How do I disable the magnifier permanently in Windows 8

I am having problems with my windows 8 users accidentally turning on the magnifier (accessibility options).  The manager is getting a little peeved because it is disrupting the traders and causes them to have to divert their attention to fixing the problems in lieu of managing the floor.  I assume that there is a registrty entry for it but I am unable to find it. 

Thank you

February 8th, 2013 9:32pm

On 2/8/2013 4:32 PM, Jens-o-matic wrote: > I am having problems with my windows 8 users accidentally turning on the > magnifier (accessibility options).  The manager is getting a little > peeved because it is disrupting the traders and causes them to have to > divert their attention to fixing the problems in lieu of managing the > floor.  I assume that there is a registrty entry for it but I am unable > to find it. > > Thank you >  Maybe it's being activated at login. You can use the Windows-key/X-key combination. From there, you can go to Control Panel and select All Control Panel Items and select the Ease of Access Center. In the left pane, there is Set options at Sign-in. Maybe the setting is set for the Magnifier.  
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February 9th, 2013 7:25pm

Hi,

Go to control Panel\Ease of Access Center, click Make the computer easier to see, uncheck Turn on Magnifier, save and reboot.

Some similar thread you can refer:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-do-i-disable-the-windows-7-magnifier/409861dd-c0c5-4d64-aaec-fb42f23647b7

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-to-disable-or-delete-windows-7-magnifier/6a4eb527-42ae-4878-ae4c-443667fac8b0

February 13th, 2013 3:06am

I am also having problems with the Magnifier.  It is NOT checked in Ease if Acess Center - still it continues to work and is giving me a headache!

How can I get rid of it permanently?

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August 2nd, 2013 6:01pm

The Magnified is NOT checked, why is it still working??
August 2nd, 2013 6:02pm

The Magnified is NOT checked, why is it still working??

Which Magnifier?   Press Win-Esc?

 

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August 3rd, 2013 8:29pm

I had same problem.  Found lots of "help" on the Web about going to control panel and changing the ease of use options about whether the Magnifier starts up when you boot the computer, but that is not the problem. The problem is the magnifier seemingly randomly pops up. 

What I found the problem to be is that if you're using a Windows mouse with the side buttons, the Left Side button is by default mapped to Browser Back (good) and the Right Side button is mapped to Magnifier (bad for most of us who aren't sight impaired).  I often inadvertently pressed that button and the magnifier kept popping up.

To disable, press Windows key + X, then choose Control Panel, Mouse, click here to change Microsoft mouse settings (may be slightly different if using another manufacturer's mouse).  Once you get to the settings, disable the Right Side button or map it to something more useful.


  • Edited by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:17 PM fixed typo
  • Proposed as answer by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:18 PM
August 6th, 2013 2:17pm

I had same problem.  Found lots of "help" on the Web about going to control panel and changing the ease of use options about whether the Magnifier starts up when you boot the computer, but that is not the problem. The problem is the magnifier seemingly randomly pops up. 

What I found the problem to be is that if you're using a Windows mouse with the side buttons, the Left Side button is by default mapped to Browser Back (good) and the Right Side button is mapped to Magnifier (bad for most of us who aren't sight impaired).  I often inadvertently pressed that button and the magnifier kept popping up.

To disable, press Windows key + X, then choose Control Panel, Mouse, click here to change Microsoft mouse settings (may be slightly different if using another manufacturer's mouse).  Once you get to the settings, disable the Right Side button or map it to something more useful.


  • Edited by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:17 PM fixed typo
  • Proposed as answer by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:18 PM
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August 6th, 2013 2:17pm

I had same problem.  Found lots of "help" on the Web about going to control panel and changing the ease of use options about whether the Magnifier starts up when you boot the computer, but that is not the problem. The problem is the magnifier seemingly randomly pops up. 

What I found the problem to be is that if you're using a Windows mouse with the side buttons, the Left Side button is by default mapped to Browser Back (good) and the Right Side button is mapped to Magnifier (bad for most of us who aren't sight impaired).  I often inadvertently pressed that button and the magnifier kept popping up.

To disable, press Windows key + X, then choose Control Panel, Mouse, click here to change Microsoft mouse settings (may be slightly different if using another manufacturer's mouse).  Once you get to the settings, disable the Right Side button or map it to something more useful.


  • Edited by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:17 PM fixed typo
  • Proposed as answer by TomHChi Tuesday, August 06, 2013 2:18 PM
August 6th, 2013 2:17pm

I've tried that (control panel) a number of times.  The danged magnifier still comes appears almost at random.  I can't figure out what movement I'm making with the mouse that causes it.  Isn't there a registry entry that can be deleted or altered to solve the problem?
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August 10th, 2013 6:26am

I can't figure out what movement I'm making with the mouse that causes it. 

