How to Magnify Everything on Windows

At times you may want to view an item up close on your computer. If you are viewing old family photographs, or proofing a graphic for your next brochure or your eyesight just isn't what it used to be, you may want to magnify the content on your screen. Although it may sound like you need complicated software, a magnification function is built in to your computer and is amazingly simple to use.

Instructions

Windows XP

1. Click the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your desktop.

2. Scroll up and click "All Programs." Find and click "Accessories."

3. Hit "Accessibility" and then click "Magnifier." Close the prompt box that may appear by hitting "OK." You may get a split screen with the magnifier on top.

4. Put your cursor on the line separating the views to see more of the magnified window if you experience this view. Your cursor will become two arrows. Left click and drag the line down so that the magnified window becomes larger.

5. Use the small dialog box to adjust your view. Click "Exit" to get out of the magnified view.

Windows Vista

1. Click the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your desktop.

2. Scroll up and hit "Control Panel." Select "Ease of Access" and "Ease of Access Center."

3. Select "Start Magnifier" under the "Quick access to common tools" section.

4. Click your "Control + Alt + Delete" keys together on your keyboard to end magnification. Click the "Task Manager" button. Hit the "Processes" tab. Scroll through the list of processes and find "Magnifier.exe." Highlight it and click the "End process" button.

Windows 7

1. Click the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your desktop.

2. Click "All Programs," then scroll up and click "Accessories."

3. Hit "Ease of Access" and then click "Magnifier."

4. Move your cursor around your screen and the magnifier will make the area around your cursor larger.

5. Hit the Windows logo key and the "Esc" key together on your keyboard to end magnification.

Tips & Warnings

• The magnification in Windows 7 will only magnify the area directly around the cursor if your computer supports the Aero theme. Otherwise, only a fixed portion of the screen will be magnified at once.

References

• Microsoft: Turn On and Use Magnifier
• Microsoft: Start Magnifier for the current session
• Microsoft: Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier)