Welcome to Guide CAT - Guide to Computers and Technology for the Visually Impaired

If you find the text and icons on your screen too small, then Windows 7 provides an easy method of increasing the size of Windows Elements.

The image below shows my laptop running at its native resolution of 1200×800, using zoom levels of 100%. Decreasing the resolution would be one way around this, but due to the way LCD screens work, this often results in blurry text.

Default size of text on a 1200x800 Display

To change the size of Windows Elements

1. In the start menu search box enter “Make Text Larger” and press Enter.
2. The “Make it easier to read what’s on your screen “ page will be displayed.
3. You can now choose from small (100% Zoom, Default), Medium (125%) or larger (150%). By pressing ALT+S for Small, ALT+M for Medium and ALT+L for large, we’ll choose medium.
4. Press ALT+A to Apply and save your settings. You will be asked if windows can log you off to apply these settings. Press ENTER to accept.
5. When you computer restarts, your new settings will be applied

Medium Sized Icons on a 1200x800 Display

Related Articles

1. Readability – Cutting through the clutter
2. Accessible BBC iPlayer
3. Create Keyboard Shortcuts to your favourite Programs
4. How to change the default font in Word 2007
5. Select, Cut, Copy and Paste Text without the mouse