Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcut Magnifies Your Screen Instantly

Last Updated on February 28, 2012

While working on my computer today, I accidently ran across this keyboard shortcut that will Magnify your screen instantly.

Press and hold the Windows key then press the plus key (+). Keep pressing the plus key to make the screen magnify even more (you can make it crazy huge). Then use the minus key (-) to zoom back out for normal view.

After you’re done, make sure to close out of the magnifier app if you don’t need it anymore.

If you’re trying to see more details on a small image, this groovy keyboard shortcut comes in handy.

13 Comments

Ziggy
Brilliant Steve, just Brilliant! Now I can see myself on the desktop, warts and all. Just what I needed for self-confidence.
Might change the desktop to something a little more glamourous. Mr Ed would be a starting point; then maybe followed by Uncle Fester or Morticia Adams…
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- Brian Burgess
  Yeah, it’s awesome when you find keyboard shortcuts! This is a nice one.
  Reply
Jeremy
Also, try holding down CTRL and using your scroll wheel on your mouse.
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- Steve Krause
  Yes that works also however that’s mainly application specific. Works in the Chrome Browser for example. CTRL+0 resets it back to normal after you zoom-in or out also.
  Reply
- Lowndes
  Jeremy, THANKS for the tip!! This works on Win XP, as well. I’ve been looking for this for months!!
  Reply
Dennis Hays
Win+Esc closes the magnifier.
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- Steve Krause
  Thanks @Dennis! I was looking for that shortcut key. Nice find. Thank you!
  Reply
brock
Thanks very much – I use Magnifier quite a bit.
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herbf
And “control + (or -)” will enlarge (or reduce) in smaller increments.
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Nette
Thank you all! very helpful tips.
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Bubb Stubbley
That is amazing. I searched and searched for this information.
Tons of MS help screens, and other pages, but none mention this.
Very useful, thanks for sharing.
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T streettrips
This is frustrating because the shortcut for subscripts is the same but won’t work because the screen just starts magnifying. advice?
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- me
  C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools\System Tools\Accessibility\Magnify.lnk
  right-click and edit properties, remove/replace conflicting hotkey combo
  Reply