How to Fix Screen Size Too Big or Small on Windows

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

When the size of the text and objects are too large or too small for you to see on your Windows PC's or tablet's display, it can become incredibly difficult to use.

This guide will walk you through making sure your display settings are configured just right to make it as easy to use.

What You'll Need:

  • No extra tools or supplies are needed.

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Before You Begin:

Extra instructions.

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Large and small resolutions on Windows PC, side by side.

2. Adjust the Scale and Display Resolution

In Windows, you can change the resolution and scaling to make things clearer for your eyes and easier to use. Screen resolution refers to the clarity of the text and images shown on the screen. At higher resolutions, such as 1600 x 1200 pixels, items appear sharper. They also appear smaller so more items can fit on the screen. At lower resolutions, such as 800 x 600 pixels, fewer items fit on the screen, but they appear larger. Scaling adjusts the size of text, icons, and other user interface elements to make the screen easier for people to see and use.

On Windows 10

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Start menu with Settings highlighted.
  1. Go to System.
Settings with System highlighted.
  1. In Display, check the Scale and Resolution options, and adjust them to make your screen look proper. Setting to an option labeled (Recommended) is often the best choice.
Display with Scale and Resolution highlighted.
  1. If you make a change, you'll be asked to make sure you can still see what is on the screen. If it looks proper, select Keep changes, otherwise, select Revert, or in case you can't see what's on the screen, wait 15 seconds for it to revert automatically.
Keep Display Settings dialog in Windows 10.

On Windows 8

  1. Move the mouse to the bottom or top right corner of the screen to show the Charms bar.
  2. If you're using a tablet, slide your finger inward from the right edge of the screen.
Top and bottom right corners pointed out in Windows 8.
  1. Then select Settings.
Settings option highlighted in Charms bar of Windows 8.
  1. And go to Change PC Settings.
Change PC Settings option highlighted in Windows 8 settings.
  1. After that, select PC and devices.
PC and devices option highlighted in Windows 8 settings.
  1. Then select Display.
Display option highlighted in Windows 8 settings.
  1. Adjust the resolution and scale to make your screen look proper then click Apply. Setting to an option labeled Recommended or Default is often the best choice.
Resolution and scale pickers, and Apply button highlighted in Windows 8 display settings.
  1. If you make a change, you'll be asked to make sure you can still see what is on the screen. If it looks proper, select Keep changes, otherwise, select Revert, or in case you can't see what's on the screen, wait 15 seconds for it to revert automatically.
Keep Display Settings dialog in Windows 8.