Certain Apps look Bigger and text issues

Henk Eykman 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T05:40:46.6966667+00:00

recently some of my apps look bigger and text look strange. I have already tried scaling and text sizes

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. DaveM121 930.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T06:14:51.3033333+00:00

    The Display Scaling in Windows 11 uses a process named DPI scaling, older apps do not have the ability to use DPI scaling and that setting will not affect older apps, the same is true of the Text Size setting, that may cause unpredictable results in older apps.

    If this problem is only affecting some apps, what apps are you seeing the problem with, and please provide a screenshot showing the problem you are seeing in one of the apps compared to other apps.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-14T05:41:02.3933333+00:00

    Since scaling and text size were already tried, focus on app-specific DPI and display rendering issues.

    1. Sign out of Windows and sign back in. This is a recommended workaround when apps suddenly appear blurry, too large, or too small, especially after display or monitor configuration changes.
    2. Check the main display scale and resolution again, but verify the recommended values.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Display.
      • Under Scale & layout, make sure Scale is set to the recommended value.
      • Make sure Display resolution is also set to the recommended value.
    3. If only certain desktop apps look wrong, change that app’s high-DPI behavior.
      • In File Explorer or the Start menu, right-click the app.
      • Select Properties > Compatibility.
      • In newer Windows versions, use Override high DPI scaling behavior, scaling performed by: Application.
      • In earlier wording, this appears as Disable display scaling on high DPI settings.
    4. If the issue started after using different monitors, docking, or reconnecting displays, log off and back on after the monitor setup is stable. Windows determines display information at sign-in, and mixed DPI or changed monitor setups can cause fuzzy or incorrectly sized apps during the same session.
    5. If everything on screen is too large, adjust overall app and image scaling instead of text-only settings.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Display.
      • Under Scale & layout, change Scale.
      • Some apps may require sign-out and sign-in before the change fully applies.
    6. If only text looks odd in some apps, turn on and tune ClearType.
      • Open Windows Search.
      • Search for Adjust ClearType text.
      • Make sure Turn on ClearType is enabled, then complete the calibration steps.
    7. Avoid custom scaling unless necessary. Windows supports custom scaling, but it is not recommended and can make some apps appear incorrectly sized.

    If the problem is limited to a few older desktop apps, step 3 is the most likely fix. If it affects many apps after a display change or update, step 1 and step 4 are the most likely fixes.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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