Having Google Chrome scaling issues? Here's how to fix them

July 2024 · 8 minute read
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The Chrome 54 update introduced some minor modifications to Google’s browser. Now Google Chrome automatically detects your DPI (Dots Per Inch) settings.

This has scaled up Chrome’s UI so that it’s more zoomed-in for some who have Windows DPI settings above 100%. This is how you can restore the browser’s UI scaling back to what it was before the update on Windows 10.

How do I solve Google Chrome’s scaling in Windows 10?

Google Chrome is a great browser, but sometimes issues with it can appear. Many users reported issues with scaling in Chrome, and speaking of scaling, here are some problems that users reported:

1. Switch to a different browser

If you’re in a hurry and need a quick fix, then your best bet is to simply switch to another browser until you can figure out what’s wrong with Chrome.

Opera is a great alternative that you should consider, having the same Chromium engine as Chrome, the same expansive add-on library, but with just a  fraction of the resource requirements.

More so, Opera gets updates even every other day, so any display issues you may ever have will sort itself out by itself. Additionally, you can make Opera better by submitting your issues directly to the developers.

While on the topic of visuals, know that Opera is one of the best browsers in that department, having customization features that are unrivaled, both in terms of thems, and how you can rearrange the UI.

Opera

Opera

A great alternative web browser for when your current default one has run into issues. Get it now and maybe you end up sticking to it!

2. Reinstall Chrome

If the issue will scaling is still present, you might want to consider reinstalling Chrome. Sometimes your installation might be corrupted and that can lead to various issues such as this one.

To fix the problem, it’s advised to reinstall Chrome and check if that helps. To see how to install Chrome properly, be sure to check our Chrome installation guide.

It’s worth mentioning that there are several ways to remove Chrome from your PC, but the most effective might be to use uninstaller software.

In case you’re not familiar, uninstaller software is a special application designed to remove other programs from your PC.

However, uninstaller software will also remove all files and registry entries related to the application you’re trying to remove. By using uninstaller software, you’ll ensure that files and registry entries don’t interfere with your PC.

You can find plenty of options nowadays, but make sure to choose one of the best uninstaller software. Pick one that is proven to remove residual files without having an impact on any other files or apps on your PC. 

Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

After Chrome is uninstalled, restart your PC and install Chrome again. Now check if the problem with scaling still persists.

If you want to completely remove any software leftovers from your Windows 10 PC, follow the simple steps from this guide.

3. Adjust Google Chrome’s Target field

  • Right-click a Google Chrome shortcut you usually open the software with and select Properties to open the window shown below.
    shortcut properties Google Chrome zoom problem
  • The Target field includes the path of the software, which could be something like;
    • “C:Program Files (x86)GoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe.”
  • Add this line to the end
    • /high-dpi-support=1 /force-device-scale-factor=1
  • In the end, it should end up looking like this:
    • “C:Program Files (x86)GoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe.” /high-dpi-support=1 /force-device-scale-factor=1.
      target field Google Chrome scaling Windows 8.1
  • Click Apply and OK to close the Google Chrome Properties window.
  • Note that you should also unpin and re-pin Google Chrome if you have a shortcut for the software pinned to the taskbar.
  • 4. Switch off Display Scaling for Higher DPI Settings

  • Alternatively, you can also select an option that ensures Chrome ignores the Windows display settings.
    • First, you should right-click a Google Chrome shortcut and select Properties from the context menu.
  • Click the Compatibility tab on the Google Chrome Properties window as below.
  • That tab includes a Disable display scaling on high DPI option.
    • Select that option’s check box.
      override high DPI scalling Chrome scaling blurry
  • Click Apply and OK to apply the setting.
  • Restart Google Chrome if you had the browser open before selecting the Disable display scaling on high DPI option. Note that this option might not fix Google Chrome’s scaling in Windows 7.
  • 5. Change the scaling setting in Windows

  • Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  • Now go to System section.
    system Google Chrome scaling Windows 8.1
  • In Scale and layout section set Change the size of text, apps, and other items to the desired value.
  • According to users, 100% works best, but feel free to try other values if you have a larger screen.
    change the size of text Chrome scaling blurry
  • Once you change your scaling settings in Windows, the changes should be applied to Chrome and the problem will be permanently resolved.

    Want to know if custom scaling below 100% is possible in Windows 10? Take a look at this guide to find out.

    6. Change page zoom level in Chrome

  • Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu. Alternatively, you can just enter chrome://settings/ in the address bar.
    chrome settings /high-dpi-support=1 /force-device-scale-factor=1 not working
  • When Settings tab opens, locate Page zoom option and change it to the desired value.
    page zoom Google Chrome zoom problem
  • After doing that, the size of your web pages will be adjusted accordingly. Keep in mind that the size of your UI will remain unchanged, and if this isn’t the desired result, you might want to skip this solution.

    7. Check if Chrome is up to date

  • Click the Menu icon in the top right corner. Now choose Help > About Google Chrome.
    about google chrome Google Chrome scaling Windows 8.1
  • Now you should see the version of Chrome you’re using and the browser will check for updates. If any updates are available, they will be automatically downloaded and installed.
    checking for updates /high-dpi-support=1 /force-device-scale-factor=1 not working
  • Once your browser is up to date, check if the problem still persists.

    8. Reset Chrome to default

  • Open the Settings tab.
  • Now scroll all the way down and click Advanced to show advanced settings.
    advanced chrome settings Google Chrome zoom problem
  • Select Reset settings. Now click Reset button to confirm.
    /high-dpi-support=1 /force-device-scale-factor=1 not working
  • After a couple of moments, Chrome will be reset to default. After doing that, check if the scaling is working properly.

    9. Consider using Beta on Canary version of Chrome

    If you have scaling issues in Chrome, you might want to consider switching to the Beta version. The Beta version is still in development, but it might bring new features as well as bug fixes and improvements.

    If you have issues with Chrome, switching to a Beta version might help you fix them. If you have sync enabled, all your extensions, history and bookmarks will be transferred to the Beta version allowing you to continue where you left off.

    Keep in mind that Beta version might not be the most stable version, but it should work without any major problems for the most part.

    If you want to try bleeding edge features, the Canary version might be just what you need.

    This version might not be stable as the Beta version, but it’s the first version that incorporates new features and fixes, so it might help you with your problem.

    So that’s how you can fix Google Chrome scaling without adjusting the Windows DPI settings for all software. Then the browser’s UI elements will not be zoomed in.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

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