Welcome to our guide on how to change desktop icon size in Windows 10! Whether you’re looking to increase or decrease the size of your desktop icons, this tutorial will provide you with the necessary steps to make these changes. With a few simple clicks, you’ll be able to customize your desktop to suit your needs and preferences.
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Right-click on your desktop
Begin by right-clicking anywhere on your desktop. This will bring up a context menu with several options.
Step 2: Select “Display settings”
From the context menu, select “Display settings”. This will take you to the settings panel for your display.
Step 3: Scroll down to “Scale and layout”
Once you’ve reached the display settings panel, scroll down to the “Scale and layout” section. This is where you’ll be able to adjust your desktop icon size.
Step 4: Select the size of your icons
Under the “Scale and layout” section, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Change the size of text, apps, and other items”. Click on this menu and select the size you’d like for your desktop icons.
Step 5: Apply your changes
After selecting your desired icon size, click on “Apply” to apply your changes. Your desktop icons should now be adjusted to the size you selected.
Step 6: Adjust advanced sizing settings (optional)
If you’d like to further customize your desktop icon size or other display settings, click on “Advanced scaling settings”. This will allow you to adjust more advanced display settings.
Step 7: Toggle the “Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry” option (optional)
If you’re experiencing blurry or distorted icons, you can toggle the “Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry” option under “Advanced scaling settings”. This may help improve the clarity of your icons.
Step 8: Adjust resolution (optional)
If your desktop icons are still not displaying correctly, you may need to adjust your screen resolution. Click on “Display adapter properties for Display 1” under “Advanced scaling settings” to access your display adapter properties. Here, you’ll be able to adjust your display resolution.
Step 9: Restart your computer (optional)
After making any adjustments to your display settings, it’s recommended that you restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Step 10: Use the “View” menu in File Explorer to adjust icon size (alternative option)
If you’re not able to adjust your desktop icon size using the steps above, you can also use the “View” menu in File Explorer to adjust your icon size. Simply open File Explorer, go to the “View” tab, and select the icon size you’d like.
Step 11: Use third-party software (advanced users)
For advanced users, there are also third-party software options available that can help you further customize your desktop icon size and layout. However, it’s important to note that using third-party software carries some risk, so be sure to research each option thoroughly before making any changes.
Step 12: Restore default settings
If you’re not happy with the changes you’ve made, you can always restore your desktop to its default settings. Simply go back to the “Scale and layout” section of your display settings, select the default icon size, and click “Apply”. Your desktop should now be back to its original settings.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use keyboard shortcuts
Use the Windows key and the plus or minus key to quickly adjust your display settings, including your desktop icon size.
Tip 2: Customize your icon layout
In addition to adjusting icon size, you can also customize your icon layout. Right-click on your desktop, hover over “View”, and select “Auto arrange icons” to automatically arrange your icons in a grid.
Tip 3: Adjust icon spacing
If you’re not satisfied with the spacing between your desktop icons, you can adjust this by going to “Advanced sizing settings” and adjusting the “Spacing” dropdown menu.
Tip 4: Use high-resolution icons
Using high-resolution icons can help improve the clarity and appearance of your desktop icons. Look for icons that are at least 256×256 pixels in size.
Tip 5: Refresh your desktop
If your desktop icons still aren’t displaying correctly after adjusting your display settings, try refreshing your desktop by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting “Refresh”.
Tip 6: Use a third-party launcher
If you’re looking for more advanced desktop customization options, consider using a third-party launcher such as ObjectDock or Rainmeter.
Tip 7: Customize your taskbar
In addition to your desktop icons, you can also customize your taskbar. Right-click on your taskbar to access the taskbar settings, where you can adjust taskbar size, icon size, and more.
Tip 8: Use desktop shortcuts
Instead of cluttering your desktop with multiple icons, consider using desktop shortcuts to applications and files that you use frequently. This can help minimize clutter and make it easier to find what you need.
Tip 9: Use a high-contrast theme
If you have trouble seeing your desktop icons, consider using a high-contrast theme. This can make your icons easier to see and distinguish from one another.
Tip 10: Update your display drivers
If you’re experiencing issues with your display settings, it may be due to outdated or missing display drivers. Be sure to keep your display drivers up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing Desktop Icon Size in Windows 10
Windows 10 provides the flexibility to change the size of desktop icons. This feature can be useful for people with visual impairments or those who want to customize their desktop. However, there are also some advantages and disadvantages to consider when changing the desktop icon size.
Advantages
- Improved visibility: Increasing the size of desktop icons can help people with poor eyesight to see the icons more clearly.
- Customization: Changing icon size can give users the ability to personalize their desktop and make it look the way they want.
- Better organization: Enlarging icons can make it easier to organize files and folders on the desktop.
- Easier to find programs: Larger icons can make it easier to find frequently used programs on the desktop, rather than searching for them in the start menu.
