Using a Computer with Low Vision: Settings and Tools That Help

Free settings built into Windows and Mac that make a computer readable again with low vision, plus the equipment that makes the biggest difference.

By Steady Neighbor Editorial Team · Updated · 3-minute read

The short answer

Start with three free settings: make text bigger (Windows: Settings > Accessibility > Text size; Mac: System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Text size), turn on a contrast theme so text stands out, and use Magnifier (Windows key + Plus) to enlarge part of the screen. If reading is still tiring, a larger monitor and better lighting usually help more than a new computer.

Low vision means a vision problem that makes everyday activities hard and can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery, as the National Eye Institute explains. Common causes include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

This guide is about the technology side: the free settings and the equipment that make a computer comfortable to use again. For the medical side, including vision rehabilitation services, talk with your eye doctor.

1. Make everything bigger (Windows)

  1. Hold the Windows key and press U to open Accessibility settings.
  2. Click Text size and drag the slider right, then click Apply.
  3. For bigger icons and buttons too, go to Settings > System > Display and set Scale to 125%, 150% or more.

On Windows 10, these are under Settings > Ease of Access > Display.

Our full walkthrough: how to make text bigger on your computer.

2. Turn on a contrast theme (Windows)

Contrast themes change the whole screen to strong color combinations, such as bright yellow text on black, which many people with low vision find much easier to read than black on white.

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes.
  2. Try each theme in the list: Aquatic, Desert, Dusk and Night sky.
  3. Click Apply to keep the one that’s easiest for your eyes.
Illustration of the Contrast themes page in Windows 11 Settings, under Accessibility. Four themes are listed: Aquatic, Desert, Dusk and Night sky. Night sky is selected and the Apply button is marked. Settings Home System Bluetooth & devices Network & internet Personalization Apps Accounts Time & language Gaming Accessibility Privacy & security Windows Update Accessibility › Contrast themes Contrast themes Uses strong color combinations, such as yellow text on black, so text stands out. Aquatic Desert Dusk Night sky Apply 1
Illustration, not a screenshot. Try each theme, then click Apply to keep the one that suits your eyes. On Windows 10 this is Ease of Access › High contrast.

On Windows 10: Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast.

3. Use Magnifier (Windows)

Magnifier enlarges part of the screen, like a magnifying glass you move around.

To do thisPress
Turn on Magnifier, then zoom in moreWindows + +
Zoom back outWindows + -
Turn Magnifier offWindows + Esc

Magnifier can also read text out loud, which helps on tiring days.

4. Make the mouse pointer easy to find (Windows)

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Pick a larger size and a bright color, such as green or yellow. On Windows 10: Ease of Access > Mouse pointer.

5. Have the computer read to you (Windows)

Narrator is the screen reader built into Windows. Hold the Windows key and Ctrl, then press Enter to start or stop it. It takes practice, so try it on a page you already know.

The same settings on a Mac

  • Bigger text: Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Text size.
  • Zoom: Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Zoom, then turn on the zoom options you want.
  • Have the Mac read to you: VoiceOver, the Mac screen reader, starts and stops with Command + F5.
  • In any browser: hold Command and press + to zoom the page.
Three paths on a Mac, all starting from the Apple menu and System Settings: Accessibility then Display then Text size for bigger text; Accessibility then Zoom to magnify the screen; and Accessibility then VoiceOver to have the Mac read to you. Bigger text Apple menu System Settings Accessibility Display Text size Magnify the screen Apple menu System Settings Accessibility Zoom Have the Mac read to you Apple menu System Settings Accessibility VoiceOver
Illustration, not a screenshot. All three start from the Apple menu. On macOS Monterey and earlier, System Settings is called System Preferences.

Equipment that makes a real difference

You often don’t need a new computer. In order of how much they usually help:

  1. A bigger monitor. A 27-inch screen at a comfortable distance shows large text without losing half the page. Any newer computer can drive one.
  2. Better lighting, less glare. A lamp aimed at your desk (not at the screen), and blinds to cut window glare behind you.
  3. A large-print, high-contrast keyboard, with big white-on-black or black-on-yellow letters.
  4. A larger, brighter mouse pointer (free, see above) before buying any special mouse.

Two settings worth turning on today

  1. Bigger text everywhere, using the steps in our text size guide.
  2. A contrast theme, so text stops blending into the background.

From Steady Neighbor · https://steadyneighbor.com/health-tech/computers-for-low-vision/

Sources we used

About the author

Steady Neighbor Editorial Team: We write plain-English guides for older adults and the families who help them. Every step is checked against the official instructions from Microsoft, Apple and U.S. government agencies before a guide is published, and we link to the sources we used. How we write and check our guides.