How to set custom DPI scale size on Windows 11

Here are the steps to make text, apps, and other elements bigger or smaller on Windows 11.

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Windows 11 display scale
Windows 11 display scale / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To change the DPI scaling on Windows 11, open Settings > System > Display and choose your preferred scale size, or click the “Scale” setting and confirm a custom scaling size.
  • Alternatively, you can open the Registry and modify the “LogPixels” and “Win8DpiScaling” keys to specify the desired scaling size for Windows 11.

The scale feature on Windows 11 allows you to change the size of text, apps, and other visual elements on the screen, and in this guide, I will outline the steps to configure this feature so that elements don’t look too small or too big.

Usually, you don’t have to think about the dots per inch (DPI) scaling settings on regular displays since they offer a more natural size. However, this could be a problem on laptops or monitors with high-resolution panels (such as 4K or higher resolution panels) that make elements and text too small to read. Also, even though Windows 11 can automatically configure an optimal scale setting for you, the system can sometimes choose an option that shows elements too big on the screen.

As a result, you can always change the display scaling settings in at least three ways. For example, you can use one of the predefined options, set a custom scaling size for elements on the screen, or change the DPI scaling settings using the Registry.

In this guide, I will teach you how to change the scale size on Windows 11.

Warning: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks associated with modifying the Windows Registry. Incorrect changes can lead to system instability or operational issues. Therefore, ensure you have a full system backup before making any changes. Proceed with caution and understanding.

Change display scale with custom size on Windows 11

To change the scale size of a display on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the Scale setting under the “Scale & layout” section.

    Open custom scale settings

  4. Use the “Custom scaling” setting and specify the custom scaling size between 100% and 500% on Windows 11.

    Custom scale setting

  5. Click the Check button.

  6. Click the “Sign out now” button.

Once you complete the steps, sign back in to start using the custom scaling on Windows 11.

If you want to revert to the previous setting, you can use the same instructions, but on step 3, click the “Turn off custom scaling and sign out” option.

Change display scale with predefined sizes on Windows 11

To use a different DPI scale size on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Under the “Scale & layout” section, use the Scale settings and select one of the predefined sizes, including 100%, 125%, 150%, and 175%.

    Change Windows 11 scale

After you complete the steps, you may need to restart some applications to reflect the new scale size.

If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions, but in step 3, select the “Recommended” size.

You don’t have to change the scale settings if you only want to make the text on the screen bigger. If so, adjust the display text size with these instructions.

Change display scale with Registry on Windows 11

To change the Windows 11 scaling settings through the Registry, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

  3. Browse to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

  4. Right-click the Desktop key, choose New, and click on the “DWORD (32-bit) Value” option.

  5. Confirm the LogPixels name and press Enter.

    Windows 11 create LogPixels Registry

  6. Right-click the newly created DWORD and choose the Modify option.

  7. Choose the Decimal option.

    Registry change scaling setting

  8. Change the value from 0 to the number representing the scaling settings for Windows 11:

    • 96 – Smaller 100% (Recommended)
    • 120 – Medium 125%
    • 144 – Larger 150%
    • 192 – Extra Large 200%
    • 240 – Custom 250%
    • 288 – Custom 300%
    • 384 – Custom 400%
    • 480 – Custom 500%

  9. Click the OK button.

  10. If you didn’t use the value 96 in step 8, right-click the Registry Win8DpiScaling setting DWORD and choose the Modify option.

  11. Change the value from 0 to 1.

  12. Click the OK button. 

  13. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the system should apply the new scaling setting on Windows 11.

If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions, but in step 4, right-click the “LogPixels” key and choose the “Delete” option. Also, in step 11, set the value of “Win8DpiScaling” to 0 and click the “OK” button.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].