Website text is hard to read

Question

Since we just completed installing several optional updates to correct a problem with minimizing windows and highlight text, I now find that the text on most webpages is different. The font looks different, I get code instead of symbols, and it is hard to read.

I have completed every suggested step to correct this problem but nothing has worked.

Answer 1

Hi Jaci Siehl, 

I can see how frustrating it is when the text becomes hard to read, and then a new issue shows up after trying the suggested steps by AI. Let’s narrow down what’s happening so we can focus on the right fix. 

• Which browser(s) show the issue (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)? 
• Does it happen in a private window? (Edge: InPrivate; Chrome: Incognito) 
• When you see “code instead of symbols,” what does it look like? 
  • Squares/odd characters where icons should be? 
  • Text like &#... or visible HTML tags? 
• About the new problem you mentioned: what exactly is happening now? What do you see (error message, pages not loading, layout changes, missing icons, slow/freezing, etc.)? 
• Which of the suggested steps did you complete (and in what order)? 
• Did this start right after installing the optional updates? If yes, could you share the KB number(s) from Settings > Windows Update > Update history 
• Any browser extensions installed (ad blocker, security/privacy, font changer, translator)? 

If possible, please attach: 

• a screenshot of one affected webpage, and 
• a screenshot of the new issue (or the exact error message). 

In the meantime, please try the steps below:  

1. Check if it’s profile/extension-related 

• Test in private mode: Open a private window and visit 2–3 affected sites. 
• Disable extensions:  
• In your browser, go to Extensions and switch them Off. 
  • Close the browser completely and reopen it. 
  • Re-test the same websites.  If that resolves it, turn extensions on one by one to find which one triggers the change. 

2. Reset common browser display settings 

• Reset zoom: Press Ctrl + 0 on the affected page (sets zoom back to 100%). 
• Restore default fonts (browser): Edge/Chrome: Settings > Appearance > Fonts > Look for an option to restore default fonts (wording can vary slightly). 
• Turn off hardware acceleration (temporary test): Edge/Chrome: Settings > System and performance > Toggle Use hardware acceleration when available to Off > Restart the browser and test again. 

3. Clear cached web content 

• Browser Settings > Privacy (or similar) 
• Clear browsing data for All time 
• Select Cached images and files and Cookies/site data 
• Restart browser and test. 

4. System file checks  

• Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run each: sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
• Restart Windows afterward and re-test. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

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Answer 2

Changes in how text appears on websites after Windows or browser updates are typically caused by display settings, font rendering changes, or accessibility/high-contrast options.

To improve readability and restore normal-looking text, try these targeted steps:

1. Verify screen resolution

• Open Windows Settings → System → Display.
• Under “Display resolution,” select the resolution marked “(Recommended)” (this is the monitor’s native resolution).
• Apply the change and keep it if the display looks better.

Low or non‑native resolution can make fonts look blurry or distorted.

2. Check for high contrast or page color overrides in Edge If Microsoft Edge is being used and colors or boxes around text look wrong:

• In Edge, open Settings → Accessibility.
• Turn off options like “Page colors” or similar color-override settings.
• If using high contrast themes, enable “Only apply page colors when high contrast themes are on,” or turn high contrast off in Windows Settings → Accessibility → Contrast themes.

These options can change how text and background colors render and may cause odd-looking fonts or boxes around text.

3. Reset Edge font settings (if using Edge)

• In Edge, go to Settings → Appearance → Fonts.
• Ensure “Standard font” is set to a common font such as Arial or another preferred standard font.
• Avoid unusual or symbol fonts as the standard font, as these can cause “code instead of symbols” or unreadable characters.

4. Confirm monitor and graphics driver If text selection, highlighting, or rendering issues started after graphics driver changes:

• Check if a recent graphics driver update was installed.
• If problems began immediately after that, roll back or clean-reinstall the graphics driver using the vendor’s cleanup utility, then reinstall the recommended driver for the GPU.

If, after these steps, website text is still unreadable or symbols appear as code, capture a screenshot and contact support with details of:

• Browser used (Edge, Chrome, etc.)
• Exact Windows version and recent updates installed
• Any accessibility or high-contrast settings currently enabled.

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References:

• Fonts appear blurry in my apps
• Text in some core fonts appears blurred in Internet Explorer 9 on a computer that is running Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008 R2
• Can't see the selected text - Microsoft Q&A
• MS Edge PDF issues (text box) starting 12/05/2025 - Microsoft Q&A
• The latest windows update broke the graphics for Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Q&A
• how to fix the white box around the texts in edge browser after recent update - Microsoft Q&A