How to Set Up and Use Windows Magnifier for Accessibility

Windows Magnifier is an accessibility feature that is built into the Windows operating system. It allows users with visual impairments or difficulty reading small text to enlarge on-screen content for better clarity. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Magnifier.

Prerequisites

A computer running on Windows 10 or later.

Setting Up Windows Magnifier

Open Settings: Click on the "Start" button located at the bottom left corner of your screen and select the "Settings" gear icon.
Go to Ease of Access: In the Windows Settings window, click on "Ease of Access."
Navigate to Magnifier Settings: In the left sidebar, select "Magnifier."
Enable Magnifier: Toggle the "Magnifier" option to the "On" position.
Customize Magnifier Options: To customize Magnifier settings, click on "Magnifier Options." Here, you can adjust the magnification level, choose between full screen or lens mode, configure tracking options, and more according to your preferences. Experiment with these settings until you find the configuration that suits you best.
Enable Magnifier Shortcut: In the Magnifier Settings window, scroll down and find the "Keyboard shortcuts" option. Toggle it to "On" if desired. This enables you to quickly start or stop Magnifier using the keyboard shortcut "Win key" + "+" (plus sign).
Close Settings: Once you have customized the Magnifier settings, close the Windows Settings window.

Using Windows Magnifier

Once you have set up Windows Magnifier, you can start using it to enlarge on-screen content. Here's how:

Start Magnifier: There are multiple ways to start Magnifier:
- Press the "Win key" + "+" (plus sign) keyboard shortcut if you enabled it in the settings.
- Click on the "Start" button, type "Magnifier" in the search bar, and select "Magnifier" from the search results.
- Press the "Win key," type "Magnifier" to search in the Start menu, and select "Magnifier" from the search results.
Adjust Magnification Level: By default, Magnifier uses the zoom in full screen mode. Move the slider in the Magnifier toolbar to adjust the level of magnification. You can also use the "+" and "-" buttons to increase or decrease the magnification level.
Choose a Magnifier Mode: In the Magnifier toolbar, you can switch between different modes depending on your preference:
- Full Screen Mode: This mode enlarges the entire screen and allows you to navigate around by moving your mouse cursor.
- Lens Mode: In this mode, a smaller lens appears on the screen, magnifying the area around your mouse cursor. This allows you to have an enlarged view without zooming the entire screen.
Change the Magnifier View: In the Magnifier toolbar, click on the "Views" button to choose between different magnifier views. You can switch between "Full Screen," "Lens," and "Docked" views to suit your needs.
Customize Magnifier Options on the Fly: If you need to change any magnifier settings while Magnifier is running, you can click on the Magnifier toolbar and access the "Settings" option. This allows you to adjust magnification levels, change modes, and customize other options without closing and reopening Magnifier.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Windows Magnifier offers some helpful keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation:
- "Win key" + "+" (plus sign): Start Magnifier.
- "Win key" + "-" (minus sign): Stop Magnifier.
- "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "r": Invert colors in Magnifier, making it easier to read.
Exit Magnifier: To stop using Magnifier, you can:
- Press the "Win key" + "-" (minus sign) keyboard shortcut.
- Click on the "X" button in the top right corner of the Magnifier toolbar.
- Close the Magnifier window if it is open.

That's it! You have successfully set up and learned how to use Windows Magnifier for accessibility. Take advantage of this powerful tool to enhance your visual experience on Windows.