Sometimes the text on your computer screen can feel too small, especially if you use a high-resolution display, a laptop with a small screen, or if your eyesight gets tired after long work hours. Small text can make reading difficult, and it may also cause headaches or eye strain. That is why Windows includes built-in accessibility options that let you increase font size and make text bigger without breaking your system.
The best part is that you do not need to install any extra software. Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 allow you to change text size, scale the display, and adjust readability using simple settings. You can make the text bigger in Windows menus, File Explorer, Settings, browsers, and even apps like Microsoft Word.
In this detailed guide, you will learn the best ways to increase font size and make text bigger on Windows 11 and Windows 10, using easy steps that work for almost every computer.
Why You May Need Bigger Text on Windows
Many people increase text size because they feel the default font is too small. This is common on laptops with Full HD screens or 2K and 4K displays, where everything looks sharp but smaller.
Another reason is long hours of work. If you spend the whole day on a computer, increasing font size can reduce eye strain and make the screen more comfortable.
Some users also need larger text because of vision issues. Windows includes accessibility features that help make the system easier to read for everyone.
Increasing text size does not harm your PC. It is only a display change, and you can reset it back anytime.
Difference Between Font Size and Display Scaling
Before changing settings, it helps to understand the difference between font size and scaling.
Font size changes only the text size in Windows interface and some supported apps. This means menu text, Settings text, and other system text becomes larger, but icons and layout might stay similar.
Display scaling increases the size of everything on the screen. This includes text, icons, buttons, apps, and taskbar items. Scaling is a more complete option and is very useful on high-resolution monitors.
Both options are useful, and you can use them together if needed.
How to Increase Font Size in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a simple setting to increase text size without changing everything else on the screen.
To increase font size in Windows 11:
- Open Settings
- Go to Accessibility
- Click Text size
- Move the slider to increase text size
- Click Apply
After clicking Apply, Windows will update the text size across the system. You will notice the change in Settings, File Explorer, and many system menus.
This option is best if you only want bigger text but do not want icons or layout to become too large.
How to Make Everything Bigger Using Display Scaling in Windows 11
If you want a bigger overall display, scaling is the best method.
To change scaling in Windows 11:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Display
- Find the Scale option
- Choose a higher value like 125%, 150%, or 175%
Windows will adjust everything on your screen, including text and icons. It may ask you to sign out and sign back in for best results, depending on your PC.
Scaling is very useful for laptops because it improves readability without reducing screen quality.
How to Change Display Resolution for Bigger Text
Display resolution also affects text size. A higher resolution makes everything sharper but smaller. A lower resolution makes everything bigger but less sharp.
To change resolution in Windows 11:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Display
- Scroll to Display resolution
- Select a lower resolution if you want bigger items
This method is not recommended for most users because it can reduce picture quality. Scaling is usually a better option.
How to Increase Font Size in Windows 10
Windows 10 also allows you to increase text size, but the menu layout is slightly different from Windows 11.
To increase font size in Windows 10:
- Open Settings
- Go to Ease of Access
- Click Display
- Under Make text bigger, move the slider
- Click Apply
Windows will increase text size in supported areas.
Windows 10 also includes scaling, which makes everything bigger just like Windows 11.
To change scaling in Windows 10:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Display
- Under Scale and layout, choose 125% or 150%
This will make text, icons, and apps appear larger.
How to Increase Font Size in File Explorer
File Explorer text usually changes when you increase text size or scaling, but sometimes users want extra readability.
In both Windows 11 and Windows 10, File Explorer uses system text settings, so increasing the text size in Accessibility settings affects it directly.
If you want icons and file previews bigger in File Explorer, you can change the view mode.
To change view size:
- Open File Explorer
- Click View
- Choose Large icons or Extra large icons
This makes files easier to see, especially images and videos.
How to Make Text Bigger in Google Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
Sometimes Windows text size is fine, but browser text feels small. Browsers have their own zoom and font settings.
In Chrome or Edge, you can zoom easily:
- Press Ctrl + Plus (+) to zoom in
- Press Ctrl + Minus (-) to zoom out
- Press Ctrl + 0 to reset zoom
You can also change the default font size:
- Open browser Settings
- Go to Appearance
- Find Font size
- Choose Medium, Large, or Very large
In Firefox, you can zoom:
- Press Ctrl + Plus (+)
- Press Ctrl + Minus (-)
- Press Ctrl + 0 to reset
This makes web pages easier to read without changing your Windows settings.
How to Increase Text Size in Microsoft Word and Office Apps
If Word or Excel text feels small, you can increase zoom level.
In Word:
- Open a document
- Use the zoom slider in the bottom-right corner
- Increase it to 110%, 125%, or more
This does not change Windows settings. It only changes document view size.
If you want menus bigger in Office, Windows scaling and text size settings are the main solution.
Use Magnifier Tool for Instant Bigger Text
Windows includes a built-in Magnifier tool for zooming in instantly.
To use Magnifier:
- Press Windows + Plus (+) to turn it on
- Press Windows + Minus (-) to zoom out
- Press Windows + Esc to turn it off
Magnifier is useful for quick zooming when you need to read something small, like error messages or fine details.
Best Settings for Comfortable Reading
Most users find that a small increase makes a big difference.
For example, on a 1080p laptop, 125% scaling often feels comfortable. On a 2K or 4K screen, 150% scaling may be better.
Text size slider in Accessibility can be adjusted until menus feel readable without making the screen look too crowded.
It is a good idea to test changes slowly. Increase scaling step by step and see what feels best.
Fix Problems After Increasing Font Size
Sometimes after changing scaling or text size, a few apps may look blurry or misaligned. This happens because not all apps handle scaling properly.
If an app looks blurry, try closing and reopening it. If the problem continues, restart your computer.
You can also reset scaling to the recommended value and use only the text size slider instead.
Another solution is to update your graphics drivers and Windows updates, because improvements are often included in updates.
Final Thoughts
Increasing font size and making text bigger on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is one of the easiest ways to make your computer more comfortable to use. Whether you want bigger text only or want everything larger, Windows provides simple settings through Accessibility and Display options.
For most users, the best combination is using display scaling like 125% or 150%, along with a small increase in the Text size slider. This improves readability while keeping the screen sharp and clean.
If you want, I can also write the next article in the same style on how to change mouse pointer size in Windows 11, how to enable high contrast mode, or best accessibility settings for Windows users.
