How to Install TrueType or OpenType Fonts in Windows

Add fonts to your Windows computer in the right way to avoid problems

by
Jacci Howard Bear
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A graphic designer, writer, and artist who writes about and teaches print and web design.
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Jacci Howard Bear
Updated on November 11, 2019

Whether you download fonts from a website or have a CD full of typefaces, before you can to use them in your word processor or other software programs you must install TrueType or OpenType fonts in Windows.

There are two ways to install a font in Windows: via the Fonts folder or from the font file. 

Instructions in this article apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

How to Install Fonts in the Fonts folder

If you downloaded a font as a ZIP file, extract it before you access the Fonts folder.

  1. Find the location font(s) you want to install. Open the folder containing the font, but do not open the font file.

    TrueType fonts have the extension.TTF and an icon that is a dog-eared page with two overlapping Ts. They require only this one file for installation and use. OpenType fonts have the extension.TTF or .OTF and a little icon with an O. They also require only this one file for installation and use.

    Screenshot of font files in folder

  2. Type fonts into the Search box and select the font folder option that appears in the results. The Fonts folder will open.

    Screenshot of Fonts in Start menu search

  3. Alternatively, open the Control Panel and make sure it is in Large Icon, Small Icon or Classic View.

    Screenshot of View options in Control Panel

  4. Double-click the Fonts folder to open it.

    Screenshot of Fonts folder in Control Panel

  5. Go back to the folder containing the font you want to install. Select the font file and drag it to the Fonts folder. Drop it anywhere in the main area of the folder window.

    Screenshot of dragging and dropping font

  6. Wait while the font is installed.

    Screenshot of Installing Fonts dialog

  7. Close the folders. The font will now be available to use on your computer.

How to Install a Font from the Font File

Another way to install a font in Windows is to do so directly from the unzipped font file.

  1. Navigate to the unzipped font file on your computer.

    Screenshot of font file

  2. Right-click the file and choose Install.

    Screenshot of Install on right-click menu

  3. When the font is installed, you can begin using it.

In Windows 10, you can also double-click the font file to open it and select the Install button to install it automatically.

Screenshot of Install button on font window

If you have programs running while you install fonts in Windows, they may require that you exit the application and restart for the new fonts to be available in the font menu.