The fastest way to change text size in Outlook

You can change the text size in Outlook in three places: the message you are reading, the message you are composing, and the entire interface itself. The method depends on which one you want to adjust. For reading messages, use the zoom controls in the top right of the message pane. For writing messages, use the font size dropdown in the compose toolbar. For the whole program interface — menus, folder list, message list — use Windows display settings or Outlook's built-in zoom.

Most people need to change only the text size of messages they are reading or writing, not the entire program. Start there before adjusting the interface itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Messages you are reading can be enlarged using the zoom slider in the top right corner of the message pane, which does not affect how the message appears to others.
  • Messages you are composing use the font size dropdown in the compose toolbar, and the size you choose will be seen by the recipient.
  • The entire Outlook interface — menus, folder names, message list — can be enlarged through Windows Settings or Outlook's View menu.
  • Outlook on the web (Outlook.com) uses your browser's zoom controls, not Outlook's own settings.

Changing text size in messages you are reading

When you open a message in Outlook, look at the top right corner of the message pane. You will see a zoom slider with a minus sign, a percentage (usually 100%), and a plus sign. Click the plus sign to enlarge the text, or click the minus sign to shrink it. You can also click the percentage itself to see preset zoom levels: 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 200%.

This zoom applies only to the message you are currently reading. When you open a different message, it returns to the default size unless you adjust it again. The sender does not see this change — you are only changing how the text appears on your screen.

If the zoom controls do not appear, make sure you have clicked inside the message pane itself. The controls only show when a message is open and selected.

Changing text size when you compose a message

When you create a new message or reply to one, Outlook opens a compose window with a toolbar at the top. In that toolbar, look for the font size dropdown — it usually shows a number like "11" or "12" and sits next to a font name dropdown. Click the number to see a list of sizes: 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 36, 48, 72.

Select the size you want before you start typing, or highlight text you have already written and then change its size. The text size you choose will appear exactly that way to the person who receives your message. If you do not select a size, Outlook uses a default (usually 11 point).

You can also select text and use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+] to increase size or Ctrl+[ to decrease size, one step at a time.

Enlarging the entire Outlook interface

If the menus, folder list, and message list text are too small, you can enlarge the entire program. In Outlook, go to the View menu and look for Zoom. Click it and choose a percentage: 100%, 110%, 125%, 150%, or 175%. The entire interface will enlarge, including folder names, message subjects, and menu text.

Alternatively, you can use Windows Settings to enlarge all programs at once. Open Settings (Windows key + I), go to System, then Display, and look for Scale. Change it from 100% to 125%, 150%, or higher. This affects Outlook and every other program on your computer.

The Windows Settings method is better if you find text small across multiple programs. The Outlook-only method is better if you want Outlook larger but other programs at normal size.

Changing text size in Outlook on the web

If you use Outlook through a web browser (Outlook.com or Outlook on Microsoft 365 web), Outlook's zoom controls do not explore. Instead, use your browser's zoom. In most browsers, hold Ctrl and press the plus key (+) to enlarge, or Ctrl and the minus key (−) to shrink. You can also use Ctrl+0 to reset to 100%.

This zoom affects only the web page you are viewing. When you close the browser tab and open it again, it returns to 100% unless your browser remembers your zoom preference (most modern browsers do).

Making text size changes permanent

Changes to message zoom (the slider in the message pane) do not stick — each message starts at the default size. If you always want to read messages larger, enlarge the entire Outlook interface instead using the View menu or Windows Settings. That change will remain until you adjust it again.

For composed messages, the font size you choose applies only to that message. If you want all your outgoing messages to use a specific size, you can set a default. Go to File, then Options, then Mail. Look for Compose messages and click Stationery and Fonts. Set your preferred font size there, and Outlook will use it for all new messages and replies.

Troubleshooting text size problems

If text size controls are not working, first check that you are in the right place. The message zoom slider only appears when a message is open. The compose font size dropdown only appears when you are writing a message. If you are trying to enlarge the folder list or menu text and the View menu zoom does not work, try the Windows Settings method instead.

If Outlook is very blurry after you enlarge it, you may have zoomed too far. Reset to 100% and try a smaller increase, like 110% or 125%. If text is still blurry, restart Outlook — sometimes the display needs to refresh.

On older versions of Outlook (2010 or earlier), the zoom controls may be in different locations or work differently. If you cannot find the controls described here, check your Outlook version by going to File and looking for version information at the bottom of the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing text size in my message affect how the recipient sees it?

Only if you change the font size in the compose window before sending. That size is part of the message itself. If you zoom in to read a message more easily, the recipient does not see that zoom — it is only on your screen.

Can I make text larger in the message list (the list of subject lines)?

Yes, by enlarging the entire Outlook interface. Go to View > Zoom and choose a larger percentage, or use Windows Settings to enlarge all programs. This will make the subject line list, folder names, and all other interface text larger.

What if I want different text sizes for different messages I send?

You can change the font size for each message individually. Before you start typing or after you write the message, select the text and use the font size dropdown in the compose toolbar. Each message can have its own size.

Does Outlook remember my zoom level when I reopen the program?

Yes, if you change the zoom through View > Zoom or Windows Settings, Outlook remembers it. Message-by-message zoom (the slider in the message pane) does not stick — each new message starts at default size.

Can I zoom in on attachments or images in messages?

Yes, use the same message zoom slider in the top right corner. It enlarges the entire message, including any images or attachments displayed inline. If an attachment opens in a separate program, use that program's zoom controls.