Have you ever glanced at your Windows 10 desktop and thought, “Gosh, these icons are just too large,” or maybe even, “Why do these icons have to be so teeny tiny?”
This guide will take you on an easy step-by-step tour of how to change icon size on the desktop, taskbar and file explorer in Windows 10. Stick with me; it’s simpler than you’d imagine!
Key Takeaways
- You can change icon size on your Windows 10 desktop by right-clicking on an empty area and selecting “View” from the context menu, then choosing between options like “Large icons,” “Medium icons,” or “Small icons.”
- Adjusting the size of icons in File Explorer and taskbar settings is also possible by following the simple steps provided in this guide.
- Customizing icon sizes offers benefits such as improved aesthetics, enhanced efficiency in locating applications/files, and increased accessibility for visually impaired individuals or those requiring larger text/icons for better ergonomics.
How to Change Icon Size in Windows 10 on Desktop
To change the desktop icon size in Windows 10, you can use either the “View” tab or the display settings.
Using the “View” tab
I started the process of modifying my desktop icon size by utilizing the “View” tab. I right-click on an empty area of my desktop to prompt a context menu to appear. From this context menu, I proceed to select the “View” option which opens up another list. This list consists of options like “Large icons”, “Medium icons”, and “Small icons”. I make a choice from these options depending on my preference for icon size.
For instance, if I prefer big and easily noticeable icons, I opt for the “Large icons” option. Conversely, if I want more space on my desktop and don’t mind smaller icons, I go with the “Small icons” setting. On some occasions, when I am indecisive about large or small icons, I choose the middle ground by selecting “Medium icons”.
Once completed, my Windows 10 desktop reflects the changes immediately without needing a restart or relog of any kind. That’s how simple it is for me to customize the size of my desktop icons using the “View” tab!
Using display settings
The process for changing icon size on Windows 10 through display settings is straightforward and efficient. First, access the Settings menu by clicking on the gear icon in your Start menu. Then, from the array of options available, select “System” to modify hardware settings. Included here is “Display,” which contains all functions tied to your screen’s appearance.
- Select a value from the drop-down menu; each represents different scaling percentages.
- The larger the percentage, the larger your icons, text, and apps will appear.
- Once you’ve made your selection, Windows might prompt you to sign out so it can apply these changes effectively.
- Changing desktop icon size in Windows 10 also impacts the viewing layout.
- Changing icon size on windows may shift their perspective – small icons have straight-on views compared to large ones.
- Bear in mind that larger icons on the start menu allow for quicker tool selection when needed.
How to Change File Explorer Icons Size in Windows 10
Adjusting the size of icons in Windows 10’s File Explorer can significantly improve your navigation experience:
- Open your File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar.
- Browse to any directory you wish for a change in icon size.
- At the top of the Explorer window, find and click on the ‘View’ tab.
- A ribbon menu will appear with several viewing options for your files and folders.
- To change the size of icons, select ‘Extra large icons’, ‘Large icons’, ‘Medium Icons’ or ‘Small Icons’.
- If you want all folders to follow this viewing style in future, press the “Options” button located to the far right of the ribbon menu.
- Under ‘Folder Options’, go to the ‘View’ tab and press “Apply to Folders”.
- All folders will now display with your preferred icon size.
How to Change Taskbar Icon Size in Windows 10
To change the taskbar icon size in Windows 10, go to taskbar settings and adjust the size according to your preference. This allows for a more personalized desktop experience.
Using taskbar settings
To change the taskbar icon size on Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.
- In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to find the “Taskbar appearance” section.
- Under “Taskbar appearance,” you’ll see a slider labelled “Taskbar button size.”
- Use the slider to increase or decrease the size of your taskbar icons.
- As you adjust the slider, you’ll see a live preview of how the icons will look.
- Find a size that suits your preference and click elsewhere on the screen to apply the changes.
Benefits of desktop personalization
Personalizing your desktop by changing the icon size in Windows 10 comes with several benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to create a more visually appealing and organized desktop layout that suits your preferences.
