How to Make Everything Smaller on Windows 10
If you want to make everything smaller on your Windows 10 computer, you’re in the right place. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to adjust your display settings to make icons, text, and apps appear smaller. This can free up screen space and make your desktop look less cluttered. Let’s dive into the steps.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make Everything Smaller on Windows 10
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of changing display settings to make things smaller. Follow these steps and you’ll have a more streamlined screen in no time.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
The Settings app is where you control most of your system preferences.
Step 2: Go to System
In Settings, click on "System."
The System category houses all the display, sound, and power settings.
Step 3: Select Display
Under System, click on "Display" on the left sidebar.
This page lets you adjust how things appear on your screen.
Step 4: Change the Scale and Layout
Under the "Scale and layout" section, look for the drop-down menu under "Change the size of text, apps, and other items."
This is your primary tool for making everything smaller.
Step 5: Choose a Smaller Percentage
Select a smaller percentage from the drop-down menu. Common options are 100%, 125%, 150%, and so on.
Choosing a lower percentage will make everything on your screen smaller.
Step 6: Apply Changes
After selecting a smaller percentage, your screen will momentarily flicker as Windows adjusts the display.
This is normal and the changes will be applied almost instantly.
Once you’ve completed these steps, everything on your Windows 10 screen will appear smaller, giving you more space and a less cluttered view.
Tips for Making Everything Smaller on Windows 10
- Check Compatibility: Some older apps may not scale well. Check if your essential apps display correctly after making changes.
- Use a Higher Resolution: Higher resolution settings can also help make everything look smaller but crisper.
- Adjust Font Size: For finer control, you can change just the font size in the "Advanced scaling settings."
- Custom Scaling: Use the "Advanced scaling settings" for custom scaling percentages if the default options don’t suit your needs.
- Restart if Necessary: Sometimes a quick reboot can help apply the changes more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if everything looks too small after changing the scale?
You can always go back to a higher percentage to make things bigger again. Just follow the steps and adjust back to a comfortable size.
Will changing the scale affect my screen resolution?
No, adjusting the scale changes the size of items on the screen but doesn’t alter the actual screen resolution.
Can I adjust the scale for multiple monitors?
Yes, you can set different scaling settings for each monitor connected to your computer.
What if some apps look blurry after changing the scale?
Some apps may not handle scaling well. You might need to enable "Fix scaling for apps" in the advanced scaling settings.
How do I reset the scaling to default?
Go back to "Scale and layout" and select the recommended percentage, typically 100%.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to System.
- Select Display.
- Change the Scale and Layout.
- Choose a smaller percentage.
- Apply changes.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Making everything smaller on Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. By adjusting the scale and layout settings, you can declutter your desktop and make better use of your screen space. Whether you need more room for multitasking or just prefer a cleaner look, these simple steps will have you set up in no time.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other customization options in the Windows 10 settings to further tailor your experience. There’s a world of tweaks and adjustments that can make your computer feel more like your own.
Do you have any other questions or run into any issues? Don’t hesitate to look up additional resources or reach out for further assistance. Happy customizing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.