Cranking up the font size in Windows 11 can really save your eyes, especially if you’re tired of squinting at tiny text all day. It’s not always obvious where these settings are, and sometimes Windows makes it a bit fiddly to get just right. But honestly, once you get it set, your whole system feels a lot more comfortable. Whether you’re dealing with small menu text or just want easier-to-read app labels, tweaking the font size is a quick fix that can make a big difference in daily use.
How to Increase Font Size in Windows 11
Follow these steps to make your text bigger across the system. It’s surprisingly simple once you know where to look, but Windows does hide some options in less obvious places. If your screen feels cluttered or you’re squinting more than you’d like, this is the way to go. Expect to see larger text in menus, dialogs, and even within some apps after doing this. On some setups, it might take a reboot or rebooting apps to see the full effect, but it’s worth it.
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit the Start menu or press the Windows key, then click on “Settings.” You can also quickly jump to the Settings screener by pressing Windows + I. Navigating to Settings is the first step, and honestly, it’s where most customizations start. Because Windows has a ton of options, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle, but in this case it’s pretty straightforward.
Step 2: Enter Accessibility Settings
In the Settings menu, click on Accessibility. It tends to be on the left sidebar. This section is designed for users wanting to spruce up usability — think larger text, high contrast, or screen magnification. Increasing font size falls right into this wheelhouse, which is probably why it’s tucked away here.
Step 3: Go to Text Size Options
Inside Accessibility, look for Text size and click on it. That’s where you get the controls for making your system text bigger or smaller. Windows 11 treats this as a dedicated setting now, which is a relief because it used to be more scattered before 22H2 update or so. If you don’t see this immediately, double-check the version or try updating Windows first, but normally it’s right here.
Step 4: Adjust the Slider
Use the slider under “Text size” to make things larger. Moving it right increases size, left makes it smaller. Don’t freak out if the change isn’t immediately visible; hit the Apply button, then wait a second or two. Windows will do its thing and refresh UI elements. A little patience sometimes helps, especially on slower machines. Not sure why it works, but sometimes the UI update takes a moment even after clicking apply.
Step 5: Confirm and Reboot if Needed
Once you tap Apply, Windows should update the text sizes pretty quickly, but a reboot or log out might make sure all apps reflect the new font size. Sometimes, just logging out and back in helps make sure everything looks good, especially if apps still cling to old styles. On one setup it worked right away, on another… not so much. Restarting Explorer or the system can sometimes help if changes aren’t showing up immediately.
Extra Tips for Better Font Customization
- Keep an eye on your screen resolution — larger fonts can look weird if your display isn’t scaled correctly.
- Don’t be afraid to dial the slider a few times to find that comfy spot. Sometimes, a tiny tweak makes all the difference.
- Explore other accessibility features like High Contrast mode or the Magnifier, especially if increasing font size isn’t enough.
- Shortcut tip: Use Windows + U to open Accessibility quickly, then jump straight into Text size if that’s quicker for you.
- Note: Some legacy apps might misbehave or display inconsistent text size, so be aware that system-wide changes don’t always play perfectly with everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change font size for individual apps only?
Nope, Windows’ built-in font size adjustment affects everything globally. If you want app-specific tweaks, you’d need third-party tools or check that app’s own settings.
Will upping the font size slow down my system?
Not really. It’s just UI scaling, so it won’t impact performance — but it can make menus and texts more readable at the cost of some screen real estate.
How do I revert back to normal font size?
Just revisit the same Text size setting and slide it back to default—or reset the slider, usually set at 100% or the previous default value.
What if the text is still small after maxing out the slider?
That might be when you need the Magnifier tool (hit Windows + Plus) or tweak display scaling under Display settings. Windows sometimes needs an extra nudge.
Can I change font styles along with size?
No, Windows 11 doesn’t let you change font styles directly in system settings, just size. For custom fonts, you’d need third-party apps or manual font replacements.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Select Text size.
- Adjust the slider and hit Apply.
- If necessary, restart or re-log to see the changes everywhere.
Wrap-up
Making text bigger in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it’s kind of hidden in plain sight. Once you get the hang of it, your screen becomes much more comfy, especially if you’re into long sessions or eye strain is a thing. Some quirks with app displays can happen, but overall, this tweak tends to do the trick. Just mess around a little until it feels right. Fingers crossed, this helps someone save their eyes a bit!