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Use Magnifier for a temporary close-up of part or all of the screen. For changes that stay in place, increase Text size if text is the main problem, or Display scale if apps and other interface elements should grow too. For low contrast or difficulty distinguishing colors, try Contrast themes or Color filters.

Choose the setting that matches what is hard to see

What you want to change Windows 11 setting Best suited to
A temporary enlarged area or view Magnifier Reading a detail or inspecting part of the screen without changing the whole interface permanently.
Text size while keeping other items at their current scale Text size Making labels, menus, and other text easier to read.
Text, apps, and other interface items together Display scale Making the overall interface larger.
Screen contrast Contrast themes Improving visibility when the standard contrast is difficult to distinguish.
Screen color palette Color filters Distinguishing items that differ mainly by color.
Mouse pointer visibility Mouse pointer & touch Finding the pointer without enlarging the rest of the screen.

These controls address different needs and can be tried separately. Microsoft’s Windows accessibility settings guide describes the available options.

Turn on Magnifier, zoom, and close it

For the quickest access, press Windows logo key + Plus (+). Press Windows logo key + Plus (+) again to zoom in, or Windows logo key + Minus (-) to zoom out. To close Magnifier, press Windows logo key + Esc.

You can also open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and turn on the Magnifier switch. Microsoft documents these controls in its Magnifier guide.

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22 inch Screen Magnifier for Laptop,3D HD Screen Magnifying for Movies, Videos, and Gaming, Screen Enlarger with Adjustable Angle Design Amplifier Desktop Magnifier for Seniors Reading (White)
  • 22 inch Screen Magnifier: The latest laptop screen magnifier. The latest design, using high-definition zoom optical technology, can put the screen display of laptop 3-5 times, for better viewing and experience.This 3D screen magnifier is recommended for use in low light environments, and the viewing effect will be more obvious and outstanding
  • 3D HD Screen Amplifier: HD vision, eye protection against blue radiation, no power. It will relieve the discomfort and visual fatigue causing by long time focusing on small screen. Note:The brightness of the screen of the tablet is brighter and better
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Choose a Magnifier view

Magnifier offers three views. Full-screen enlarges the screen view; docked places an enlarged area in a docked region; lens provides a movable magnified area. To switch directly, use:

  • Ctrl + Alt + F for full-screen view.
  • Ctrl + Alt + D for docked view.
  • Ctrl + Alt + L for lens view.
  • Ctrl + Alt + M to cycle through views.

In Magnifier settings, you can adjust zoom level and increments, and choose whether it follows the mouse pointer, keyboard focus, text cursor, or Narrator cursor. Pick the tracking option that follows how you are navigating; for example, mouse tracking suits pointer use, while text-cursor tracking can help when reading or editing text. The useful combination depends on the task.

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  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: The Screen Magnifying glass uses high-definition optical lens material, and can adjust multiple viewing angles. It can enjoy 3D vision away from the screen
  • THE BEST CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Simple and stylish design makes this product the best holiday gift choice for your friends or relatives. It can be a technical gift, more suitable for seniors to watch movies and news.

Invert colors if that helps

While Magnifier is on, press Ctrl + Alt + I to toggle color inversion. Try it briefly to see whether it makes the content easier to distinguish; it changes the screen’s colors rather than increasing text size.

Make text or the whole interface larger

Increase text size

  1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Text size.
  2. Move the text-size slider to the size you want.
  3. Select Apply.

This changes text size while leaving other interface items at their current scale. Microsoft says the change affects elements such as title bars, menus, and icon text. See Microsoft’s text and apps size guidance.

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Rank #3
Kantek MAXVIEW LCD Computer Monitor Screen Magnifier for 27-Inch Widescreen Monitors (Measured Diagonally) (MAG27WL)
  • MAG27WL measures 24-1/8” W x 13-3/4” H with a visual area of 23-1/2” W x 13-1/4” H
  • Manufactured of an optical grade acrylic Fresnel lens with a light tint for contrast enhancement for increased readability, increasing image by up to double in size , fully assembled, elegant, lightweight, and patented design; Designed for LCD monitors, NOT SUITABLE FOR LAPTOPS
  • Patented design features a lightweight alternative to conventional heavy glass optical lens and easy adjustability (US Patent #7495846), Screen magnification level is adjustable by moving the magnifier closer or farther from the display; the greater the distance, the larger the image will appear.
  • Before selecting the magnifier size, use measuring instructions as shown below in Manufacturers Information to ensure you choose appropriately. Visual area of the magnifier selected MUST be equal to or greater than the visual area of your monitor. Designed for general office use in a normal ambient light environment. Note: Any intense lighting in the perimeter of the work area will be reflected within the Fresnel grooves and cause a distracting visual.
  • MAXVIEW Filter IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED. Magnification level is insufficient and the tinted lens may further restrict visibility. Please note: For proper functionality, please follow enclosed installation instructions. (Installation Manual available in Technical Specifications below)

