how to make everything smaller on windows 11
Making everything appear smaller on Windows 11 can be a game-changer for those who need more screen real estate or prefer a more compact display. To achieve this, you simply need to adjust the display settings. By tweaking the scale and layout settings, you can make text, apps, and other items smaller. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to shrink everything on your Windows 11 screen.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on how to make everything smaller on windows 11
If you’re looking to make everything on your Windows 11 display smaller, follow these steps to adjust the scaling settings in a few clicks.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
The Settings app is your control center for all system preferences. Once you’re there, you’ll have access to various options to customize your Windows experience, including display settings.
Step 2: Go to System
Next, in the Settings menu, click on ‘System.’
The System settings contain all the options you need to configure your display, sound, notifications, and more. It’s essentially the hub for all your major system adjustments.
Step 3: Select Display
Within the System settings, select ‘Display’ from the sidebar.
The Display settings will show you a range of options related to your screen, including brightness, night light, and most importantly, scale and layout settings.
Step 4: Change Scale and Layout
Scroll down to the ‘Scale and layout’ section and select a smaller percentage under the ‘Scale’ dropdown menu.
Adjusting the scale will change the size of text, apps, and other items on your screen. The default is typically set at 100%, but you can change it to 75% or 50% to make everything smaller.
Step 5: Apply Changes
After selecting your desired scale, the system will prompt you to sign out and back in to apply the changes.
This step is crucial as it ensures that all the changes take effect properly. Once you sign back in, you should see the smaller display settings in action.
After following these steps, everything on your Windows 11 screen will appear smaller. You’ll notice that text, icons, and apps are more compact, giving you more room to work with on your screen.
Tips on how to make everything smaller on windows 11
- Always double-check your scaling settings to make sure they’re set to your preferred size.
- If you have multiple monitors, you can adjust the scaling for each one individually.
- Restart your computer if you notice any display issues after changing the settings.
- Use the ‘Custom scaling’ option if the preset percentages don’t suit your needs.
- Keep your graphics drivers updated to ensure smooth performance with the new settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does everything look too small after changing the scaling?
This is a common issue if the percentage is set too low. You might need to increase it a bit to find a more comfortable setting.
Can I revert the changes if I don’t like the new settings?
Absolutely! Just go back to the ‘Scale and layout’ settings and choose a different percentage or reset to the recommended settings.
Will changing the scaling affect my apps?
Most modern apps will adjust automatically to the new scaling settings, but some older apps might not render as well.
How can I make only text smaller without affecting other items?
You can adjust only the text size by navigating to the ‘Advanced scaling settings’ within the Display menu.
Do these changes affect my Windows account settings?
These scaling changes are specific to your display settings and won’t affect other aspects of your Windows account.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Select Display
- Change Scale and Layout
- Apply Changes
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to make everything smaller on Windows 11 can be incredibly useful for maximizing your screen space or simply enjoying a more compact interface. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily adjust your display settings to suit your needs. Whether you’re working on a high-resolution monitor or simply prefer a smaller display, these adjustments can make a significant difference in your user experience.
Remember, adjusting the display settings is a reversible process. If you find the new settings uncomfortable, you can always go back and tweak them until you find the perfect balance. For more tips and tricks on customizing your Windows 11 experience, consider diving into other display settings or exploring the vast array of customization options available within the Settings app.
Feel free to experiment with different scales and layouts until you find what works best for you. Happy computing!
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.