How do I use Magnification in Windows?
Windows has its own in-built magnification. The Magnifier enlarges all or part of your screen so you can see words and images better.
To alter the Magnifier settings, select the Start button - Settings - Ease of Access - Magnifier. Alternatively, you can utilise keyboard shortcut keys to access the Ease of Access centre (Windows Key and U), tab once followed by down arrow three times then enter to access this menu option.
Under the Magnifier menu there are a few options which you can explore and adjust to suit your own preferences:
Use Magnifier, under this option you can:
- toggle the magnifier on and off or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key and + (Plus symbol)
- Increase or decrease Zoom size - Windows logo key and + (Plus symbol) or Windows logo key and - (Minus sign))
- Close Magnifier, press Windows logo key and Esc
- You can also explore other options such as zoom increments and enabling magnifier at sign-in.
Change magnifier view, under this option you can:
- adjust the magnified view area
- adjust magnifier follow options
- adjust reading options.
To better control the movement over the screen and to allow the magnification to follow where your mouse pointer is, we recommend the following fields are checked in the 'Enable Magnifier to follow' area - Mouse Pointer, Keyboard focus, Text Cursor, and Narrator Cursor.
Windows magnifier is a good option, however there may be issues with pixelization at high magnification levels. If these issues are encountered, considering a paid piece of magnification software may be beneficial such as ZoomText, Fusion and SuperNova.
For information on alternative Screen Magnification please see What is Screen Magnification?
