Menu text size can depend on Windows display scaling, menu style, and skin options. Start with a supplied skin and inspect the options it actually exposes. Editing a skin resource is an advanced task, not a required first step for making a menu readable.
What to do
- Check whether the rest of Windows text is also too small. A desktop-wide issue belongs in Windows accessibility or display settings, not solely in Open-Shell.
- Select a built-in skin and inspect its font or large-text variations where available. Keep a screenshot of the previous result for comparison.
- Test long application names, search results, and second-column labels after changing size. A larger font can expose clipping or insufficient spacing.
- Navigate with the keyboard and confirm focus remains visible. Save the readable configuration before experimenting with a custom skin.
Check the result
The longest labels you use should remain identifiable without obscuring adjacent controls. Test at your normal viewing distance rather than only in a magnified screenshot.
Limits & precautions
Not every skin exposes the same options. The legacy resource tutorial describes font settings for skin authors; it should not be mistaken for a universal current UI control.
Questions & answers
Why do two skins show different text sizes?
Skins can define their own typography and spacing.
Should I edit a skin DLL first?
No. Begin with supplied options and system readability settings, keeping a backup.
Sources & scope
Documentation checked October 30, 2026. These instructions are documentation-led, not a claim of hands-on testing on your Windows build.