Windows offers various accessibility features, including screen zoom, to enhance usability. However, sometimes your screen can get stuck in a zoomed-in state, causing frustration. Here are several effective solutions to resolve this issue, starting with the most impactful methods.
Method 1: Adjust display scale and resolution
This method often provides the quickest fix for a zoomed-in screen:
- Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Display settings’.
- In the Scale section, choose a recommended option from the dropdown menu.
- For custom scaling, click the arrow on the right.
- Enter a value between 100 and 500 in the Custom scaling box, then click the checkmark.
- Scroll down to Display resolution and select a recommended option.
Method 2: Disable magnifier
The Magnifier app might be accidentally activated, causing the zoom issue:
- Press Win + Esc to turn off Magnifier.
- Open Settings with Win + I and click ‘Accessibility’.
- Select ‘Magnifier’.
- Ensure ‘Start Magnifier before sign-in’ and ‘Start Magnifier after sign-in’ are unchecked.
Method 3: Update or roll back display drivers
Faulty display drivers can cause zoom problems:
- Right-click Start and select ‘Device Manager’.
- Expand ‘Display adapters’.
- Right-click your display driver and choose ‘Uninstall device’.
- Restart your PC to automatically reinstall drivers, or download the latest version from your manufacturer’s website.
To roll back drivers:
- In Device Manager, right-click the display adapter and select ‘Properties’.
- Go to the ‘Driver’ tab and click ‘Roll Back Driver’ if available.
Method 4: Adjust desktop icon size
Large desktop icons can create a zoomed-in appearance:
- Right-click on the desktop, hover over ‘View’, and select ‘Medium icons’ or ‘Small icons’.
Method 5: Disable pinch zoom
For touchscreen devices, pinch zoom might cause unintended zooming:
- Open Settings and click ‘Bluetooth and Devices’.
- Select ‘Mouse’.
- Click ‘Mouse pointer’.
- Choose ‘Touchpad’.
- Select ‘Scroll and zoom’.
- Uncheck ‘Pinch to zoom’.
Method 6: Uninstall recent Windows updates
Buggy updates can sometimes cause display issues:
- Open Settings and click ‘Windows Update’.
- Select ‘Update history’.
- Scroll down and click ‘Uninstall updates’.
- Click ‘Uninstall’ next to the update you want to remove.
Method 7: Run hardware and devices troubleshooter
This built-in tool can detect and fix display-related issues:
- Press Win + R, type “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic”, and hit Enter.
- Click ‘Next’ in the troubleshooter window.
- Wait for the scan to complete and click ‘Apply this fix’ if a solution is found.
Additional tips:
- Disconnect and reconnect peripherals like mouse and keyboard.
- Ensure touch-based input devices are functioning correctly.
- Keep your system and all drivers up to date.
- Check if third-party applications are interfering with Windows display settings.