If you find yourself squinting at your screen or simply want more real estate for your windows, making everything smaller on Windows 11 is a breeze. You can adjust the scale and layout settings to fit your preferences. In just a few steps, you’ll be able to see more content on your screen without the need for extra monitors.
How to Make Everything Smaller on Windows 11
Let’s walk through the steps to make everything smaller on Windows 11. These instructions will help you adjust the scale and layout settings so that text, apps, and other items appear smaller on your screen.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
The Settings app is your go-to place for most system adjustments. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open it quickly.
Step 2: Go to System
Next, in the Settings app, click on the "System" category.
The System category contains all the essential display settings you need. It’s where you’ll make changes to how things appear on your screen.
Step 3: Click on Display
Then, click on "Display" on the left-hand side to open the display settings.
Display settings allow you to adjust everything from screen resolution to brightness. This is where you’ll find the options to make everything smaller.
Step 4: Adjust Scale and Layout
Under the Scale and Layout section, click the dropdown under "Change the size of text, apps, and other items" and select a smaller percentage, like 100%.
Choosing a smaller scale percentage will shrink items on your screen. You might need to experiment with different percentages to find the one that works best for you.
Step 5: Confirm Your Changes
Finally, confirm your changes by clicking "Apply." Your screen may flicker for a moment as it adjusts.
After clicking “Apply,” take a few moments to see how everything looks. If it’s not quite right, you can always go back and adjust the scale again.
Once you complete these steps, your screen will display everything smaller, giving you more space to work with. This can make multitasking easier, especially if you’re working on a laptop or a smaller monitor.
Tips for Making Everything Smaller on Windows 11
- Experiment with Different Percentages: Not everyone has the same preferences. Try different scale percentages to find the one that suits you best.
- Check Compatibility: Some older apps might not scale properly. Keep an eye out for any issues and adjust as necessary.
- Use Display Resolution: Adjusting your screen resolution can also help make things smaller. Higher resolutions generally make items appear smaller.
- Monitor Size Matters: Larger monitors handle smaller scaling better. If you have a tiny screen, don’t go too small, or you might struggle to read text.
- Custom Scaling: You can enter a custom scaling percentage if the presets don’t fit your needs. Just be aware this might affect system stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the display resolution on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Display, then scroll down to find the Display Resolution dropdown. Choose your desired resolution and click Apply.
Will making everything smaller affect performance?
Generally, changing the scale settings won’t affect performance. However, if you enter a custom scaling percentage, it might cause some instability.
Can I revert to the original settings?
Yes, simply go back to Settings > System > Display and choose the recommended scale percentage.
What if some apps look blurry?
Some older apps might not handle scaling well. You can adjust individual app settings by right-clicking the app’s icon, selecting Properties, and then Compatibility.
Is it possible to make items even smaller than 100%?
100% is usually the smallest preset available, but you can enter a custom scaling percentage lower than 100% in the Advanced scaling settings.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to System.
- Click on Display.
- Adjust Scale and Layout.
- Confirm Your Changes.
Conclusion
Making everything smaller on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’re optimizing your workspace or just prefer a more minimalist view, adjusting the scale and layout settings can make a big difference. Remember, you have the flexibility to experiment with different percentages until you find what works best for you.
Feeling adventurous? Dive into other display settings for further customization. Adjusting your display resolution or even enabling night light mode can further enhance your viewing experience. So why wait? Open those settings and start tweaking! If you found this guide helpful, share it with others so they can also enjoy a more tailored Windows 11 experience.
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.