Readability Issues
Posted: 07 Nov 2025 02:12
Hi,
I have a hard time reading the standard Windows File Explorer, and have been trying XYplorer as an alternative. It's better. I can switch fonts and font sizes for the file lists. But it's still tricky.
I already reduce resolution to 1280x720, often reduce gamma, and use the boldest Cleartype settings. I tried keeping resolution at 1920x1080, and using 150% scaling, instead, but this left fonts in newer apps too thin for my eyes, and left fonts and ui/ux elements in older apps too small for my eyes. I can't apply display scaling along with reduced resolution. I can apply text scaling along with it, but this breaks the edit menu in XYplorer, since it no longer fits on my screen; it also breaks parts of other apps.
Here are some trouble spots:
1. I can't figure out how to increase the menu header font sizes. I think the standard advice is to use text scaling, but this doesn't work.
2. I can't see the scrollbar unless I mouse over it. I have accessibility > visual effects > always show scrollbars, but it's still too thin until I mouse over it. It's a common problem with Windows apps.
Any suggestions? I'm open try trying another desktop, but it's hard to figure out which ones have which readability options.
I have a hard time reading the standard Windows File Explorer, and have been trying XYplorer as an alternative. It's better. I can switch fonts and font sizes for the file lists. But it's still tricky.
I already reduce resolution to 1280x720, often reduce gamma, and use the boldest Cleartype settings. I tried keeping resolution at 1920x1080, and using 150% scaling, instead, but this left fonts in newer apps too thin for my eyes, and left fonts and ui/ux elements in older apps too small for my eyes. I can't apply display scaling along with reduced resolution. I can apply text scaling along with it, but this breaks the edit menu in XYplorer, since it no longer fits on my screen; it also breaks parts of other apps.
Here are some trouble spots:
1. I can't figure out how to increase the menu header font sizes. I think the standard advice is to use text scaling, but this doesn't work.
2. I can't see the scrollbar unless I mouse over it. I have accessibility > visual effects > always show scrollbars, but it's still too thin until I mouse over it. It's a common problem with Windows apps.
Any suggestions? I'm open try trying another desktop, but it's hard to figure out which ones have which readability options.