On Windows 11, “changing the DPI” usually means changing display scaling: how large text, apps, and icons appear on your screen. A higher percentage makes everything bigger and easier to read on high-resolution laptops and 4K monitors; a lower one fits more on the screen. This guide covers the standard Scale setting, custom scaling, fixing blurry apps with per-app DPI settings, and, if you meant your mouse, where to change mouse DPI.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > System > Display, and under Scale & layout, choose a percentage from the Scale dropdown (100%, 125%, 150%, and so on). The change applies immediately. For an exact value, click the arrow next to Scale and enter a Custom scaling size between 100% and 500%, then sign out.
Scale Percentage and DPI
Windows treats 100% scaling as 96 DPI. Each step multiplies that:
| Scale | Effective DPI | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 96 | 24-inch 1080p monitors |
| 125% | 120 | 15-inch 1080p laptops, 27-inch 1440p monitors |
| 150% | 144 | 13 to 14-inch high-resolution laptops, 27-inch 4K monitors |
| 175%–200% | 168–192 | Small 4K screens or when larger text helps |
Windows marks one option as (Recommended) based on your screen size and resolution. It’s a good starting point.
Change the Scale in Settings
- Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings, or press Windows + I and go to System > Display.
- With multiple monitors, click the monitor you want to change at the top. Each monitor has its own scale.
- Under Scale & layout, open the Scale dropdown and pick a percentage.
- If some apps look blurry or the wrong size, sign out and back in.
Leave Display resolution at the recommended (native) value. Lowering resolution to make things bigger makes the whole screen blurry; scaling keeps it sharp.
Set a Custom Scaling Size
- In Settings > System > Display, click the arrow on the right side of the Scale row.
- Under Custom scaling, enter a value from 100 to 500, such as 110 or 135.
- Click the checkmark, then Sign out now.
Custom scaling applies to all monitors and can make some apps look odd. To undo it, return to the same page and click Turn off custom scaling and sign out.
Only Want Bigger Text?
If icons and apps are fine but text is small, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text size, drag the slider, and click Apply. This enlarges text across Windows without changing everything else.
Fix Blurry Apps: Per-App DPI Settings
Older programs may look blurry at scales above 100%. Two fixes:
Let Windows fix blurry apps
Go to Settings > System > Display > Scale (click the arrow) and make sure Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry is on. Restart the app.
Override high-DPI scaling for one app
- Right-click the app’s shortcut or .exe file and choose Properties.
- Open the Compatibility tab and click Change high DPI settings.
- Check Override high DPI scaling behavior.
- Under Scaling performed by, choose Application (sharp but may be small), System (right size but may be blurry), or System (Enhanced) (sharper text for some desktop apps).
- Click OK twice and reopen the app.
Changing Mouse DPI Instead?
Mouse DPI (or CPI) controls how far the pointer moves when you move the mouse. Windows doesn’t change the mouse’s hardware DPI; that’s done with a DPI button on the mouse or the manufacturer’s software. Windows can adjust pointer speed in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Mouse pointer speed. See our guide on how to change mouse DPI in Windows 11 for details.
Troubleshooting
- Scale option is grayed out: Custom scaling is on. Turn it off first. On work PCs, a policy may lock it.
- Things are the wrong size on a second monitor: Select that monitor at the top of Display settings and set its scale separately.
- Remote Desktop looks tiny or huge: In the Remote Desktop app, open Display settings for the connection and adjust scaling there.
- Setting resets after restart: Update your graphics driver, and check for display software from your PC maker that overrides scaling.
Related: Check mouse DPI on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best scaling for a 4K monitor?
For a 27-inch 4K monitor, 150% is common. For a 32-inch 4K, 125% to 150%. Use what’s comfortable at your viewing distance.
Does scaling affect game performance?
No. Games usually run at their own resolution. Scaling only affects the desktop and apps.
Summary
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Pick a percentage under Scale.
- Use Custom scaling for exact values (100–500%).
- Fix blurry apps with Change high DPI settings.
- For mouse DPI, use your mouse’s button or software.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.