Making Icons Larger With Windows XP
Other People Are Reading
-
Why Change the Size?
-
Windows XP comes with a standard size for its desktop icons of 32 by 32 pixels. This is likely the size of the icons on your desktop if you are running Windows XP. They are a comfortable size for many people on standard monitors. However, Windows XP also has the capability of resizing icons, which is convenient for many people who have difficulty seeing the screen, or who simply feel the strain of staring at a computer screen all day.
-
Standard to Large
-
The simplest way to resize Windows XP icons is to go into the Control Panel. Make sure you are in Classic View in the Control Panel; this means all of the icons are showing rather than a list of categories. If you are not in Classic View, there will be an option in the left-hand pane of the Control Panel that says "Switch to Classic View." Click this to enter Classic View.
Double-click "Display." In the "Display Properties" menu that appears, click the tab that says "Appearance." Click the "Effects" button, and click the box next to "Use large icons" so a check mark appears. Click "OK" in the "Effects" box; click "OK" again in the "Display Properties" box. You will see your desktop icons have become much larger--resized to 48 by 48 pixels.
Custom Sizing Icons
-
There are additional options that allow for icons to be sized even larger than 48 by 48 pixels. It's important to keep in mind, however, that sizing the icons larger than the recommended size causes a loss in resolution, and very large icons will also look very grainy and bitmapped.
To custom-size icons, once again go into the Control Panel and Display. Instead of the "Effects" button, though, choose the "Advanced" button right below it. Under the word "Item" is a drop-down menu. Choose "Icon" from the menu. This will bring up a "Size" box that should read either 32 or 48, depending if you have currently selected regular or large icons. Use the arrow to make the size go up or down. It will go as small as 16 and as large as 72. When you have chosen the size you want, click "OK" in the "Advanced Appearance" box, and again in the "Display Properties" box. A Windows "Please Wait" screen will appear for a moment, and then your icons will appear resized.
Follow the directions to resize again if desired.
-
