The letter W tile, shown in place of a product photo.

Windows Magnifier

by Microsoft

Free

Built into the operating system. Nothing to buy.

Ready to use Magnifier is already part of Windows, so there is nothing to buy, pair, or install. A single keyboard shortcut starts it, and you get a useful result in minutes. The extra settings are optional and easy to try on your own.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 27, 2026

Windows Magnifier is a screen magnifier built into Windows that enlarges part or all of what's on your display, so text and images are easier to see. You can turn it on with a keyboard shortcut (Windows logo key + Plus sign) and turn it off with Windows logo key + Esc. It also offers several viewing modes, edge smoothing, and inverted colors, which makes black become white and the reverse. Some people find inverted colors easier on the eyes, and you can try each setting to see what works for you. It can also be set to start automatically on a computer that someone with low vision uses often.

Getting it

Where to get it

Microsoft Visit
Free

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Ready to use
Price
Free
Funding
  • Out of pocket

What setup looks like

  • Out of the box
    1. Press the Windows logo key and the Plus sign (+) to start Magnifier right away.
    2. Press the Windows logo key and Esc to turn it off.
    3. Press Ctrl+Alt+M to cycle through the views, and Ctrl+Alt+I to invert colors, until you find what's most comfortable.
    4. Open Magnifier's settings if you want it to start automatically each time the computer is used.

View official support docs → (opens in a new tab)

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Microsoft — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked November 1, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 27, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

How listings stay current