How to Make Everything Smaller on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

//

Michael Collins

how to make everything smaller on windows 11

Want to make everything appear smaller on your Windows 11? It’s easier than you might think! You can adjust various settings such as display scaling and text size to shrink everything down. Follow these steps to make the necessary changes and achieve a more compact look on your screen.

Steps to Make Everything Smaller on Windows 11

In this section, we’ll go over the steps to adjust your display settings so that everything on your Windows 11 screen appears smaller.

Step 1: Open Settings

First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

The Settings app is where you can adjust many system preferences. You can also find it by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.

Step 2: Go to System Settings

Next, click on "System" in the Settings menu.

The System settings include various display options, among other things. This is where you’ll find the settings to adjust the size of items on your screen.

Step 3: Select Display

Under System, select the "Display" tab on the left-hand side.

The Display tab contains all the settings you need to customize your screen’s appearance, including scaling and resolution options.

Step 4: Change the Scale

In the Display settings, find the "Scale and layout" section and change the scale to a smaller percentage, like 100%.

Adjusting the scale changes the size of text, apps, and other items. Lowering the percentage will make everything appear smaller.

Step 5: Adjust Text Size

Scroll down to "Advanced scaling settings" if you still want items to appear smaller, and adjust the custom scaling settings.

Custom scaling allows you to specify an exact percentage to scale your display items, giving you more precise control over how small things appear.

Step 6: Apply Changes

After making your adjustments, click "Apply" to save the settings.

You’ll need to restart your computer for some changes to take effect. Make sure to save any work before you restart.

After you complete these steps, you’ll notice that all the elements on your screen have shrunk, giving you more space and a cleaner look.

Tips for Making Everything Smaller on Windows 11

  • Use a higher resolution: Increasing your screen’s resolution will make everything appear smaller.
  • Custom DPI settings: You can manually set the DPI (dots per inch) to get the size just right.
  • Adjust browser settings: Browsers like Chrome and Edge also have zoom settings you can adjust independently.
  • Consider font settings: You can change text size in individual apps if they still appear too large.
  • Test incremental changes: Making small adjustments and testing them can help you find the perfect setting without straining your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does everything look too big on my Windows 11 screen?

Your display scale might be set to a higher percentage. Lowering it can make everything appear smaller.

Can I make only the text smaller?

Yes, you can adjust only the text size through the "Make text bigger" option in the Display settings.

Will changing the scale affect my apps?

Most apps will adapt to the new scale, but some may appear blurry if they don’t support scaling.

Do I need to restart my computer after making changes?

For some settings, especially custom scaling, a restart is required to apply the changes.

What if I don’t like the new settings?

You can always revert back to the original settings by following the same steps and selecting the previous scale percentage.

Summary of Steps

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System Settings.
  3. Select Display.
  4. Change the Scale.
  5. Adjust Text Size.
  6. Apply Changes.

Conclusion

Making everything smaller on Windows 11 can give your screen a more streamlined and spacious look. It’s a simple process that involves adjusting the display settings and custom scaling options to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking to fit more on your screen or just prefer a smaller interface, the steps outlined above will help you achieve the desired result.

Feel free to explore other settings to further customize your experience. If you run into any issues, you can always revert back to the original display settings. For more tips and tricks on optimizing your Windows 11 experience, check out our other articles. Happy customizing!