By adjusting the icon size, you can make important icons stand out more prominently, making it easier to locate frequently used applications or files at a glance.
Furthermore, customizing the icon size can improve productivity by enhancing efficiency. With larger icons on the taskbar or desktop, you reduce the chances of clicking on the wrong application or file accidentally.
This saves time and avoids frustration when navigating through your computer.
Additionally, personalization helps users with visual impairments or those who prefer larger text and icons due to ergonomic reasons. Increasing the icon size makes them more accessible and improves overall readability on your screen.
Additional Tips for an Enhanced Desktop Experience
To further enhance your desktop experience on Windows 10, take advantage of the accessibility features available. Adjusting the size and color contrast of icons can make it easier for those with visual impairments to navigate their desktop.
Additionally, consider changing the font size on your desktop icons to improve readability. If you need further assistance or have specific customization requests, don’t hesitate to seek help from Windows support or online communities dedicated to Windows users.
With these tips, you can optimize your desktop setup for a more enjoyable and personalized user experience.
Also, learn How to turn on Bluetooth on Windows 10.
Using accessibility features
I highly recommend utilizing the accessibility features available on Windows 10 to further enhance your desktop experience. These features can help you customize the icon size according to your preferences. Here are some accessibility features you can use:
Windows 10 Accessibility Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Magnifier | Alters desktop colour scheme to enhance element distinction, benefiting users with visual impairments. |
| High Contrast Mode | Alters desktop color scheme to enhance element distinction, benefiting users with visual impairments. |
| Narrator | Reads screen text aloud, aiding navigation for visually impaired users without altering icon size. |
| Ease of Access Center | Centralized settings to enhance desktop accessibility, enabling icon size and appearance customization. |
Consider changing the font size
To enhance your desktop experience on Windows 10, consider changing the font size. This simple adjustment can make text more legible and easier to read. With a larger font size, you won’t have to strain your eyes or squint to see important information on your desktop. Plus, it can improve overall accessibility and usability. So why not give it a try? Take advantage of the font size options available in Windows 10 and find the perfect setting that suits your needs. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make!
Seeking further assistance
If you need additional help in changing the icon size on Windows 10, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance. Whether you have specific questions or encounter any issues during the process, there are resources available to provide guidance and support.
You can explore online forums, and community websites, or contact Microsoft support directly for expert advice tailored to your needs. Don’t let any challenges discourage you from customizing your desktop experience – seek the assistance you need to achieve the desired changes effortlessly.
Remember, it’s always beneficial to tap into external resources when troubleshooting or seeking further information regarding Windows 10 icon customization. With access to reliable experts and user-friendly platforms, you can enhance your understanding of these features and make the most of personalizing your desktop icons on Windows 10.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing the icon size on Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done through the “View” tab or display settings for desktop icons. Taskbar icon size can also be adjusted through taskbar settings.
By customizing the icon size, users can personalize their desktop experience and enhance usability. With these user-friendly tips, you’ll be able to easily resize icons and create a visually appealing desktop layout on Windows 10.
FAQs
1. How do I change the icon size on Windows 10?
To change the icon size on Windows 10, right-click on an empty area of the desktop, select “Display settings,” and adjust the slider under “Change the size of text, apps, and other items.”
2. Can I customize the size of specific icons?
Yes, you can customize the size of specific icons by right-clicking on them, selecting “Properties,” going to the “Shortcut” tab, clicking on “Change Icon,” and choosing a different size from the available options.
3. Will changing icon sizes affect other aspects of my computer’s display?
Changing icon sizes should not significantly affect other aspects of your computer’s display. However, it may slightly alter how certain elements are organized or spaced out on your desktop.
4. Can I revert back to default icon sizes if I’m not satisfied with my changes?
Yes, you can easily revert back to default icon sizes by following similar steps as mentioned in question 1 and sliding the bar back to its original position.
5. Are there any keyboard shortcuts for quickly changing icon sizes?
Unfortunately, there are no built-in keyboard shortcuts specifically for changing icon sizes in Windows 10. The GUI method mentioned earlier is recommended for easy customization.
