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Changing the Size of Windows Desktop Icons
This post will show you how to change the size of desktop icons on Windows computers
If you are a visual computer user and you have a difficult time seeing the icons on your desktop, this post is for you! With one of two methods, you will be able to quickly enlarge the icon graphic to a size that suits your needs. This post will highlight these methods, as well as mention the one limitation to changing icon sizes. Make sure that you are using a Windows computer, which this post is specifically addressing.
Method 1: Select + Scrolling
- Click on an icon to select it.
- Hold down the Control key, and with your mouse scroll wheel, scroll up or down to enlarge or decrease the size of the icon(s).
FYI: This step will enlarge ALL of the icons you have on your desktop, so if you have many icons, your experience may be less than ideal, with cluttering occurring quite quickly. Furthermore, scrolling may be difficult for you if you are trying to do so with a laptop touchpad.
Method 2: Select + Hotkeys
- Click on an icon to select it.
- Use the Control + Alt + “+” or Control + Alt + “-” shortcuts to enlarge or decrease the size of the icon(s).
Limitation
As you adjust the size of your icons, you will quickly notice that only the icon graphic changes in size, not the size of the label underneath. Keep this consideration in mind, and know that you may need to take steps to familiarize yourself with new programs’ icons as you install them on your computer.
Additional Thoughts
If you want to reset the sizes of your icons to a “default” level, you can do so by minimizing your windows so you can view the desktop. Then, right click (or press the applications key) and proceed to the “View” option at the top of the context menu that appears. Make sure that you do not have any icons selected when you do this. From the View setting, the first three options are for Large, Medium, or Small icons. Select the size of your choice for Windows’ default size levels.
By AllenHHuang
