Identifying my system font

Many years ago, when I created the fresh OS install I currently use, I did a ham handed way of choosing the font, because the version of the one I wanted wasn't in the list of those available.

I manipulated the registry, and used Winaero to assist in then choosing the font. To my best recollection, I had to make a change in the registry (see below), in order for that selection to be available in the Winaero font list.

I made notes at the time, but some may be a bit contradictory. There is also a hint it might be Segoe Bold, but these notes were created over the years and thru and numerous OS updates.

Because of some unwanted OS behavior I can't find ways to correct, I'm preparing to do a fresh install. After I do so, I want to use the same font I currently use, so I need to positively identify it, and this time, I want to do it the proper way.

Is this Arial black? If so, what would the proper way to select it for the fresh install? it's still not available in the Windows 10 settings or the Microsoft Store

Winaero change



This is a sample from my browser search bar



Registry edit

Look here:

Change Default System Font in Windows 10

So I've changed default to Segoe UI Black as you can see in this screenshot.

Editing that value should suffice but I'm sure that Winaero Tweaker has the option to revert to default. It's at the top of the page where you change system fonts - "Reset this page to defaults" - see the top of the screenshot on this page.

How to Change System Font in Windows 10

Actually reading your post again you've already answered the question. Font Substitute = Arial Black so that's what your current system font is.

Callender said:

Actually reading your post again you've already answered the question. Font Substitute = Arial Black so that's what your current system font is.

Good, Arial Black has been confirmed.

Thanks for the link Change Default System Font in Windows 10 | Tutorialsl

That was my dilemma the first time. I couldn't find Arial Black in the windows Fonts settings, so I had to mickey-mouse it. I didn't realize I could go to C:\Windows\Font and verify Arial Black there

Is this just so simple as doing this, nothing more?

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]
"Segoe UI"="Arial Bold"

It shows up for me and I have never installed any additional fonts. I just use the ones provided with windows.

You could just navigate to:

C:\Windows\Fonts

Then copy Arial font to USB so that you can add it later if it's missing for some reason.

Here it is zipped. Unzip and click files to install.

Font.zip

Callender said:

It shows up for me and I have never installed any additional fonts. I just use the ones provided with windows.

You could just navigate to:

C:\Windows\Fonts

Then copy Arial font to USB so that you can add it later if it's missing for some reason.

Didn't finish editing my response before you answered.

The first time I tried it way back when, Ariel Bold was not in the Winaero list. I didn't know an uncomplicated way to deal with that. Shouldn't be a problem now. Thanks!

kitpzyxmsir said:

The first time I tried it way back when, Ariel Bold

It's actually named "Arial Black" but it is a bold text font.

Callender said:

It's actually named "Arial Black" but it is a bold text font.

Yes, of course, right you are. Arial Black. Thanks for correcting me. I had already created the .reg file. I would have made a mess of things.

Just a curiosity, Microsoft 365 has a new Font family of Aptos, shows in Word but not in Win11's Fonts.