How Do I Increase The Font Size In Outlook

This guide explains how to approach how do i increase the font size in outlook, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.

5-15 minutes Time needed

Beginner Difficulty

Version differences Watch out for

Before You Start

Check first: The most common point of confusion is that Outlook has separate font settings for different parts of its interface. Changing the font for composing an email will not change how you read incoming emails. Follow the specific steps for the part of Outlook you want to adjust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Reference

Common Problems When You Increase The Font Size In Outlook

Why didn't my font change apply everywhere?

I made the font bigger, but the recipient says it's still small. Why?

My changes seem to reset or disappear. What can I do?

Why can't I change the font for some emails?

Advanced Tips for Outlook Font Customisation

Use Conditional Formatting for Important Emails

In Classic Outlook, you can make specific emails stand out in your inbox list. For example, you can automatically make any email from your boss appear in a larger, bold font.

Go to the View tab and click View Settings.
Click on Conditional Formatting....
Click Add to create a new rule and give it a name (e.g., "Manager Emails").
Click the Font... button to set your desired font size, style, and colour.
Click the Condition... button. In the 'From...' field, enter your manager's email address.
Click OK on all windows. Now, any email from that person will automatically appear with your chosen larger font in the list.

Understand the Immersive Reader

For a focused reading experience, especially for long emails, try the Immersive Reader. When you have an email open, go to the Message tab and look for the Immersive Reader icon. This opens the email in a clean, distraction-free view where you can easily control text size, spacing, background colour, and even have the email read aloud to you. It's an excellent accessibility tool built right into Outlook.

Change the Font in Other Outlook Areas

Don't forget that you can also customise the font in your Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks. The process is similar to changing the inbox view. Navigate to the area you want to change (e.g., your Calendar), click the View tab, then View Settings, and look for options like 'Other Settings' or 'Conditional Formatting' to adjust fonts and sizes.