Maybe none.  Which Magnifier?  Does Win-Esc make it go away?  Does Win-+ show you a different one?

August 10th, 2013 1:18pm

see my post right above yours - does your mouse have a right side button (in addition to the right click button)? if so, windows default is that button activates the magnifier - see my post re how to turn it off.

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August 10th, 2013 4:46pm

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above does not work permanently and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem, going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Proposed as answer by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:49 AM
March 10th, 2014 12:49am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above does not work permanently and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem, going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Proposed as answer by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:49 AM
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 10th, 2014 12:49am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above does not work permanently and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem, going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Proposed as answer by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:49 AM
March 10th, 2014 12:49am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to" Ease of access "does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Edited by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:52 AM
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March 10th, 2014 12:50am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to ease of access does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
March 10th, 2014 12:50am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to" Ease of access "does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Edited by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:52 AM
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March 10th, 2014 12:50am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to" Ease of access "does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
  • Edited by Sailguy Monday, March 10, 2014 12:52 AM
March 10th, 2014 12:50am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to "ease of access "does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem, going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 10th, 2014 12:51am

For Windows 7 and 8.The approach posted above about going to "Ease of Access" does not work and will NOT stop the magnifier from constantly zooming in and shrinking. I had this annoying magnifier constantly fighting me without even touching anything it would seem going from too small to too large and never stable. What is happening is you are touching your touch pad and activating the magnifier. This is how I fixed it.... go to your Control Panel and select Mouse, the dialog box opens for {mouse properties} then select {Device settings} another box will open , DESELECT { Pinch Zoom} . Thats it !! you will never have a problem with the unruly magnifier again.
March 10th, 2014 12:54am

In Win 8.1 I do not see "Turn on Magnifier."  I see "Start Magnifier" and there is no check box.  All the user can do is click on that text.  Doing so turns on the magnifier, but successive clicks do not disable it.
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November 28th, 2014 5:57pm

It's amazing how many folks ignore advice on here....

DO WHAT SAILGUY POINTS TO!

If 'turn on magnify' is already turned off in control panel 'ease of access', then go check your mouse button settings.  One of the lesser used buttons IS MOST LIKELY SET TO TURN ON MAGNIFY.   Go change that setting (I just disabled the button as I never use it).

In my case, a Microsoft mouse, the small side button was set to activate magnify.  I had forgotten the button was even there - and all it takes is to accidentally bump it and magnify is on.  It only takes a few seconds to change the setting.


  • Edited by Bobstr1 17 hours 0 minutes ago
June 27th, 2015 10:22am

It's amazing how many folks ignore advice on here....

DO WHAT SAILGUY POINTS TO!

If 'turn on magnify' is already turned off in control panel 'ease of access', then go check your mouse button settings.  One of the lesser used buttons IS MOST LIKELY SET TO TURN ON MAGNIFY.   Go change that setting (I just disabled the button as I never use it).

In my case, a Microsoft mouse, the small side button was set to activate magnify.  I had forgotten the button was even there - and all it takes is to accidentally bump it and magnify is on.  It only takes a few seconds to change the setting.


  • Edited by Bobstr1 Saturday, June 27, 2015 2:21 PM
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June 27th, 2015 2:21pm

It's amazing how many folks ignore advice on here....

DO WHAT SAILGUY POINTS TO!

If 'turn on magnify' is already turned off in control panel 'ease of access', then go check your mouse button settings.  One of the lesser used buttons IS MOST LIKELY SET TO TURN ON MAGNIFY.   Go change that setting (I just disabled the button as I never use it).

In my case, a Microsoft mouse, the small side button was set to activate magnify.  I had forgotten the button was even there - and all it takes is to accidentally bump it and magnify is on.  It only takes a few seconds to change the setting.


  • Edited by Bobstr1 Saturday, June 27, 2015 2:21 PM
June 27th, 2015 2:21pm

It's amazing how many folks ignore advice on here....

DO WHAT SAILGUY POINTS TO!

If 'turn on magnify' is already turned off in control panel 'ease of access', then go check your mouse button settings.  One of the lesser used buttons IS MOST LIKELY SET TO TURN ON MAGNIFY.   Go change that setting (I just disabled the button as I never use it).

In my case, a Microsoft mouse, the small side button was set to activate magnify.  I had forgotten the button was even there - and all it takes is to accidentally bump it and magnify is on.  It only takes a few seconds to change the setting.


  • Edited by Bobstr1 Saturday, June 27, 2015 2:21 PM
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June 27th, 2015 2:21pm

Ok, let's just start by saying that I f****g hate the magnifier function.

