Windows 10 and 11 make it easy to customize your display to match your needs and preferences. Whether you're working with a high-resolution monitor or just want to make text more readable, adjusting the display scaling can significantly improve your experience.
Display scaling affects everything on your screen - apps, text, icons, and interface elements. This is especially useful for high-DPI displays like 4K monitors, where the default settings might make text and apps appear too small.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjust Display Scaling
Here's how to change the size of apps and text on your main display in Windows 10 and 11:
- 1.Open Settings - Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner and select the gear icon (Settings)
- 1.Access Display Settings - In the Settings menu, click on "System" and then select "Display" from the left sidebar
- 1.Adjust Scaling - Under the "Scale & layout" section, you'll find the scaling options. Windows typically recommends 100% or 150% depending on your display
- 1.Choose Your Preference - Click the dropdown menu and select the scaling percentage that works best for you. Common options include 100%, 125%, 150%, and 175%
- 1.Apply Changes - The adjustment happens immediately. You'll see your apps and text resize to match your selection
Important Considerations
Many modern laptops and high-resolution displays come with scaling set to 150% by default, which Windows recommends for optimal readability. However, some applications may not display correctly at higher scaling percentages.
If you're using a 4K monitor, you might notice that Windows 11 recommends 150% scaling by default. This helps make text and interface elements more readable on high-resolution displays.
You can always return to the default 100% scaling if you prefer the original size or if you're experiencing issues with specific applications.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find that some apps appear blurry or don't scale properly after making changes, try these steps:
- Restart the application to see if it adapts to the new scaling
- Check for application updates that might include better high-DPI support
- Some older applications may require compatibility settings for proper scaling
Remember that display scaling affects all elements on your screen, so choose a setting that provides the best balance between readability and available screen space for your workflow.
