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How to set the zoom level in Internet Explorer 9 and later versions

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Warning

The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 desktop application has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. For more information, see Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ.

Internet Explorer Zoom lets you make the screen display larger or smaller so that a webpage is easier to read. Unlike changing the font size, zoom enlarges or reduces everything on the page, including text and images. You can zoom from 10% to 1,000%. This article describes how to set the default zoom in Internet Explorer 9 and later versions to a custom level.

Original product version:   Internet Explorer 9 and later versions
Original KB number:   2689447

Note

If you are a Small Business customer, find additional troubleshooting and learning resources at the Support for Small Business site.

How to set the zoom level temporarily or permanently

Important

This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, see How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

It's easy to set the zoom level. You can set it temporarily every time that you use it, or you can create a permanent setting.

To temporarily set the zoom level

To temporarily set the zoom level in Internet Explorer 9 or a later version, use one of the following methods:

  • In Internet Explorer, on the View menu, point to Zoom, and then select a different level.
  • If you have a mouse with a wheel, hold down the Ctrl key, and then scroll the wheel to zoom in or out.
  • If you click the Change Zoom Level ( ) button, it cycles through 100%, 125%, and 150%. This gives you a quick enlargement of the webpage.
  • By using the keyboard, you can increase or decrease the zoom value in 10% increments. To zoom in, press Ctrl+Plus sign (+). To zoom out, press Ctrl+Minus sign (-). To restore the zoom to 100%, press Ctrl+0.

To permanently set the zoom level

You can permanently set the default zoom in Internet Explorer 9 or a later version to a custom level if you want to. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, type regedit in the search box, and then click regedit in the Programs list.

  2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Zoom

  3. In the details pane, double-click ZoomFactor.

    Screenshot of the Registry Editor window, showing the path to zoom factor.

  4. Click Decimal.

    Screenshot of the Edit DWORD Value dialog. Decimal option is checked and 12,500 is input in the Value data field.

  5. If you want to set the default zoom level to 125%, type 125000, and then click OK.

  6. Close Registry Editor.

  7. Sign out Windows and then sign in again.

  8. Open Internet Explorer. The zoom level should now be set to 125%.

References

For more information, see Internet Explorer Ease of Access options.