How to see which fonts are installed on your PC
See which fonts your PC has installed, preview your own text in a browser, and find out why a font may still be missing from an app.
You may need to check whether a font is installed before opening a design, editing a document, or troubleshooting text that looks different from what you expected. Windows has a built-in font list, but a quick preview can make it easier to find the font you want and see how it looks with your own text.
Use the Installed Fonts tool to browse fonts available on your computer and preview them in your browser. It works best in Chrome or Edge on a computer.
See the fonts installed on your PC
- Open the Installed Fonts tool in Chrome or Edge on your computer.
- Let the tool check the fonts available to the browser. If your browser asks for permission, follow its prompt so the tool can show the font list.
- Browse the names in the list, then select a font to see its preview.
- Enter a word or sentence of your own in the preview area. This helps you compare how the font handles the letters, numbers, or punctuation you need.
The list is easier to judge with a sample that resembles your real use. For a presentation, preview a heading and a short paragraph. For a logo or label, try the exact name or wording you plan to use.
What the result means
The font appears in the list
The browser can access a font with that name on this computer. You can compare its preview with other fonts before choosing one. If it still does not appear in a particular app, the issue may be that the app has not refreshed its font list, or that the app uses a different font selection or rendering system.
The font is missing from the list
The font may not be installed for the account you are using, or it may not be available to the browser. First, check the Windows Fonts settings described below. Also make sure you are using Chrome or Edge on a computer. Other browsers may provide a reduced list or no list at all.
The font is listed but looks different in an app
A preview is useful for comparing letter shapes, but it does not guarantee that every app will display the font identically. Screen scaling, font smoothing, font weight, and the app's own text settings can change how it looks. Check that the app has selected the same font name and weight, such as regular or bold.
The font looks right in the preview but is not in the document
The document may use a different font, or the font may not be embedded in the document. A font embedded in a file can sometimes display there even when it is not installed on your PC. If you need to edit the text, install the font or ask the document's creator which font was used.
How to fix a missing font
- Check the browser first. Open the tool in Chrome or Edge on your computer, then reload the page. A browser that does not support the font check may show only part of the list or none of it.
- Look in Windows Fonts settings. In Windows 11, open Settings › Personalization › Fonts. Search for the font name. If it appears there but not in the tool, close and reopen the browser, then check again.
- Install the font file. If you have a legitimate font file, such as a
.ttfor.otffile, open it in Windows and choose the install option. Only install fonts from a source you trust. Then restart the app where you want to use the font. - Restart the app that needs the font. Many programs load their font lists when they open. Save your work, close the app completely, and open it again. If the font is still missing, restart Windows.
- Check the font in the app's own menu. Search for the font by its family name, not just the file name. Some fonts have separate names for the family and for individual styles such as light, medium, or bold.
- Check another computer account or device. A font installed for one Windows user may not be available to another account. If you are troubleshooting a Mac instead, open Applications › Font Book and search for the font there.
Why the tool can see fonts
Browsers limit what websites can learn about a computer, but Chrome and Edge on a computer support a way for this tool to check installed fonts and show previews. This check is not the same as the fonts included in a document or those available through an online service. For more on what a website may be able to infer from installed fonts, see what websites can detect about your installed fonts.
If a font is important for a work file, check it in the app where you will use it after installing or enabling it. The browser preview can help you identify and compare fonts, but it cannot guarantee that another program will render them exactly the same way.
