Scale & Layout Problem

Stupidly, I had changed the scale and layout to 400 (I think 100 is the default). When I boot, the text is enlarged and I am unable to see the sign-in prompt. Consequently, I am unable to sign in to Windows. How can I restore it to normal pixel settings? I should also point out that this pc has no restore point nor registry backup.

Sparkey said:

I am unable to see the sign-in prompt

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Even though you can not see the text box type in your password/pin anyway. If it is a password, select ENTER (A pin should log you in without enter)
Everything will be too big on the screen so see if resetting graphics will work to make things smaller so you can change scale.
press the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B simultaneously

If above does not work, see if you can change scale from safe mode.
Shut computer down. Hold down shift key and keep it held while turning computer on. It should put you into recovery.

1. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
2. Press 5 upon restart to enter Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, access Display Settings and set Scale to 100%.(if you can)
4. Restart the computer normally

If neither of these options help, and no one else gives you a working solution, report back. Worse comes to worse, you can create a new local user using installation media. Scale setting is done on a user account basis. However, if your drive is bitlocked, this can not be done unless you have your bitlocker key to unlock the drive. If you use a MS account, it should be recorded in you MS account online.

That would get you back into Windows with scale fixed but it WOULD NOT give you access to you files. If you get to this point, report back and I can tell you what you would have to do to recover your files depending on whether your files are being synced to Onedrive or not.

Another option to creating another account would be a clean install.

Fix DPI Scaling via Registry from Windows Recovery
Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) A Windows 11 install disk will do.
Load the User Registry Hive and reset the scaling (Which I believe by default is “96”)

I’ve never done it so you can either ask AI or hope a member knows how to do it.

I believe you need to add this to reset the scaling to “96” = 100%


Or use this to delete the current value which will reset to default

I was just reading, it may be needed that you log into Windows and restart Explorer for it to take. If this is true, you’re back to where you started. I cannot confirm either way.