iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use Windows key + Minus (-) to zoom out with Windows Magnifier, Ctrl + Minus (-) to zoom out on a webpage in Microsoft Edge, or change Windows display sizing if everything is consistently too large. The right control depends on what is enlarged.
First, identify what is enlarged
- Part or all of the desktop: Windows Magnifier is likely active.
- One webpage: change that page’s browser zoom.
- Apps and content across Windows: adjust Display scale or Text size.
These controls affect different things: Magnifier enlarges the screen view, browser zoom changes a webpage, and Windows display settings change sizing more persistently.
Zoom out from the whole screen with Magnifier
- Press Windows key + Minus (-) one or more times to reduce Magnifier’s magnification.
- To close Magnifier, press Windows key + Esc.
- If the shortcuts do not seem to help, open Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier in Windows 11 and check whether Magnifier is on.
Magnifier can use full-screen, docked, or lens view. In lens view, the magnified area follows the pointer; docked view enlarges a portion of the screen. Microsoft also documents Ctrl + Alt + Minus (-) in Windows 11 to switch between the current magnification level and 1x. This is different from Windows key + Minus, which decreases magnification. Microsoft’s Magnifier guide explains the available views and shortcuts.
Recommended Free Tools
Zoom out on a webpage in Microsoft Edge
With the page active, press Ctrl + Minus (-) to reduce its zoom in 25% steps. Press Ctrl + 0 to reset the page to its default zoom. These controls apply to Edge page zoom, not Windows Magnifier or system-wide display sizing.
#1 Best Overall
- Vibrant Visuals: Enjoy vivid, accurate colors with up to 300 nits brightness on a spacious 15" display featuring a sleek 3‑sided narrow bezel.
- AI Productivity: Boost efficiency with Intel Core Ultra processors and NPU‑powered AI features designed to keep multitasking smooth and responsive.
- Smarter Shortcuts: Use the dedicated Copilot key for instant access to your AI assistant, helping you organize, search, and work faster every day.
- Eye Comfort: Dell ComfortView reduces blue‑light emissions to help keep your eyes comfortable during extended viewing.
- Ergonomic Angle: Lifted hinges enhance typing comfort and support better airflow, helping your system run smoothly.
You can also use the zoom controls in Edge’s Settings and more menu, or set a default page zoom under Edge accessibility settings. See Microsoft Edge accessibility features for details.
Try a pinch gesture on a compatible touchpad or touchscreen
Touchpad
On compatible Dell ALPS touchpads, place two fingers on the pad and slide them closer together to zoom out. Dell notes that this gesture works in applications that support Ctrl+scroll-wheel zoom; touchpad options and app support vary by device. See Dell’s ALPS touchpad instructions.
Rank #2
- Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U processor
- Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
- Stay connected to what you love: Spend more screen time on the things you enjoy with Dell ComfortView software that helps reduce harmful blue light emissions to keep your eyes comfortable over extended viewing times.
- Type with ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
- Ergonomic support: Keep your wrists comfortable with lifted hinges that provide an ergonomic typing angle.
Touchscreen
On a Dell laptop with a supported touchscreen, bring two fingers closer together on the display. Whether the gesture works depends on the application. Dell’s laptop manuals describe gestures for supported models.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsMake everything smaller in Windows
If apps and content remain too large when Magnifier is off, change system sizing instead. In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display > Scale to adjust the size of apps and content, or open Settings > Accessibility > Text size to change text size. Windows 10 has corresponding controls in Display and Ease of Access settings. These settings are separate from browser zoom and Magnifier. Microsoft’s Windows accessibility guidance covers display and text sizing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with Intel processors.
- Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
- Stay connected to what you love: Spend more screen time on the things you enjoy with Dell ComfortView software that helps reduce harmful blue light emissions to keep your eyes comfortable over extended viewing times.
- Type with ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
- Ergonomic support: Keep your wrists comfortable with lifted hinges that provide an ergonomic typing angle.
Rank #4
- Edge-to-edge clarity: Enjoy crisp, expansive visuals on a 16" screen with up to FHD+ and a 16:10 aspect ratio—delivering a wide, immersive viewing experience.
- All-day comfort: Dell ComfortView Plus helps reduce harmful blue light emissions while preserving true-to-life color, keeping your eyes comfortable even during prolonged screen time.
- Ready for business: Flip between effortless productivity and captivating entertainment on a large, immersive screen powered by Intel Core 7-150U processor and graphics.
- Built for virtual connection: Bring your connections to life with an up-to FHD camera, designed with wide dynamic range and temporal noise reduction to deliver crisp, sharp images, no matter the lighting conditions.
- Adaptive thermals: Built-in technology allows your PC to sense when it's on a stable surface and adjusts its power and thermals to run more efficiently.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
