Adjust DPI Scaling in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

This article describes steps to change the display Dots per inch (DPI) scaling level in Windows 11.

DPI is the physical measurement of the number of individual dots that can be placed in a linear inch of a display. DPI settings change the size of the text, apps, icons, and other items in Windows.

Most displays today are 95-110 DPI, with Windows defaulting to 96 DPI. A lower DPI setting will make items appear smaller, while higher settings make them appear bigger on the screen.

If items on your screen are not displaying correctly, you can change the DPI level to increase or decrease to make them visible.

Below is how to correctly change the DPI scaling level for all or specific displays to display items.

How to increase or decrease DPI Scaling in Windows 11

As described above, if items on your screen are not displaying correctly, you can change the DPI level to increase or decrease to make them visible.

Below is how to adjust the DPI scaling level in Windows 11.

Change DPI Scaling level using Windows Settings app

The quickest way to change or adjust your display DPI scaling level is to use the Windows Settings app.

First, open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I).

When the Settings app opens, click the System button on the left.

On the right, click the Display tile to expand.

Select the display you want to change on the System -> Display settings pane or adjust its DPI scaling level. If you have multiple monitors, select each one and adjust.

Each display will have its DPI settings that work.

Under the Scale & layout section, select the Scale tile and choose the correct DPI level for your display or monitor.

Set custom DPI scaling level using the Settings app

If the recommended DPI scaling level isn’t compatible with your display or the percentage selections are unsuitable for your device, Windows lets you set a custom DPI scaling level.

To set a custom DPI scaling level, open the Settings app and go to System -> Display. Under the Scale & layout section, select the Scale tile to expand.

On the System -> Display -> Scale -> Custom scaling settings pane, enter a custom scaling size between 100-500 % you want for all displays, and click the check mark to save.

You must sign out and back in for the changes to apply.

Change display DPI scaling using Windows Registry Editor

If you can’t change the DPI scaling using the Windows Settings app and prefer the Registry Editor, use the steps below.

First, open the Windows Registry Editor.

Next, navigate to the folder key as listed below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

If you don’t see the Desktop folder key, right-click on the Control Panel key, then create the subkey (Desktop) subfolder key.

Right-click on the Desktop folder key’s right pane and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Next, type a new key named LogPixels.

Double-click the new value name (LogPixels) and enter the Value data using the table below to change the DPI scaling in Windows 11.

Also, locate the Win8DpiScaling value name and Double-click it to open. When it opens, enter 1  to use a DPI scaling value of more than 96.

If 96 is used, then enter 0.

When you are done, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Changing the display DIP scaling level in Windows 11 is crucial for ensuring items are displayed correctly on your screen.
• You can adjust the DPI scaling level using the Windows Settings app, allowing you to select the correct DPI level for your display or set a custom scaling size if needed.
• If you prefer the Registry Editor, you can modify the DPI scaling using specific steps outlined in this guide.
• Following the instructions will help you change the DPI scaling level in Windows 11 and ensure a comfortable viewing experience on your device.