How to adjust display scale settings in Windows 11

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If elements are too small and text too hard to read, you probably need to adjust the scale settings.

Windows 11 change display scale
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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Although Windows 11 can automatically adjust the display scaling settings to ensure that elements (text, icons, navigations, and others) are the right size and readable, it's not perfect, and sometimes, adjusting the settings manually may be necessary.

For example, if you do not have perfect eyesight, making the elements bigger on the screen could make things easier to see and use, avoiding stressing your eyes. If you connect an external monitor, using a custom scale setting can help increase the size of the text, icons, and menus across the displays. Changing the display scale may also improve content visibility while showing a PowerPoint presentation on a projector.

In this how-to guide, I will explain how to change the scale settings on a desktop monitor or laptop display.

Recent updates

This guide has been updated to reflect changes and make sure the instructions are still accurate.

How to change display scale with recommended settings on Windows 11

To change a Windows 11 display scale size using the recommended settings, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Display page on the right side.
  4. Under the "Scale & layout" section, use the Scale drop-down menu and select the scale setting — for example, 100%, 125%, 150%, and 175%.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, the new scale configuration will apply. Although it's not required, you may need to restart the computer to make sure the setting applies correctly for all supported applications.

How to change display scale with custom settings on Windows 11

You shouldn't change the scale settings using custom values because it affects the viewing experience. However, if it's necessary, and you do it correctly, it may help you hit that sweet spot.

To set a custom scale size of a display, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Display page on the right side.
  4. Select the Scale setting under the "Scale & layout" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Configure a custom scaling size between 100% and 500% under the "Custom scaling" section.
  • Quick tip: If you want to increase the size of text, apps, and other items, you can try using 110% as the new scale value.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Check button.
  2. Click the Sign out now button.
  3. Sign back into the account.

After you complete the steps, the system will apply the setting you specified.

If the system isn't scaling elements correctly, repeat the steps to select a different value to increase or decrease the scaling value until you reach the correct configuration.

You can always revert the changes using the same instructions outlined above, but in step 4, click the "Turn off custom scaling and sign out" option.

How to make text bigger without changing scale settings on Windows 11

If you want to make the text more readable, you should not adjust the scale settings. Instead, you should change the text size settings.

To make text bigger across the desktop, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Click the Text size page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Use the "Text size" slider to make the font size across the desktop bigger.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Apply button.

Once you complete the steps, the screen will flash a "Please wait" message to apply the new text size.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.