sign out and back in. Microsoft notes: “You may need to sign out and back in again for some of the changes to take effect on certain apps, but it applies to most things immediately.” See Microsoft Support’s “Make text and apps bigger” and “Change your screen resolution and layout in Windows.”
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Custom Scale is an advanced fallback
Microsoft documents custom scaling from 100% to 500%, but advises against using it. Try the standard Scale menu and its Recommended option first. Microsoft’s “Make Windows easier to see” guidance describes custom scaling.
Resize desktop icons without changing the rest of Windows
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Choose Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons.
You can also hold Ctrl while scrolling the mouse wheel to change desktop icon size. Both methods affect desktop icons specifically, not the system-wide scale. The View menu works if you do not have a mouse with a scroll wheel. See Microsoft Support’s “Customize the Desktop Icons in Windows.”
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Use Magnifier for temporary zoom
Magnifier enlarges part or all of the screen as a viewing aid; it does not replace a persistent text-size or display-scale adjustment. Press Windows logo key + Plus (+) to turn it on, then Windows logo key + Esc to close it. See Microsoft Support’s “Use Magnifier to make things on the screen easier to see.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Find a setting if the menu looks different
Press Ctrl + E to move focus to Settings search, then search for the setting you need. This can help locate a control if labels or menu positions differ on your Windows installation. Microsoft explains this shortcut in “Understand and explore Windows Settings.”
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