Chapter 1: Introducing Magnifier

Magnifier is a screen‑magnification tool built into Windows 11, so there's nothing to download or install. It makes part or all of your screen larger so words, images, and controls are easier to see. This chapter gets you started: turning Magnifier on and off, having it start automatically, and finding your way around the Magnifier toolbar.

Get started in 30 seconds

1. Press the Windows key+Plus sign (+) to turn Magnifier on. Your screen zooms in and the Magnifier toolbar appears.
2. Press Windows key+Plus sign (+) again to zoom in further, or Windows key+Minus sign (−) to zoom out.
3. Move your mouse to move around the enlarged screen.
4. When you're done, press Windows key+Esc to turn Magnifier off.

And that's it, you're up and running! The rest of this guide helps you tailor Magnifier to the way you work.

Turn Magnifier on and off

With the keyboard (fastest):

• Turn on: Windows key+Plus sign (+)
• Turn off: Windows key+Esc

With a mouse:

1. Select Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
2. Turn the Magnifier switch on. Turn it off the same way.

With Narrator and a keyboard:

1. Press Windows key+Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings.
2. Press Tab until you hear "Magnifier, toggle switch," then press Spacebar to turn Magnifier on or off. Narrator announces the new state.

Once Magnifier is on, a small Magnifier toolbar appears. You can use it to zoom in and out, switch views, open reading controls, and open settings. Everything you can do with the keyboard is also available here.

Have Magnifier start automatically

If you'd like Magnifier to launch on its own so it's ready when you need it, you can set it to start at sign-in. This is handy on a device that's regularly used by someone with low vision. Select the Magnifier setting on the settings page to expand it and reveal two additional checkboxes:

• Start Magnifier before sign-in turns Magnifier on at the lock screen, so it's available for everyone before anyone signs in.
• Start Magnifier after sign-in turns Magnifier on automatically once you sign in to your account.

Select either or both checkboxes so Magnifier auto-launches the way you need it.

With a mouse:

Select Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, select Magnifier to expand it (show more settings), then select or clear Start Magnifier before sign-in and Start Magnifier after sign-in.

With Narrator and a keyboard:

1. Press Windows key+Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings.
2. Press Tab until you hear "Magnifier, toggle switch," then press Tab once more. You hear "show more settings, collapsed." Press Enter to expand it.
3. Press Tab until you hear "Start Magnifier before sign-in" or "Start Magnifier after sign-in," followed by "checked" or "unchecked."
4. Press Spacebar to turn the selected option on or off.

Next Chapter: Chapter 2: Choosing a view

Go back to the Table of Contents

Magnifier makes part or all of your screen bigger so you can see words and images better. This chapter covers turning Magnifier on and off and having it start automatically.

Turn Magnifier on and off

With the keyboard (fastest):

• Turn on: Windows key+Plus sign (+)
• Turn off: Windows key+Esc

With a mouse:

Select Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier > Turn the Magnifier.

Have Magnifier start automatically

If you'd like Magnifier to launch on its own so it's ready when you need it, you can set it to start at sign-in. This is handy on a device that's regularly used by someone with low vision. Select the Magnifier setting on the settings page to expand it and reveal two additional checkboxes:

• Start Magnifier before sign-in turns Magnifier on at the lock screen, so it's available for everyone before anyone signs in.
• Start Magnifier after sign-in turns Magnifier on automatically once you sign in to your account.

Select either or both checkboxes so Magnifier auto-launches the way you need it.

With a mouse:

Select Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier, then select or clear Start Magnifier before sign-in and Start Magnifier after sign-in.

With Narrator and a keyboard:

1. Press Windows key+Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings.
2. Press Tab until you hear "Start Magnifier before sign-in" or "Start Magnifier after sign-in," followed by "checked" or "unchecked."
3. Press Spacebar to turn the selected option on or off.

Next Chapter: Chapter 2: Choosing a view

Go back to the Table of Contents