Setting the Magnification Level

Magnifier is a display utility that makes the computer screen more readable by people who have low vision by creating a separate window that displays a magnified portion of the screen. Magnifier provides a minimum level of functionality for people who have slight visual impairments. Magnifier can be customized in several ways. This tutorial tells you how to change the magnification level of Magnifier to make text and images larger or smaller within the Magnifier window.

StepMouse actionsKeyboard actions
1 On the Start menu:
  • Point to Programs.
  • Point to Accessories.
  • Point to Accessibility.
  • Select Magnifier.

Note:  A message box with a link to more information about Magnifier may appear. To close the box, select OK.

 Display the Start menu by pressing CTRL+ESC (or the Windows logo key).
  • Move to Programs by pressing P.
  • Move to Accessories by pressing the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key. Press ENTER.
  • Move to Accessibility, and then press ENTER.
  • Move to Magnifier, and then press ENTER.

Note:  A message box with a link to more information about Magnifier may appear. To close the box, press ENTER.

2 In the Magnifier Settings dialog box:
  • Select Magnification Level.
 In the Magnifier Settings dialog box:
  • Select the Magnification Level box by pressing ALT+L.
3 In the Magnification level box:
  • Adjust the level of magnification by typing a number from 1 to 9, or by using the arrows to select.

Note:  To use Microsoft Magnifier but hide the Magnifier Settings dialog box, select the Minimize button.

 In the Magnification level box:
  • Adjust the level of magnification by selecting a number from 1 to 9 using the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW

Note:  To use Microsoft Magnifier but hide the Magnifier Settings dialog box, press ALT+SPACEBAR, N.