Windows 11: how to enlarge what's on the screen?

Hello,

That’s a great question, and I can see why it feels different moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The shortcut you were using — Ctrl + — works inside certain apps (like browsers, Office programs, or File Explorer) to zoom in on content, but it doesn’t enlarge the entire desktop or system interface. That’s why it seemed to “enlarge everything” in your old setup, but on Windows 11 the behavior is more app‑specific.

If your goal is to make all elements on the screen larger (menus, icons, text, etc.), here’s the proper way to do it in Windows 11:

• Go to Settings → System → Display.
• Under Scale & layout, adjust the Scale percentage (for example, 125% or 150%). This enlarges everything consistently across the system.
• You can also change Display resolution if needed, but scaling is the recommended method.

For quick zooming in and out anywhere on the screen, Windows 11 includes the Magnifier tool:

• Press Windows key + Plus (+) to turn it on and zoom in.
• Press Windows key + Minus (-) to zoom out.
• Press Windows key + Esc to exit Magnifier.

I hope this helps,

If this guidance proves helpful, please kindly click “Accept Answer” so we know we’re heading in the right direction 😊. And of course, I’m here if you need further clarification or support.

Domic Vo.