Download the font, then right-click the font file (it ends in .ttf or .otf) and select Install. You can also drag the file onto Settings > Personalization > Fonts. The new font shows up in Word, PowerPoint, Paint, and most other apps right away.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Install a font from a file
- Download the font from a site you trust. Fonts often come in a .zip file.
- If it’s a .zip file, right-click it and select Extract All, then Extract. If the archive won’t open, see how to extract files on Windows 11.
- Open the extracted folder and right-click the font file.
- Select Install.
- Open your app and pick the new font from the font list. If the app was already open, close it and open it again.
If a font comes in several files, such as Regular and Bold, install each one. You can select them all, right-click, and select Install once.
Install several fonts at once
In File Explorer, select all the font files you want, right-click one of them, and select Install. If you don’t see Install, select Show more options first. Windows installs every selected font in one go.
Drag and drop in Settings
- Select Start > Settings > Personalization > Fonts.
- Drag the font file from File Explorer onto the Drag and drop to install box.
- Find the font under Available fonts to check that it installed.
Get free fonts from Microsoft Store
On the Fonts page, select Get more fonts in Microsoft Store. Pick a font and select Get. It installs by itself.
Remove a font
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Fonts.
- Select the font under Available fonts.
- Select Uninstall.
If a font won’t install
- “Not a valid font file.” The file may be damaged, or it’s a web font such as .woff or .woff2, which Windows can’t install. Download the .ttf or .otf version instead.
- You dropped a .zip file. Extract it first. Settings and the Install option only work with the font files themselves.
- Windows asks whether to replace a font. A font with the same name is already installed. Select Yes only if you want the newer version.
- Install is grayed out or missing. On a work PC, your organization may block new fonts. Ask your IT team.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my new font show up in an app?
Close the app completely and open it again. Some apps only show certain font types, so try the font in another app, such as Word or Paint.
Can I install fonts for everyone on the PC?
The Install for all users option needs an administrator. Install adds the font for your account, which is all most people need.
Which font files work?
TrueType (.ttf) and OpenType (.otf) files work best. If you downloaded a .zip file, see how to zip and unzip files in Windows 11. On an older PC, see how to install fonts in Windows 10.
Where are fonts stored?
Fonts installed for everyone go in C:\Windows\Fonts. Fonts you install just for your account go in your user folder, under AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Fonts.
Are free fonts safe to download?
Fonts from well-known sites are generally safe. Avoid downloads that come as .exe files or ask you to install an extra app. Also check the license: some free fonts are only free for personal use.
Will my document look the same on someone else’s PC?
Only if they have the same font. Otherwise, their PC swaps in a different one. To be safe, save the document as a PDF, or in Word turn on File > Options > Save > Embed fonts in the file.
Can I preview a font before installing it?
Yes. Double-click the font file to open a preview window that shows the letters at different sizes. Select Install at the top if you like it.
Do too many fonts slow down my PC?
Only with a very large number, such as thousands. Apps that list fonts may open a little slower. Uninstall fonts you don’t use if that happens.
Microsoft’s reference is Manage Fonts in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to change the font in Windows 11.
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.