Change Windows system font sizes without scaling

Font Size Tweak is a free Windows 11/10 utility for adjusting title bar, menu, message box, icon, and status bar font size without touching display scaling.

  • Windows 10/11 support
  • Portable .exe (no install)
  • Dark mode friendly
  • Live preview + one-click reset

Features built for clarity

Adjust all or per-element

Set custom font sizes globally or fine-tune title bar, menu, icon, message box, and status bar text individually.

Live preview

See changes instantly before writing to the registry, so you can dial in the perfect Windows font size.

Dark mode ready

Automatic theme adapts to your Windows appearance, with manual override if you prefer.

Portable (no install)

Carry the executable on a USB drive. No setup, no admin rights, nothing left behind.

Reset to defaults

Restore Microsoft defaults with one click to undo experiments instantly.

Current size detection

Reads existing values so you always know your starting point before making a change.

How Font Size Tweak works

Font Size Tweak updates the same registry keys that Windows uses for interface text: HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics. The application writes the values when you apply them, and this website never touches your registry.

For best results after changing Windows system font size without scaling, sign out and back in so apps refresh their typography.

Free Alternative to Advanced System Font Changer

Font Size Tweak offers the essential controls you need to manage Windows 11/10 font sizing with a lightweight, open-source approach. It provides a familiar workflow without the cost or extra components of commercial tools.

Font Size Tweak compared to Advanced System Font Changer
Feature Font Size Tweak (Free) Advanced System Font Changer
Per-element font sizing Yes Yes
Live preview Yes Limited
Portable Yes Yes
Dark mode Yes Varies
Open licence (MIT) Yes Proprietary
Price Free Free / Pro options
Windows 10/11 support Full Yes
Reset to defaults Yes Yes

Built for everyday scenarios

Accessibility & eye strain

Increase menu and message box text so it is comfortable to read during long sessions.

High-DPI laptops

Fine-tune font size for crisp UI elements without touching display scaling.

Presentations & demos

Make title bar text readable on projectors and recordings.

Large displays

Balance icon and status bar text for deskside monitors or conference rooms.

Family & elderly setups

Offer a more legible Windows interface for relatives without altering scaling.

Frequently asked questions

Does this replace display scaling?

No. Font Size Tweak lets you change Windows system font size for individual interface elements without altering your global display scaling setting.

Which Windows versions are supported?

The tool targets Windows 11 and Windows 10 desktop releases. Earlier versions may partially work but are not officially supported.

Is it portable and safe to use?

Yes. The executable is portable, digitally unsigned, and open source. It writes only to HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics when you apply changes.

Do I need to restart or sign out/in?

Most tweaks apply immediately, but we recommend signing out and back in to ensure every application recognises the new font size.

Can I revert to defaults?

Absolutely. Use the reset button to restore Microsoft defaults for every element.

How is this different from Advanced System Font Changer?

Font Size Tweak focuses on core Windows font controls with an MIT licence, dark mode interface, and zero-cost download. Advanced System Font Changer offers similar controls with commercial add-ons.

Changelog highlights

See full details on the GitHub Releases page.

  1. v1.0.2 — Updated live preview responsiveness and added dark mode polish.
  2. v1.0.1 — Improved registry detection and message box defaults.
  3. v1.0.0 — Initial public release with per-element font controls.

Download & start adjusting

Grab the portable executable (no installer) and verify the checksum from the release notes before use.

No installer, no telemetry. Launch the app, adjust your Windows 11/10 font size, apply, and sign out/in if prompted.

Support & sponsor

If Font Size Tweak helps you change Windows system font size without scaling, consider supporting ongoing development.