Have you ever wished you could quickly adjust the size of your active window without the hassle of dragging its corners or sides? What about scaling the text, apps, and other elements on your entire screen? While Windows 11 offers various ways to manage screen real estate, it’s often a manual process that requires several clicks. This article explores how to use shortcut keys to resize windows effortlessly using a utility called Sizer. We’ll also answer the burning question many have: Is it possible to use shortcut keys to adjust the scaling settings (Scale & layout) in Windows 11 or 10? Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t what you might hope, but read on for the complete picture.
Also see: How to Make Everything Smaller or Bigger on Windows 11
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Is there a keyboard shortcut to adjust scaling settings in Windows 11?
One of the most common inquiries regarding screen management in Windows is whether it’s possible to use keyboard shortcuts to adjust the overall scaling settings. In Windows 11, as well as in its predecessor Windows 10, the answer is generally no for the operating system itself. There is no built-in keyboard shortcut that directly alters the “Scale and layout” settings, affecting the size of text, apps, and other elements on your screen.
However, it’s worth noting that some laptops and desktops do offer this functionality. Manufacturers often include their own keyboard shortcuts for display settings, which may include scaling options. These shortcuts often utilize the Function keys, especially on laptops. So it’s advisable to check your device’s manual or consult the manufacturer’s website for specific information.
To manually adjust these settings in a standard Windows environment, you’ll need to go through the following steps:
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
- Navigate to the Scale and layout section.
- Here, you’ll find a dropdown menu under Change the size of text, apps, and other items. Use this dropdown to choose your desired scaling percentage.
Although it’s a straightforward process, it does require multiple clicks and manual selection. This absence of a shortcut for such a frequently accessed setting is why third-party utilities like Sizer gain popularity, as they offer quick window resizing options, albeit not for global scaling.
Useful guide: How to Zoom Out Desktop Screen on Windows 11
What is Sizer and what does it do?
Sizer is a third-party utility that offers a solution for resizing individual windows, although it doesn’t provide a way to adjust the overall “Scale and layout” settings in Windows 11. If you’re more concerned about changing the dimensions of specific windows rather than altering the scale of text, apps, and other items on your screen, Sizer is an excellent tool to consider.
This utility is particularly useful for web developers, designers, or anyone who often work with multiple windows and need them to be specific sizes for optimal workflow, testing, or other purposes. With Sizer, you can effortlessly set windows to predefined dimensions, create your own custom dimensions, and even assign keyboard shortcuts for quick resizing. The software integrates seamlessly into the Windows context menu, allowing for efficient window management.
In the following sections, we will explain how to install and use Sizer, configure custom sizes, and set up keyboard shortcuts for quick window resizing.
Pro tip: How to Use Snap Layouts to Snap Apps in Windows 11
How to install and use Sizer in Windows 11
Before you can start resizing windows with the tap of a key, you’ll need to install Sizer. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Installation steps
- You can download the installer from
https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Sizer.shtml, or search for it online to find other download options. Make sure to choose a reputable source. - Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it to run the installation wizard.
- Go through the installation steps as prompted. Once completed, Sizer will typically place an icon in the system tray.
Basic usage
- If Sizer doesn’t start automatically upon installation, find the Sizer icon in the Start menu or system tray and click on it.
- Bring the window you want to resize into focus.
- Right-click on the window’s maximize/minimize handle (usually at the top right corner) to bring up Sizer’s context menu.
- Select one of the predefined sizes from the menu, and the window will resize automatically.
Sizer simplifies the window resizing process, making it quick and efficient. With just a few clicks, you can get your window to the exact dimensions you desire, which can be a major productivity boost. To assign shortcut keys for any predefined size, or to add a custom size, proceed to the next section.
Linked issue: Screen Size Smaller or Larger Than Monitor in Windows 10/11
Configuring keyboard shortcuts to adjust window size
While Sizer comes with a list of commonly used dimensions, one of its standout features is the ability to define custom window sizes and assign keyboard shortcuts for instant access. This functionality brings a new level of flexibility and customization to your window management experience. Here’s how you can set it up:
Adding custom sizes and setting keyboard shortcuts
- Right-click on the Sizer icon in the system tray and select Configure Sizer.
- In the configuration window, click the Add Size button to create a new custom size.
- You’ll be prompted to input the desired window width and height in pixels, and various other settings:
- Description: Provide a name for the custom size, which will appear in the context menu.
- Width & Height: Input the desired window dimensions in pixels.
- Move to: Decide if you’d like the window to move when resizing. If not, leave it at “Don’t Move”.
- Relative to: Choose the reference point for resizing, such as the active monitor.
- Using: Determine the type of coordinates for positioning.
- While still in the Sizer Menu Entry window, you can assign a shortcut for this size in the Shortcut key section. Choose the combination of keys you’d like to use as a shortcut for this size. This can include Shift, Ctrl, Win, and Alt keys.
- Provide a name for the custom size, which will appear in the context menu.
- Click OK to save the custom size. It will now be accessible from the context menu whenever you want to resize a window.
Assigning keyboard shortcuts for existing sizes
- Select the size for which you’d like to assign a shortcut.
- Click the Edit button to open the Sizer Menu Entry window.
- In the Shortcut key section, choose the combination of keys you’d like to use as a shortcut for this size. This can include Shift, Ctrl, Win, and Alt keys.
- Click OK to save the assigned shortcut.
In the Sizer Configuration window, navigate to the Hot Keys tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all assigned hotkeys alongside their corresponding sizes.
Sizer’s robust customization capabilities make it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to quickly scale and adjust any window’s size, whether you’re a developer, designer, or simply someone who loves having precise control over their workspace.
Related resource: Windows 11 Screen Resolution Greyed Out, What to do?
Conclusion
In Windows 11, it’s unfortunate that there are no native keyboard shortcuts to adjust the “Scale and layout” settings, which control the size of text, apps, and other items across the system. If you were hoping for a built-in solution for this, you’ll find yourself navigating through the Settings menu.
However, if adjusting the overall scale settings isn’t a concern and you’re more interested in scaling the sizes of individual windows, Sizer is a useful tool to consider. While it doesn’t affect global scaling options, it offers a versatile set of features to efficiently resize windows. With its user-friendly interface, a variety of predefined dimensions, and the ability to set custom sizes and keyboard shortcuts, Sizer simplifies window management considerably.
This guide has aimed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the limitations and workarounds available for managing window sizes in Windows 11. Hopefully, you now have a clearer picture of what can and can’t be done when it comes to using shortcut keys for scaling and resizing.
