Reference number: CH000557

Windows fonts are poor quality and not smooth.

Question:

Windows fonts are poor quality and not smooth.

Answer:

Microsoft Windows 95 users

1. By default, Microsoft Windows has smooth fonts disabled. Enabling this feature can sometimes dramatically increase the quality of your fonts. To enabled this feature, you must have Microsoft Plus installed first. Once Microsoft Plus has been installed, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, double-click the Display icon, click the Effects tab, check the box on smooth edges on screen fonts, and click Apply and then Ok.
2. The appearance of a font can improve by increasing your video resolution, additional information on how this can be done can be found on document CH000190.
3. Verify that your computer has the latest drivers for the video card.

Microsoft Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 2000 users

1. By default, Microsoft Windows has smooth fonts disabled. Enabling this feature can sometimes dramatically increase the quality of your fonts. To enabled this feature, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, double-click the Display icon, click the Effects tab, check the box on smooth edges on screen fonts, and click Apply and then Ok.
2. The appearance of a font can improve by increasing your video resolution, additional information on how this can be done can be found on document CH000190.
3. Verify that your computer has the latest drivers for the video card.

Microsoft Windows XP users

1. By default, Microsoft Windows XP has smooth fonts enabled, however, adjusting this setting can sometimes help improve the look and/or quality of your fonts. To adjust or change this feature, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, double-click the Display icon, click the Appearance tab, and click the Effects button. Verify that the Use the below method to smooth edges of screen fonts box is checked. We recommend that you utilize the standard method, but some users may find it better to use the ClearType.
2. The appearance of a font can improve by increasing your video resolution, additional information on how this can be done can be found on document CH000190.
3. Verify that your computer has the latest drivers for the video card.