Windows 7: Icon displays too large after screen type size increased

himagain · 12 Dec 2011

hi there people,
this is embarrassing!

been using Windows since forever but eyesight now failing.

Have increased the screen type size so that I can still read it, but now the icons are gigantic.
I do remember going through this exercise on my previous PC before I bought my Samsung R780 notebook and I did it then with a simple utility.

I am working on a project now that is overdue, so any help would be much appreciated.
I have quickly tried to find a similar problem via search with no luck.

Brink · 12 Dec 2011

Hello Himagain, and welcome to Seven Forums.

This sounds like the DPI settings that you changed if everything is huge now. If so, then you could use OPTION THREE in the tutorial below to reset it back to the default 96 DPI (100%).

DPI Display Size Settings - Change

Hope this helps,
Shawn

himagain · 12 Dec 2011

Hi Shawn,
wow! thanks for the lightning reply.
Unfortunately, the standard solution which you kindly referred me to only adjusts both the actual font size and the icons simultaneously.
While I am not actually visually impaired to any major degree yet, this particular problem is already a major one at my level of visual acuity. (150%)

there are only two probable options that I can see:
1. Remove icons from my desktop completely. (don't know how)
2. find a method of separating the icons and the type size. (Don't know how now)

Cheers?

Brink · 12 Dec 2011

I'm not sure if there's a way to just increase the size of the fonts everywhere in Windows 7.

You might see if adjusting the font sizes to be larger for items in the Advanced Window Color Appearance settings at step 6 in the tutorial below may help some.

Window Color and Appearance - Change

In addition, you might also see if using the Magnifier tool may be able to help.

dsperber · 12 Dec 2011

To resize desktop icons

Right-click the desktop, point to View, and then click Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons.
Tips
- You can also use the scroll wheel on your mouse to resize desktop icons. On the desktop, press and hold Ctrl while you scroll the wheel to make icons larger or smaller.
- For information on how to show or hide individual Windows icons, such as the icon for Computer or Recycle Bin, see Show or hide common icons on the desktop in Windows Help.

The taskbar also has its own separate icon size setting. Right click on the taskbar, select "Properties" to get the "Taskbar and start menu properties" dialog, and check "use small icons" item on the Taskbar tab.

Does this help?

himagain · 13 Dec 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by dsperber

To resize desktop icons

[*]You can also use the scroll wheel on your mouse to resize desktop icons. On the desktop, press and hold Ctrl while you scroll the wheel to make icons larger or smaller.

Does this help?

THAT was it! I KNEW there was a simple way to do it - just could not remember it.
I also use a very useful program called FENCES Stardock Corporation - Software - Fences
Had to turn it off before I could use this trick, but then was ok.

Thank you disperber and Brink.

Brink · 13 Dec 2011

That's great news himagain. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.