How to Activate Missing Fonts in Windows

Many fonts are available for download.

Your Windows computer may be missing some of the standard Windows fonts or you may want fonts that are not included in the standard package of Windows. The list of standard Windows fonts includes Courier New, Arial, Times New Roman, Symbol, Wingdings, MS Serif and MS Sans Serif. If you are missing fonts that are not included in the standard package of Windows, you will have to download and install them, then add the fonts to the Fonts directory.

Instructions

1. Run Windows Setup again to replace missing or changed files, such as fonts. If you are missing fonts, chances are you're missing other files too, according to Microsoft.

2. Download missing fonts. If running Setup does not replace the missing fonts, you will need to download the missing fonts from a website that offers fonts. Many fonts are available for free or for purchase.

3. Save your newly downloaded font file (fonts are usually TrueType, with a ".ttf" file extension) to "My Desktop" or another known location on your computer.

4. Drag the font into the "Control Panel," "Fonts" directory. This will make your font available on all applications that use fonts.

Tips & Warnings

• Running Windows Setup may cause you to lose programs and hardware drivers that you have installed since the last time you set up Windows on your computer, according to Microsoft.

References

• Microsoft: How to Reinstall the Standard Fonts Included with Windows
• Gimp Documentation: Adding Fonts