Increase Display scale

To enlarge text, apps, and other items together, open Settings > System > Display and increase Scale. For general guidance, use one of the provided scale choices. Microsoft says custom scaling is available from 100% to 500%, but does not recommend custom scale; those numbers describe the custom-scale range, not a recommended setting.

Decide between text size, scale, and Magnifier

  • Choose Text size when text is the main issue and other elements are already a comfortable size.
  • Choose Display scale when apps and interface elements also need to grow.
  • Choose Magnifier when only a portion of the screen needs temporary enlargement.

Improve contrast, distinguish colors, or find the pointer

Apply a Contrast theme

Open Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes, select a theme, then apply it. Windows lists Aquatic, Desert, Dusk, and Night sky. Contrast themes change the presentation of the interface to make contrast easier to see; they are different from Magnifier’s zoom.

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  • 21 inch Screen Magnifier: ZULFACY New upgrade laptop screen magnifier. The latest design, using high-definition zoom optical technology, can put the screen display of laptop 3-5 times, for better viewing and experience.This 3D HD screen magnifier is recommended for use in low light environments, and the viewing effect will be more obvious and outstanding(Note: For best results, use in low-light conditions and avoid direct sunlight)
  • 3D HD Screen Amplifier: HD vision, eye protection against blue radiation, no power. It will relieve the discomfort and visual fatigue causing by long time focusing on small screen. Perfect for watching movies, streaming, and gaming in stunning high definition. Note:The brightness of the screen of the tablet is brighter and better
  • Powerful compatiblty:Our Computer screen Can be applied to 14/15/16/17/18/20/21 laptop/tablet screen magnifier.Can adjust multiple viewing angles, which allows the product to be placed in a variety of ways, such as reading and newspapers, magnifying laptops, magnifying Book,magnifying piano scores, etc
  • Folding Design: Its collapsible design allows for easy storage, while the detachable function adds versatility for any activity. Super slim when folded and also can be carried around in your bag. It can be used in various occasions, including living room, bedroom, kitchen and outdoor activities
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Turn on Color filters

Open Settings > Accessibility > Color filters, turn filters on, and choose an option. Filters change the screen’s color palette and may help when items differ only by color. If you want a keyboard toggle, first enable its shortcut setting; then use Windows logo key + Ctrl + C.

Change pointer visibility

Open Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer & touch to change pointer size or color. Windows also offers pointer trails. These options can make the pointer easier to locate without scaling the whole screen.

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Best Value
Kantek MAXVIEW LCD Computer Monitor Screen Magnifier for 15-Inch Monitors (Measured Diagonally) (MAG15L)
  • MAG15L measures 14-3/4" W x 11" H with a visual area of 13-1/8" W x 10-1/2" H
  • Manufactured of an optical grade acrylic Fresnel lens with a light tint for contrast enhancement for increased readability, increasing image by up to double in size , fully assembled, elegant, lightweight, and patented design; Designed for LCD monitors, NOT SUITABLE FOR LAPTOPS
  • Patented design features a lightweight alternative to conventional heavy glass optical lens and easy adjustability (US Patent #7495846), Screen magnification level is adjustable by moving the magnifier closer or farther from the display; the greater the distance, the larger the image will appear.
  • Before selecting the magnifier size, use measuring instructions as shown below in Manufacturers Information to ensure you choose appropriately. Visual area of the magnifier selected MUST be equal to or greater than the visual area of your monitor. Designed for general office use in a normal ambient light environment. Note: Any intense lighting in the perimeter of the work area will be reflected within the Fresnel grooves and cause a distracting visual.
  • MAXVIEW Filter IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED. Magnification level is insufficient and the tinted lens may further restrict visibility. Please note: For proper functionality, please follow enclosed installation instructions. (Installation Manual available in Technical Specifications below)
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Have Magnifier read text aloud

With Magnifier, press Ctrl + Alt + Enter to start reading from the current cursor location. The same shortcut pauses or resumes reading. Alternatively, hold Ctrl + Alt and click where reading should begin. Microsoft’s Magnifier reading instructions describe both methods.

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