Can't change font size in Outlook

In classic Outlook for Windows, this is usually fixed in one of two places:

1. Change the default compose font
   • Go to File > Options > Mail.
     • Under Compose messages, select Stationery and Fonts.
       • Under New mail messages, select Font.
         • Choose the font size wanted, then select OK.
           • Repeat under Replying or forwarding messages if needed.
             • Select OK to save.
             1. If the font still looks tiny only while typing, check the compose zoom
                • When composing a message, use Format > Zoom and set it back to 100%.
                  • A very low zoom level can make the text appear tiny even when the actual font setting is normal.

If the issue is in the Reading Pane instead of only while composing:

• The Reading Pane does not support changing the default font size directly.
• Use the zoom control at the bottom-right of the Reading Pane.
• If using a Microsoft 365 subscription, the Remember my preference option can keep that zoom level for messages read in the Reading Pane.

If needed, the classic Outlook default settings can be restored to:

• Font: +Body
• Font style: Regular
• Size: 11
• Font color: Automatic

• Change the default font or text color for email messages in Outlook
• Create, change, or customize a view in Outlook
• Outlook help -- text is very small - Microsoft Q&AIn classic Outlook for Windows, this is usually fixed in one of two places:
  1. Change the default compose font

     - Go to **File** > **Options** > **Mail**.
     
           - Under **Compose messages**, select **Stationery and Fonts**.
     
                 - Under **New mail messages**, select **Font**.
     
                       - Choose the font size wanted, then select **OK**.
     
                             - Repeat under **Replying or forwarding messages** if needed.
     
                                   - Select **OK** to save.
     
                                      1. If the font still looks tiny only while typing, check the compose zoom
     
                                            - When composing a message, use **Format** > **Zoom** and set it back to **100%**.
     
                                                  - A very low zoom level can make the text appear tiny even when the actual font setting is normal.
     

  If the issue is in the Reading Pane instead of only while composing:
  • The Reading Pane does not support changing the default font size directly.
    • Use the zoom control at the bottom-right of the Reading Pane.
      • If using a Microsoft 365 subscription, the Remember my preference option can keep that zoom level for messages read in the Reading Pane.
  If needed, the classic Outlook default settings can be restored to:
  • Font: +Body
    • Font style: Regular
      • Size: 11
        • Font color: Automatic
        • Change the default font or text color for email messages in Outlook
        • Create, change, or customize a view in Outlook
  • Outlook help -- text is very small - Microsoft Q&A

Hi Marcia,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your description, even though you have already configured the font settings under Mail > Stationery and Fonts, the font size still does not change. Please help me check the following:

1/ Check the Zoom Level

Please verify whether the default zoom level has been changed unintentionally.

1. Hold down the Ctrl key and scroll your mouse wheel up or down to adjust the zoom level.
2. Check whether the font size returns to normal.

2/ Create a New Outlook Profile

Please try creating a new Outlook profile to rule out the possibility that the current profile is corrupted.

Step 1: Completely close Outlook.

Step 2: Open Control Panel.

Step 3: Select Mail (Microsoft Outlook).

Step 4: Click Show Profiles > Add.

Step 5: After creating the new profile, select Always use this profile and set the new profile as the default.

 I hope this information is helpful.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.

I look forward to continuing the conversation.

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