An artist in a coffeeshop learning how to install fonts on Windows

September 04, 2025

How to install fonts on your PC

Bored of the same old Arial and Times New Roman? Whether you're putting together a killer presentation, sprucing up your personal writing, or just want your desktop to reflect your vibe, installing custom fonts can instantly transform your Windows 11 experience.

Even better—if you’ve got a Copilot+ PC, those fresh fonts can add a personal edge to AI-generated content, giving your documents, notes, and visuals way more personality.

So let’s ditch the boring and make your laptop pop. Here's how to install fonts on Windows 11—and how to fix it if something goes sideways.

Option 1: Install fonts via the Microsoft Store

Easiest route? Use what’s already built in.

Hit Win + I to open Settings
Go to Personalization > Fonts
Click Get more fonts in Microsoft Store
Browse the collection and click Get on your favs
Ta-da! Fonts installed, no downloads or unzipping required

You’ll see them pop up across your apps instantly.

Option 2: Install fonts manually

Found a great font online? Here’s how to bring it into Windows:

Download the font file (.TTF or .OTF)
Double-click it to preview, then hit Install
That’s it—it’s now part of your Windows font fam

Or, for the drag-and-drop crowd:

Go to C:\Windows\Fonts and drop it in
Or open Settings > Fonts and drag it into the upload box

You can even bulk install if you’re feeling font-happy.

Where will your fonts show up?

Basically everywhere. Once installed, your fonts appear in:

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Notepad and Sticky Notes
Email and Calendar apps
Menus, toolbars, and other UI bits

A young man on a Surface Pro laptop adding fonts

AI art created via Copilot

Troubleshooting tips

Here’s what to do when your fonts don’t cooperate:

Font not showing up?

Restart the app or your PC. Simple, but often magic.

Still zipped?

Extract the folder first! Windows won’t install zipped fonts.

Can’t open it?

Make sure it’s a .TTF or .OTF file
Right-click > Properties > click Unblock if needed

Permissions blocking you?

You might need admin rights—especially on work devices

Can’t find it in the dropdown?

Look under the font family name, not the file name

Still not working? Try dragging it directly into C:\Windows\Fonts and give it another shot.

Why custom fonts matter

Fonts are the silent influencers of your workflow. They change how things feel—from your meeting slides to your sticky notes. Here’s what you get when you go beyond the basics:

Instant style for docs, emails, and to-do lists
Better readability with fonts designed for clarity
Total vibe control for your workspace and UI
More you in everything Copilot+ PCs create for you

Whether you want clean and minimalist or loud and expressive, there's a font out there with your name on it (not literally, but wouldn't that be cool?)

Bonus: Copilot+ PCs unlock even more creative power

Custom fonts are fun on any PC—but on a Copilot+ PC, they’re next-level. Here’s why:

AI-generated content with your style
Copilot pulls your installed fonts into its creations, so everything it helps you write or design reflects your personality—whether it’s a to-do list, meeting notes, or a birthday invite.

Seamless style in Word and beyond
When Copilot drafts a doc or slide deck, it can apply your preferred fonts automatically. No more reformatting or style mismatches.

Design with flair, not frustration
Whether you're making a poster, flyer, or mood board, Copilot can suggest layouts and text—and now it’ll match your aesthetic right from the start.

And when you want to push your creativity even further?
Cocreator in Microsoft Paint lets you turn simple prompts¹ and brushstrokes into something stunning—while Restyle in the Photos app helps you reimagine your artwork in a tap.¹ With your fonts and personal style built in, it’s art, evolved.

Make your mark with fonts that reflect you

Custom fonts are an easy way to personalize your PC—and on a Copilot+ PC, they help you create faster, better, and with more flair.

Ready to add your style to everything you do? Start by exploring Windows 11 and discovering what Copilot+ PCs can do.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs