How to Fix Font Size on a Dell Computer

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Dell is a popular computer manufacturer that makes PCs installed with Microsoft's Windows operating systems. Inadequate font display size is a common issue in Windows. When you make changes to your computer, the resolution or font settings may change, which can make text appear too small or too large. It is also possible to accidentally alter font size using a keyboard shortcut. If you are not happy with your font size on your Dell, there are a few easy ways to scale it up or down.

Advertisement

Change your screen resolution.

Video of the Day

Step 1

Right click on the desktop and choose "Properties" (XP) or "Personalize" (Vista.).

Video of the Day

Step 2

In XP click on the "Settings tab, and in Vista click on "Display Settings."

Advertisement

Step 3

Adjust the resolution slider to the right or left (right will set a higher resolution, left lower resolution) and then click "Apply." The screen will change to the new resolution.

Step 4

Click "Yes" to accept the changes.

Advertisement

Alter the text size in the program you are running.

Step 1

Alter the text size in the program you are running. Many programs have their own font-size settings that can often be altered in a view, settings or options menu.

Step 2

Look for an option to change font size or zoom. Often you can click on a "View" menu and then click "Zoom."

Advertisement

Step 3

Zoom to the required size. (For many programs, you can hold down the "control" key and then use the mouse wheel to automatically zoom in and out.)

Alter your computer's DPI scale setting in Vista.

Step 1

Right click your desktop.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 2

Select "Personalize" then "Adjust font size (DPI)," then "Custom DPI."

Step 3

Enter a number between 100% and 500% (higher numbers mean larger text).

Step 4

Click"OK."

Advertisement

Step 5

Click "Apply."

Step 6

Restart your computer.

Alter your computer's DPI scale setting in XP.

Step 1

Right click your desktop.

Advertisement

Step 2

Select "Properties," "Settings," "Advanced."

Step 3

Click on the DPI setting you want to use in the drop-down list or select "Custom DPI Setting (other)" and enter your own number.

Step 4

Click "Apply" and restart your computer.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references