MS Word Accessibility issues with font size

For Word font-size accessibility issues, use this investigation path:

1. Check document accessibility in Word
   • Open the document.
   • Go to Review > Check Accessibility.
   • Review items in the Accessibility pane and apply the suggested fixes.
   • Word also runs Accessibility Checker automatically in the background and can show reminders in the status bar.
2. Use accessible formatting in the document
   • Prefer familiar sans serif fonts such as Arial or Calibri.
   • Avoid all caps, excessive italics, and excessive underlines.
   • For headings, use bold or a larger font.
   • If color is used to convey meaning, add another indicator such as shapes or symbols.
   • Use high-contrast font colors so text remains readable.
3. Apply built-in heading styles instead of manual formatting
   • Headings are important for accessibility and navigation.
   • In Word, use built-in heading styles rather than only changing size manually.
   • Keyboard shortcuts:
     • Ctrl+Alt+1 = Heading 1
     • Ctrl+Alt+2 = Heading 2
     • Ctrl+Alt+3 = Heading 3
4. If text only looks inconsistent on screen, check Word display settings
   • Go to File > Options > General.
   • Turn off Optimize for compatibility.
   • Restart Word.
   • Then go to File > Options > Advanced > Display.
   • Enable Use subpixel positioning to smooth fonts on screen.
   • If available, also disable graphics acceleration.
   • This can help when text appears to be different sizes even though the formatting is the same.
5. Adjust Windows text size if Word interface text is too small
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Text size.
   • Move the slider and select Apply.
   • This affects Windows interface text and can also change text shown in Word UI areas such as file lists.
6. If dialog boxes are too small to read
   • Word does not provide a built-in setting to enlarge text inside individual dialog boxes such as Find and Replace.
   • Practical workarounds:
     • Settings > Accessibility > Text size
     • Settings > System > Display > adjust Scale
     • Use Magnifier:
       • Windows key + Plus (+) to zoom in
       • Windows key + Minus (-) to zoom out
       • Windows key + Esc to turn Magnifier off
7. If the issue is in tables
   • Avoid fixed-width tables.
   • Make sure tables render properly on phones and tablets.
   • Use table headers.
   • Check that the document does not require horizontal scrolling when magnified.

If the problem is that some words are actually formatted differently, use Home > font controls or the keyboard shortcuts to reapply a consistent font and size. If the problem is only visual and disappears after reopening the document, focus on the display settings steps above.

References:

• Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities
• Use a screen reader to insert and change text in Word
• MS Word Text appears to be different sizes although it isn't - Microsoft Q&A
• Font size of file and document names that appear next to the file and document icons - Microsoft Q&A
• Adjust text size within dialogue boxes on Word, specifically the Find/Replace function - Microsoft Q&A