- Increase productivity: Customizing the desktop with larger icons can save time and increase productivity.
- Can reduce eye strain: Increasing the size of desktop icons can reduce eye strain caused by squinting at small icons for long periods of time.
- Can be adjusted: The icon size can be adjusted to a user’s preference, allowing individuals to find the perfect size for them.
- Helps with touch screen devices: Larger desktop icons can be helpful for users with touchscreen devices, making it easier to tap on the correct icon.
- Allows for creative expression: Customizing the desktop with larger or smaller icons can be a fun way to express creativity and personality.
- No need for third-party software: Changing the size of desktop icons can be done easily within Windows 10 without the need for additional software.
Disadvantages
- Can make the desktop look cluttered: Increasing the icon size can make the desktop look cluttered, especially on smaller screens.
- Can take up too much screen space: Larger icons can take up valuable screen space, making it harder to fit multiple windows on the screen at once.
- Can make it harder to navigate folders: Enlarging icons can make it harder to navigate folders on the desktop, as the icons may overlap or cover each other.
- May affect the resolution: Changing the size of desktop icons may affect the overall resolution of the screen, causing text and images to appear blurry or distorted.
- May require readjustment: Changing the icon size may require readjustment of the desktop layout and folder organization.
- May not be suitable for all users: Some users may prefer the default icon size or find that enlarging icons does not improve their productivity or usability.
- May not be necessary: For those with good eyesight and simple desktop organization, changing the icon size may not be necessary.
- May not be available for all versions of Windows: The ability to change the icon size may not be available for all versions of Windows.
- Requires restarting the computer: In some cases, changing the size of desktop icons may require restarting the computer, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- Potential for accidental resizing: Accidentally resizing desktop icons can be frustrating, especially if it takes time to readjust them back to the correct size.
Overall, the ability to change desktop icon size in Windows 10 can be beneficial for those with visual impairments or those who want to customize their desktop. However, there are also certain drawbacks to consider, including the cluttered appearance of the desktop and potential resolution issues. Ultimately, users must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of changing the desktop icon size to determine whether it is right for them.
FAQs
1. How do I resize desktop icons in Windows 10?
You can resize desktop icons in Windows 10 by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “View”. From there, you can choose between “Large icons”, “Medium icons” and “Small icons”.
2. Can I set a custom icon size?
No, Windows 10 only offers three pre-set options for desktop icon size. However, you can resize icons on the taskbar.
3. How do I resize taskbar icons?
To resize taskbar icons, right-click on the taskbar and make sure that “Lock the taskbar” is not checked. Then, hover your mouse over the top edge of the taskbar until the cursor changes to a double arrow. Click and drag the taskbar to the desired size.
4. Can I make icons larger than “Large icons”?
No, “Large icons” is the largest size available for desktop icons in Windows 10.
5. What is the default size for desktop icons in Windows 10?
The default size for desktop icons in Windows 10 is “Medium icons”.
6. Can I change desktop icon size for specific folders only?
No, you cannot change the icon size for specific folders only. The change will apply to all icons on the desktop.
7. Does changing desktop icon size affect the resolution of my screen?
No, changing desktop icon size does not affect the resolution of your screen.
8. How do I make text larger on the desktop?
To make text larger on the desktop, right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings”. Under “Scale and layout”, choose the percentage of scaling that you want. This will make the text and other items on your screen larger.
9. Can I make desktop icons transparent?
No, you cannot make desktop icons transparent in Windows 10.
10. How do I turn off the drop shadow on desktop icons?
You can turn off the drop shadow on desktop icons by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Advanced system settings”. Click on the “Advanced” tab and go to “Performance”. Under “Visual Effects”, uncheck “Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop”.
11. Can I use custom icons for desktop shortcuts?
Yes, you can use custom icons for desktop shortcuts by right-clicking on the shortcut and selecting “Properties”. Click on “Change icon” and browse for the icon file that you want to use. Select the icon and click “OK” to apply the changes.
12. How do I restore default desktop icons in Windows 10?
To restore default desktop icons in Windows 10, right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize”. Click on “Themes” and then “Desktop icon settings”. Check the boxes for the icons that you want to restore and then click “Apply” and “OK”.
13. Can I change the size of the file icons on the desktop?
No, you cannot change the size of the file icons on the desktop in Windows 10.
How to Change Desktop Icon Size in Windows 10
If you’re looking for a way to change the size of your desktop icons in Windows 10, you’re in luck. It’s actually a pretty simple process, and there are a few different methods you can use to do it. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to adjust the size of your desktop icons to your liking.
Conclusion and Closing
Changing the size of your desktop icons in Windows 10 is a small but useful customization that can help you personalize your computer experience. By using one of the methods outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily adjust the size of your icons to better suit your needs. Whether you prefer larger, more visible icons or smaller, more compact ones, Windows 10 gives you the flexibility to make the adjustments you need.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any other questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!