SOLVED: View Windows HTML Help (CHM) files on a high resolution high DPI monitor with scaling enabled is impossible to see

When you try to view a Windows HTML Help (CHM) file on a high resolution high DPI monitor with scaling enabled you'll find it very difficult to view with the icons too small.

CHM files are somewhat dated however are still widely used.


PowerShell Fix

$windowsDirectory = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables("%WINDIR%");

Copy-Item -Path "$windowsDirectory\hh.exe" -Destination "$windowsDirectory\hhcompat.exe";

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers" -Name "$windowsDirectory\hhcompat.exe" -Value "~ DPIUNAWARE";

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\hhs.exe\shell\open\command" -Name "(default)" -Value "`"C:\Windows\hhcompat.exe`" `"%1`"";


Manual Fix Instructions

To resolve this you can change the compatibility settings, however these are unavailable on the built-in hh.exe file.


  • So you need to copy it.


  • You can now click "Change high DPI settings". 

  • Tick "Override high DPI scaling behavior".

  • Select "System (Enhanced)" and click OK.


  • Right click a .chm file and select "open with" and then "choose another program".

  • Select "More apps" and scroll down to "Look for another app on this PC" and browse to the new "hhcompat.exe" file.

  • Ensure that "Always use this app to open .chm files" is checked.


  • CHM files will now open with the new compatibility mode.

  • Ensure that if the hh.exe is updated by Windows update or other method that you also update your copied hhcompat.exe file.


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