How To Change The Font Size & Scaling Of Apps In Windows If They Are Too Small

3 min read 3 hours ago
Published on Feb 06, 2025 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to change the font size and scaling of applications in Windows, particularly when they appear too small on high-resolution displays like 1440p or 4K monitors. This is especially helpful for apps that do not automatically adjust to scaling settings, making them difficult to read.

Step 1: Access Display Settings

To start adjusting the scaling settings, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop: Find an empty space on your desktop and right-click.
  2. Select Display Settings: From the context menu, click on "Display settings."

Step 2: Adjust Scale and Layout

Once you are in the Display Settings, you will need to modify the scale settings:

  1. Find Scale and Layout Section: Look for the section labeled "Scale and layout."
  2. Choose a Scaling Percentage:
    • Click on the drop-down menu under "Change the size of text, apps, and other items."
    • Select a scaling percentage that suits your display. Common options are 100%, 125%, 150%, or even 175%.

Step 3: Change Font Size for Specific Apps

Some applications may still appear small even after adjusting the overall scaling. To address this:

  1. Locate the App: Find the application that you want to adjust, such as HWMonitor.
  2. Right-click on the App Icon: Locate the app either on the desktop or in the Start menu, then right-click on its icon.
  3. Select Properties: In the context menu, click on "Properties."
  4. Go to Compatibility Tab: Once the properties window opens, navigate to the "Compatibility" tab.
  5. Enable High DPI Scaling Override:
    • Click on the "Change high DPI settings" button.
    • Check the box for "Override high DPI scaling behavior."
    • Set the Scaling performed by option to "Application."

Step 4: Apply Changes and Restart

After making adjustments, you will need to apply the changes:

  1. Click OK: In the compatibility settings window, click "OK" to save your changes.
  2. Close Properties Window: Click "Apply" and then "OK" in the properties window.
  3. Restart the Application: Close and reopen the application to see the changes take effect.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily adjust font sizes and scaling settings for applications in Windows, making them more readable on high-resolution displays. Remember to check both the overall display settings and individual application properties to ensure optimal readability. If you continue to encounter issues with small text or icons, consider experimenting with different scaling percentages or compatibility settings for those specific apps.