How to Change Font Size in File Explorer Windows 11: A Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Windows 11 introduces a sleek design and modern interface, but sometimes the default font size in File Explorer can feel too small or too large for comfort. Whether you want to improve readability, reduce eye strain, or customize your workspace, you can easily adjust font size in Windows 11. In this guide, we’ll walk through multiple methods to change font size in File Explorer on Windows 11 step by step.

📌 Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 doesn’t offer a direct “font size only” option, but you can change it through Display settings, scaling, and accessibility features.
  • Adjusting font size in File Explorer also affects other interface elements like menus and icons.
  • You can use Settings, Registry Editor, or third-party tools depending on your needs.
  • Larger text helps with readability, while smaller text gives you more screen space.

Why Change Font Size in File Explorer?

  • 👀 Better readability: Reduce eye strain with larger fonts.
  • 🖥️ More workspace: Smaller text fits more content on the screen.
  • ⚙️ Accessibility: Helps users with vision difficulties.
  • 🎨 Personal preference: Customize your system to match your comfort.

Method 1: Change Font Size via Display Settings

The easiest method is adjusting the text size in Display settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accessibility > Text size.
  3. Drag the slider to increase or decrease text size.
  4. Click Apply.

✅ This changes the font size in File Explorer and across Windows 11 apps.

Method 2: Adjust Scaling for File Explorer and Apps

Scaling increases or decreases the size of everything, including fonts, icons, and menus.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Display.
  2. Under Scale & layout, select a scaling percentage (e.g., 125%, 150%).
  3. Log out and log back in if needed.

⚠️ Note: Scaling affects the entire display, not just File Explorer.

Method 3: Use Advanced Display DPI Settings

If you want precise control:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced scaling settings.
  2. Enter a custom DPI percentage (100–500%).
  3. Click Apply and restart.

Method 4: Change Font Size Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

Windows 11 doesn’t have the “Advanced Appearance Settings” from Windows 7/10, but you can still tweak font size via the Registry Editor.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
  3. Find the following entries:
    • IconFont
    • MenuFont
    • MessageFont
    • StatusFont
    • SystemFont
  4. Modify these values manually or import a .reg file with custom font sizes.
  5. Restart your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly may cause system issues. Create a backup first.

Method 5: Use Magnifier for Temporary Font Enlargement

If you don’t want permanent changes:

  1. Press Win + Plus (+) to open Magnifier.
  2. Zoom in as needed.
  3. Press Win + Esc to exit.

This is useful for occasional reading in File Explorer.

Method 6: Install Third-Party Tools

Some apps allow deeper font customization:

  • Winaero Tweaker – lets you adjust system font size.
  • System Font Size Changer – modify UI text independently of scaling.

⚠️ Use third-party tools with caution and only download from trusted sources.

Method 7: Change File Explorer View Options

While this doesn’t directly change font size, you can adjust how items appear.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click the View menu.
  3. Choose between Extra large icons, Large icons, Medium icons, Small icons, List, Details, Tiles, Content.

This indirectly changes how much text you see per item.

Method 8: Adjust ClearType Text for Better Readability

Instead of changing font size, you can improve clarity.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + S and search Adjust ClearType text.
  2. Enable ClearType.
  3. Follow the wizard to fine-tune text appearance.

Troubleshooting Font Size Changes

  • Text too blurry after scaling? → Try custom DPI or ClearType adjustments.
  • Registry changes not working? → Ensure you restart Windows.
  • App fonts unchanged? → Some third-party apps don’t follow Windows scaling.

Quick Reference: Methods to Change Font Size

Method Difficulty Affects Entire System?
Display Settings Easy Yes
Scaling Easy Yes
Advanced DPI Medium Yes
Registry Editor Hard No (customizable)
Magnifier Easy Temporary
Third-party tools Medium Customizable
File Explorer view Easy File Explorer only

Which Method Should You Use?

  • For overall system readability → Use Display Settings or Scaling.
  • For advanced customization → Try Registry Editor or third-party apps.
  • For temporary adjustments → Use Magnifier.

Pro Tips

  • Test different scaling percentages until you find your comfort zone.
  • Use Ctrl + Scroll Wheel inside File Explorer to quickly zoom in or out.
  • If using multiple monitors, adjust scaling individually for each display.

Conclusion

Changing the font size in File Explorer on Windows 11 helps improve readability and personalization. You can use Display Settings, scaling options, Registry tweaks, or even third-party tools depending on your preference. Whether you want bigger text for comfort or smaller text for more screen space, Windows 11 gives you flexible options.

FAQs

1. Can I change only the File Explorer font size without affecting other apps?

Not directly in Windows 11. The changes usually affect system-wide text. Use third-party apps like Winaero Tweaker for more control.

2. Why does scaling make my text blurry?

Some apps don’t scale well. Try adjusting DPI settings or enabling ClearType.

3. Is it safe to use Registry Editor to change font size?

Yes, if done carefully. Always back up your registry before editing.

4. Can I zoom in and out quickly in File Explorer?

Yes. Use Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Wheel to zoom file/folder views.

5. Do font size changes affect all monitors?

Yes, unless you configure scaling individually per monitor in Display settings.

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