Changing the font in Windows 11 can be a simple and effective way to personalize your computer. By tweaking some settings in the system, you can customize the way text appears throughout your interface. Follow this step-by-step guide to change the font in Windows 11.
How to Change Font in Windows 11
This step-by-step guide will show you how to change the default system font in Windows 11. By the end of these steps, your system will have a fresh new look, making your computer feel unique and more suited to your personal tastes.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Start Menu and click on the Settings icon.
Once you’re in the Settings menu, you’ll have access to a wide range of customization options. This is where the journey to changing your font begins.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on the "Personalization" option.
The Personalization menu is your go-to hub for all things related to the appearance of your Windows 11 interface, including themes, colors, and fonts.
Step 3: Select Fonts
Within the Personalization menu, click on "Fonts" from the left-hand sidebar.
This section will display all the fonts installed on your computer. Browsing through this list can give you an idea of what font you’d like to use.
Step 4: Choose Your Font
Click on the font you want to set as your system font.
After selecting a font, a new page will open, showing details about the font. Make sure you like what you see before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Edit the Registry
Press Win + R
to open the Run dialog, type regedit
, and press Enter to access the Registry Editor.
Editing the registry can be a bit intimidating, but it’s necessary for changing your system font. Always be careful when making changes here.
Step 6: Navigate to Font Substitutes
In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionFontSubstitutes
.
This folder contains the keys that control the default fonts for your system. You’ll need to create a new string value here.
Step 7: Create a New String Value
Right-click in the right-hand pane and select New > String Value. Name it Segoe UI
(the default font in Windows 11).
By creating this new string value and naming it after the default system font, you’re essentially telling Windows that you want to replace it with a different font.
Step 8: Modify the String Value
Double-click on the newly created string value and enter the name of your chosen font in the Value data field.
This step finalizes the font change. Make sure the font name matches exactly with the one you chose from the Fonts menu.
Step 9: Restart Your Computer
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC to apply the changes.
Restarting is essential to make sure all the changes take effect. Once your computer reboots, you should see your new font in action.
After completing these steps, your system font will be changed. Enjoy your personalized Windows 11 experience!
Tips for Changing Font in Windows 11
- Back Up the Registry: Before making any changes to the registry, always back it up to avoid any potential issues.
- Check Font Compatibility: Ensure the font you’re choosing supports the necessary characters and symbols you use frequently.
- Test Fonts First: Test the font in a document or an application to see how it looks in various text sizes and styles.
- Use ClearType: Enable ClearType in Windows to make text more readable, especially if your chosen font is not as clear.
- Revert Changes Easily: If you don’t like the new font, you can easily revert to the default by deleting the string value created in the Font Substitutes section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I back up the registry before making changes?
To back up the registry, open the Registry Editor, click on File, select Export, and save the file to a safe location.
Can I use any font available on my system?
Yes, you can use any font that is installed on your system. Just make sure to type the font name exactly as it appears.
What if I make a mistake in the registry?
If you make a mistake, you can restore the registry from the backup you created. Simply import the backup file.
Why are some fonts not displaying properly?
Some fonts may not be fully compatible with all characters or may not scale well at different sizes. Test the font before applying it system-wide.
Is it possible to change the font back to default?
Yes, you can revert to the default font by deleting the custom string value and restarting your computer.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Fonts.
- Choose Your Font.
- Edit the Registry.
- Navigate to Font Substitutes.
- Create a New String Value.
- Modify the String Value.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Changing the font in Windows 11 adds a personal touch to your computer, making it feel more like yours. While it might seem like a minor tweak, the impact on your daily use can be significant. Just remember to be cautious when editing the registry; always back up your settings first.
The steps are straightforward, and after a quick restart, you’ll have a new look that stands out. Feel free to experiment with different fonts until you find the one that suits you best.
For further reading, check out other customization options in Windows 11, like changing your wallpaper or tweaking the color scheme. These small changes can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Windows 11 community or consult additional resources. Happy customizing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.