This article explains how to increase the font sizes of emails you read in Microsoft Outlook. Instructions apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

What to Know

  • Open a message and go to the Messages tab. Select Zoom, then use the up and down arrows to make the text larger or smaller.In the Reading pane, use the zoom slider or press Ctrl while turning the mouse wheel to increase the font size.If you receive emails with fixed font sizes, use a display lens such as the built-in Magnifier in Windows.

Increase the Font Size While Reading Mail in Outlook

To read mail in a larger font in Outlook:

  • Double-click the message to open it in a separate window.
  • Go to the Message tab.
  • Select Zoom.
  • Select the Percent up arrow to make text larger or select the Percent down arrow to make the text smaller.
  • Select OK.

What to Do When Increasing the Font Size in Outlook Doesn’t Work

Some emails specify the font in a way that cannot be changed.

Double-click the message to open it in a separate window.

Go to the Message tab.

Select Zoom.

Select the Percent up arrow to make text larger or select the Percent down arrow to make the text smaller.

Select OK.

When reading messages in the Reading pane, zoom in on an email with the zoom slider. Or, press Ctrl while turning the mouse wheel over the message text area to increase the font size.

If you receive emails with fixed-size fonts, use a display lens such as the built-in Magnifier in Windows or the free Virtual Magnifying Glass application. 

You can also change the size and style of the message list in Outlook.

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