How to Zoom Out on Windows? 5 Ways to Adjust Screen Size Effortlessly

Is your Windows zoomed in or zoomed out? Don’t worry! Windows makes it easy to zoom in and out, whether you need to enlarge text for better readability or get a closer look at something.

With the help of the built-in magnification feature, you can quickly adjust your screen view using a touchpad, mouse, keyboard, and other settings. 

Let’s begin with the article to learn why my PC screen is so zoomed in, how to zoom out on Windows, and vice versa. I will also cover the best practices for a better viewing experience. 

Why Would You Need to Zoom In or Out on Windows?

There are several reasons why you might want to know how to zoom in on Windows or zoom out on your computer system. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• Zooming in helps when working with fine details, such as editing images at the pixel level or examining maps in detail for navigation.

• Zooming out allows you to see more things at once on your display. This is useful when comparing multiple documents or viewing a larger portion of a map or an artwork. 

• Enlarging text makes it easier to read, especially if it is too small or if you are not using glasses or contact lenses. It also helps reduce the strain on your eyes.

• One day I started my PC, and the 1st question that came to my mind was – Why is Windows 11 Zoomed in? This may happen due to display settings, accessibility options, or accidental changes. 

So, it is important to learn how to zoom out Windows screens and adjust display settings for an overall good experience.

How to Zoom Out on Windows Using Keyboard Shortcuts?

The first and easiest method to zoom in on Windows or zoom out is by using the Windows zoom hotkeys. Follow the given steps to zoom in or out on your screen:

1. Hold down the Control button on the keyboard (usually labeled as Ctrl and found at the bottom).

   

2. Find the plus and minus keys (usually near the Backspace key).

   

3. To zoom in, press the plus key while holding the Ctrl key.

4. To zoom out, press the minus key while holding the Ctrl key.

Keep pressing the keys until the screen reaches the size you are comfortable with. Each press changes the Windows zoom level, like reducing it to 90% or increasing it beyond 100%.

Zoom Out Windows Using Mouse Scroll and Trackpad Gestures

Moving on, there are some more zoom Windows shortcut keys you should know about. Windows makes it easy to zoom in and out with multiple shortcuts. Here’s how:

• Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
• Scroll the mouse scroll wheel up to zoom in.
• Scroll the mouse wheel down to zoom out on Windows.

  

This works in most apps and programs, like web browsers, Microsoft Office, and File Explorer.

• Place 2 fingers on the trackpad and move them apart on the Windows zoomed-out screen to zoom in.

  

• Place 2 fingers on the trackpad and pinch them together to zoom out.

  

These simple gestures work smoothly on all laptops with precision trackpads, especially in programs like browsers and photo viewers.

How Do You Zoom In or Out on Windows Using Magnifier?

Can you magnify an application in Windows? Yes, if you need a quick and easy way to zoom in and out on Windows anytime, the Magnifier tool is your best option. It is built into Windows as an accessibility feature and can be turned on in just a few steps. Let’s see how:

1. Open the Windows search bar and type ‘Accessibility’.
2. Click on the Accessibility option.
3. In the side menu, find and select Magnifier settings.

   

   Now, toggle Magnifier on.

   

You can also press the Windows + Plus key to turn the magnifier ON and press Windows + Esc to turn it off. This tool makes it easy to enlarge text, images, or anything on your screen whenever needed.

Zoom Out on Windows on a Web Browser

If you need to zoom in and out while browsing, adjusting the screen using the magnifier can be a hassle. You will need to reset it every time, which is personally very hectic for me while writing an article. 

A simple way is to use built-in browser zoom options. Just click on the browser window to make sure it’s active. Then, press the Ctrl + plus/minus key to zoom in and zoom out. This works on Chrome, Firefox, and other popular web browsers.

You can also use the menu settings of your browser. Just click the 3-dot icon in the top right corner, find the Zoom option, and use the + and – buttons to adjust the zoom level of your Windows screen.

How to Zoom Out and In Using Windows Display Scaling?

The fifth and last way to make everything on your screen look bigger or smaller is by adjusting the display scaling. However, this will permanently change the screen size until you change the settings. 

Here’s how to zoom out or in on Windows using display scaling:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Display.

   

2. Find the Scale & layout section and click the Scale dropdown menu.

   

3. To zoom in, select a higher percentage. To zoom out, choose a lower percentage.

That’s how easy it is to adjust scaling on Windows. If the preset option doesn’t feel right, you can click on Scale and enter a custom number. After making changes, restart your computer system to apply the new settings.

Bonus Tips for a Better Viewing Experience

I have covered all the major methods to change your Windows screen size. But if you want to improve how your screen looks and feels, here are some simple tricks to enhance visibility and usability beyond just zooming in and out:

• Try to set the best screen resolution. A higher resolution gives clearer visuals, but text/icons may appear smaller.
• Turn on the Night Light mode to rescue blue light exposure. You can even adjust the intensity and schedule it to activate automatically in the evening.
• You can also try experimenting with High Contrast mode, it is helpful for low-light conditions or users with vision difficulties.
• Adjust the text size without changing zoom settings to make the text bigger or smaller.

Furthermore, you should also know how to rotate your computer screen for better usability. With these simple tips, you can make your Windows display efficient, more comfortable, and easier to use.

Conclusion

I hope that you now know how to zoom in and out on windows​ and what keys to press for the same. I have tried to explain each method simply and effectively so that you don’t get confused with the steps.

Overall, the zoom options on Windows are simple, so once you get the hang of them, they will be easy to use. Please share this informative piece with your friends, colleagues, and family to help them.