Adjusting Text Size and Screen Scaling in Windows

If text, icons, or menus appear too small on your laptop screen, Windows includes accessibility settings that can make content easier to read. Increasing text size and display scaling can help reduce eye strain and improve comfort during long periods of computer use.

Option 1: Increase Text Size

This setting makes text larger throughout Windows while keeping most other screen elements the same size.

Benefits

• Makes text easier to read
• Reduces eye strain from small fonts
• Helpful for extended reading and assignments

How to Increase Text Size

1. Click the Start Menu.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Accessibility.
4. Click Text Size.
5. Move the slider to increase text size.
6. Click Apply.

Recommended Starting Point

Most students find a setting between 110% and 125% comfortable, but adjust as needed based on personal preference.

Option 2: Adjust Display Scaling

Display Scaling enlarges text, icons, apps, and other screen elements together.

Benefits

• Makes everything on the screen larger
• Easier navigation
• Reduces the need to lean closer to the screen

How to Adjust Screen Scaling

1. Click the Start Menu.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Click Display.
5. Under Scale & Layout, locate Scale.
6. Select a larger percentage from the dropdown menu.

Recommended Settings

Option 3: Increase Browser Zoom

Sometimes only web pages need to be larger.

Google Chrome / Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots (...) in the upper-right corner.
3. Locate Zoom.
4. Click + to increase zoom.

Keyboard Shortcut:

• Press Ctrl + Plus (+) to zoom in.
• Press Ctrl + Minus (-) to zoom out.
• Press Ctrl + 0 to return to default zoom.

Option 4: Use Magnifier (As Needed)

Windows includes a built-in Magnifier tool for temporarily enlarging parts of the screen.

Open Magnifier

Press:

Windows Key + Plus (+)

To close Magnifier:

Windows Key + Esc

Magnifier Benefits

• Enlarges small text instantly
• Useful for detailed work
• No permanent setting changes required

Tips for Comfortable Viewing

✅ Sit at least an arm's length from the screen

✅ Increase text size before increasing screen brightness

✅ Combine larger text with Night Light for additional comfort

✅ Adjust screen brightness to match the room lighting

✅ Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule:

• Every 20 minutes
• Look at something 20 feet away
• For 20 seconds

Troubleshooting

Everything Looks Too Large

Return to:

Settings > System > Display > Scale

Select a smaller scaling percentage.

Some Apps Look Blurry

Close and reopen the application after changing scaling settings. In some cases, signing out and back into Windows may improve appearance.

Text Is Still Difficult to Read

Try combining:

• Increased Text Size
• 125%-150% Screen Scaling
• Dark Mode
• Night Light

Using these settings together often provides the most comfortable viewing experience.