I'm mostly on a Mac (as I develop application for IOS) and use remote desktop to access my PCs and servers.

And every bloody time I accidentally press the cmd-button instead of the alt button when making a backslash the magnifier pops up.

None of the advice above worked for me.

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


  • Edited by MickeSwe 12 hours 19 minutes ago
July 7th, 2015 3:05pm

Ok, let's just start by saying that I f****g hate the magnifier function.

I'm mostly on a Mac (as I develop application for IOS) and use remote desktop to access my PCs and servers.

And every bloody time I accidentally press the cmd-button instead of the alt button when making a backslash the magnifier pops up.

None of the advice above worked for me.

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


  • Edited by MickeSwe Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:04 PM
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July 7th, 2015 7:03pm

Ok, let's just start by saying that I f****g hate the magnifier function.

I'm mostly on a Mac (as I develop application for IOS) and use remote desktop to access my PCs and servers.

And every bloody time I accidentally press the cmd-button instead of the alt button when making a backslash the magnifier pops up.

None of the advice above worked for me.

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


  • Edited by MickeSwe Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:04 PM
July 7th, 2015 7:03pm

Ok, let's just start by saying that I f****g hate the magnifier function.

I'm mostly on a Mac (as I develop application for IOS) and use remote desktop to access my PCs and servers.

And every bloody time I accidentally press the cmd-button instead of the alt button when making a backslash the magnifier pops up.

None of the advice above worked for me.

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


  • Edited by MickeSwe Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:04 PM
  • Proposed as answer by adsodamelk 16 hours 32 minutes ago
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July 7th, 2015 7:03pm

Ok, let's just start by saying that I f****g hate the magnifier function.

I'm mostly on a Mac (as I develop application for IOS) and use remote desktop to access my PCs and servers.

And every bloody time I accidentally press the cmd-button instead of the alt button when making a backslash the magnifier pops up.

None of the advice above worked for me.

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


  • Edited by MickeSwe Tuesday, July 07, 2015 7:04 PM
  • Proposed as answer by adsodamelk Wednesday, July 22, 2015 2:51 PM
July 7th, 2015 7:03pm

Thank you, MickeSwe!

I am in roughly the same situation as you, I'm on a Mac running a Windows 10 virtual machine, and the magnifier will always pop up when I press cmd+'+' (I've now realised the shortcut does not work as I expected it to, which was to zoom-in/out in Firefox). The suggestions here did nothing for me, as I don't use a mouse, nor are my palms anywhere near the touch pad.

Your suggestion to kill the magnifier program worked! Or rather, I simply renamed both instances to Magnifier.bak.

Many thanks!

  • Edited by Secretss 20 hours 28 minutes ago
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July 10th, 2015 6:57am

Thank you, MickeSwe!

I am in roughly the same situation as you, I'm on a Mac running a Windows 10 virtual machine, and the magnifier will always pop up when I press cmd+'+' (I've now realised the shortcut does not work as I expected it to, which was to zoom-in/out in Firefox). The suggestions here did nothing for me, as I don't use a mouse, nor are my palms anywhere near the touch pad.

Your suggestion to kill the magnifier program worked! Or rather, I simply renamed both instances to Magnifier.bak.

Many thanks!

  • Edited by Secretss Friday, July 10, 2015 10:56 AM
July 10th, 2015 10:55am

Thank you, MickeSwe!

I am in roughly the same situation as you, I'm on a Mac running a Windows 10 virtual machine, and the magnifier will always pop up when I press cmd+'+' (I've now realised the shortcut does not work as I expected it to, which was to zoom-in/out in Firefox). The suggestions here did nothing for me, as I don't use a mouse, nor are my palms anywhere near the touch pad.

Your suggestion to kill the magnifier program worked! Or rather, I simply renamed both instances to Magnifier.bak.

Many thanks!

  • Edited by Secretss Friday, July 10, 2015 10:56 AM
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July 10th, 2015 10:55am

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


MickeSwe, thank you very much for your tip! It runs very well! No more magnifier now!!!
July 22nd, 2015 10:56am

So in the end I took the rather drastic method of deleting the Magnify.exe.

I't located in two places (as I'm on a 64bit system).

c:\windows\system32\Magnify.exe

c:\windows\sysWOW64\Magnify.exe

You'll have to take ownership of the file and give your self permissions on it before deleting it.

(If you don't know how to do this, Google it)

And presto, no more magnifier.


MickeSwe, thank you very much for your tip! It runs very well! No more magnifier now!!!
  • Edited by adsodamelk Wednesday, July 22, 2015 2:54 PM
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July 22nd, 2015 2:54pm

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