How to configure display scaling in Windows

Display scaling in Windows 11 changes the size of text, icons, and apps without lowering the screen resolution. Proper scaling keeps high-DPI displays readable and avoids the “microscopic menus” problem on modern laptops and 4K monitors.

Windows uses a per-monitor DPI scale factor (percentage) that DPI-aware apps read to render at the correct physical size. The Scale setting in Settings → System → Display applies to the selected monitor and can differ between displays in a multi-monitor setup.

Non-standard values via Custom scaling can cause some legacy apps to appear blurry or have layout issues. Applying custom scaling requires a sign-out, so saving work before committing the change avoids losing unsaved edits.

1. Right-click on the Windows desktop to open the context menu.
2. Select Display settings from the context menu.
3. Select the target monitor under Select and rearrange displays when multiple monitors are connected.
4. Select the desired value from the Scale drop-down under Scale & layout.

   Preset scaling applies immediately and can be set differently per monitor.

5. Select Advanced scaling settings to set a custom scale percentage.
6. Enter a value between 100% and 500% in the Custom scaling field.

   Custom scaling requires a sign-out to apply; revert using Turn off custom scaling and sign out if apps render poorly.

7. Apply the custom scale value.
8. Click the Sign out now button to finalize the change.

   This logs out of the current Windows session; unsaved work will be lost.

9. Sign back in to continue.
10. Open Display settings to view the active scaling percentage under Scale & layout.