6 Settings to Reduce Eye Strain on Windows

Do you frequently end your workday with sore, weary eyes and concern about how prolonged screen exposure might affect your vision over time? If yes, incorporating a few straightforward practices and optimizing your device settings can go a long way in preserving your eye health. Here’s how to minimize eye fatigue and prevent persistent headaches.

6 Increase Text Size and Choose a Better Font

One of the biggest culprits behind eye strain is reading small text on a screen. That's why the first adjustment I always make when setting up a new device or installing Windows is increasing the text size for improved readability. To do this, open Settings, navigate to Accessibility > Text Size, slide the bar to the right, then click "Apply."

Additionally, instead of using the default system font, consider switching to a larger, more legible one—this helps avoid squinting or leaning forward, both of which contribute to faster eye fatigue. Head to Settings > Personalization > Fonts, select a clear option like Arial or Calibri, and use the size slider to adjust it to your comfort level.

5 Switch to Dark Mode and Lower Screen Brightness

Using light mode during daylight hours is perfectly fine, but at night, a bright white interface can be harsh on your eyes. If you regularly work into the evening, dark mode is a smarter choice. It applies a darker color palette across apps, menus, and compatible software, reducing glare and making nighttime screen use more comfortable.

To turn on dark mode, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and choose "Dark" from the menu. For a hands-off approach, pick "Custom" and let Windows switch themes automatically based on the time of day. Also, remember to reduce screen brightness in dim environments to further ease the load on your eyes.

4 Adjust Display Scaling

On smaller laptops, I used to find myself squinting just to read icons and menus. This constant effort led to real eye discomfort. Then I discovered display scaling—a feature that enlarges the entire user interface without sacrificing resolution. With everything bigger—text, buttons, windows—navigation becomes much easier and less taxing.

To tweak this, right-click the Start button, open Settings, then go to System > Display. Use the "Scale" dropdown to test different percentages. A good starting point is 125%; adjust higher or lower depending on what feels most natural for your eyes.

3 Enable a High Contrast Theme

Struggling to distinguish text from certain backgrounds? Windows offers High Contrast themes that dramatically improve visibility by enhancing the difference between text, UI elements, and backgrounds. The result is a sharper, clearer display that reduces visual stress—even during extended reading or writing sessions.

In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast Themes, pick a theme you like, and click "Apply." You can quickly toggle this on or off by pressing Left Alt Left Shift Print Screen. Though the look may be different from standard themes, the increased clarity supports better focus and lowers eye strain.

2 Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

All the above tips will fall short if you don’t give your eyes periodic breaks. That’s where the 20-20-20 rule comes in—an easy and proven method to relieve eye strain: every 20 minutes, pause for 20 seconds and focus on an object at least 20 feet away.

This simple habit gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and recover, helping prevent fatigue. To stay consistent, try using tools like the eyeCare browser extension, which sends timely reminders. Alternatively, set a recurring timer, use a dedicated desktop app, or rely on phone alarms—whatever keeps you on track.

1 Wear Blue Light Glasses and Use an Anti-Glare Screen Protector

Extended screen time means continuous exposure to blue light, which can lead to dryness and tired eyes. While the dangers of blue light are sometimes exaggerated, wearing blue light-filtering glasses can still offer meaningful relief. These lenses block a portion of high-energy blue wavelengths, helping keep your eyes more comfortable during long work stretches.

Privacy Screen Filter

14-inch magnetic laptop privacy screen with anti-glare and blue light filter, designed for 16:9 monitors and easy removal.

See at Amazon Expand Collapse Glare from ceiling lights or windows can also silently strain your eyes. Combat this with a matte or anti-glare screen protector. It minimizes reflections and visual discomfort, and if you opt for one with privacy features—blurring the screen from side views—you gain added security along with eye benefits.

By combining these practical adjustments and habits, you can significantly reduce eye strain and keep your vision feeling fresh. Don’t forget to limit unnecessary screen use on phones or tablets, and schedule longer breaks—like a 30-minute rest every few hours—to truly let your eyes recover.

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