To restore Windows 11 display scaling, open Settings > System > Display, select the screen you want to fix, then choose the value marked (Recommended) under Scale & layout > Scale. On a multi-monitor setup, repeat for each display you want to correct.
Reset Scale to the recommended value
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings. You can also open Start and select Settings.
- Go to System > Display.
- If more than one display is connected, select the monitor or built-in screen whose scaling you want to change.
- Under Scale & layout, open Scale and choose the option labeled (Recommended). Microsoft says it is typically best to choose the marked option. Microsoft’s screen resolution and layout guidance explains the display controls.
- Select each other display you want to fix and repeat the selection. Windows lets you adjust displays individually.
Most changes take effect immediately. If an app still looks wrong, close and reopen it. Some apps may require you to sign out of Windows and sign back in before the change fully applies.
Make sure you are changing the right setting
Scale changes the size of text, apps, and other items across the display. It is different from resolution, which controls the pixel dimensions of the picture. Windows also offers custom scaling, but Microsoft does not recommend it for this basic reset; the custom scale range is 100% to 500%.
| What looks wrong | Setting to check | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Text, apps, and other content are generally too large or too small | System > Display > Scale | Overall size of content on the selected display. |
| Only text is too small | Accessibility > Text size | Text size without scaling images and apps in the same way. Adjust the slider and apply the change. See Microsoft’s guidance on making text and apps bigger. |
| The image is soft, stretched, small and centered, or surrounded by black space | System > Display > Display resolution | Pixel dimensions and image sharpness. Choose the option marked (Recommended); a lower-than-native resolution can make text less sharp or cause the picture to appear small, centered, edged with black, or stretched. See Microsoft’s resolution and layout guidance. |
| You need to enlarge part or all of the screen temporarily | Magnifier | Temporary zoom without changing the display’s Scale setting. Press Windows key + Plus (+) to open it and Windows key + Esc to close it. See Microsoft’s accessibility options. |
If an app is blurry after changing scale
If Windows itself looks right but an app is blurry—particularly Office on an external monitor—the recommended Scale value may not be the cause. Microsoft lists signing out and back in, adjusting settings for each monitor, and trying Office’s Optimize for compatibility option as workarounds. Follow the relevant instructions in Microsoft’s Office external-monitor guidance.
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That Office guidance includes an illustrative case where two displays have recommended scales of 150% and 100%, and suggests trying 125% on both. Treat that as a troubleshooting example to test, not a universal setting or guarantee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If resolution changed or a display is missing
- If resolution changed unexpectedly, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and check for graphics-driver updates. Microsoft’s display guidance recommends this check.
- If an external screen does not appear in Display settings, check that its cables are connected properly. You can also go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Detect. See Microsoft’s multiple-monitor instructions.
Restoring the recommended Scale value uses Windows’ built-in settings; you do not need a driver utility, calibration device, or paid guide to make this change.
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