M2ScreenMag

Windows comes packed with a variety of tools to help you perform the basics of just about any task. Some might not be necessary as often, but can greatly help in time of need, such as the magnifier. However, there are also an abundance of alternatives you can grab over the web, and a suitable magnifier is M2ScreenMag.

Set a window over the region of interest

Before you can even install the application, let alone run it, it’s recommended to download and install .NET Framework 1.1, with the setup package suggesting a download link if it’s not detected on your computer. There’s a change it’s already there if running modern Windows iterations, but older packages such as 1.1 might need to be manually deployed.
Most of the time is spent in the tray area, but the actual tools you use consist of a couple of window frames. One of them needs to be placed over the section you want to magnify. You’re free to move it around and drag the edges to accurately adjust the size so that it perfectly engulfs the screen section you want to analyze.

Magnifier window and factor selection

The second window is the actual magnifier. It refreshes in real time as you move the cursor over regions inside the previously mentioned window. Sadly, this double component management can be a little tricky, and time consuming, compared to what Windows puts at your disposal by default.
The tray icon is fitted with a slim menu from which you can set the magnifier intensity. There aren’t really too many options, with the possibility to obtain at most three times the magnifier factor. Additionally, the window transparency level can be set to also have a clear view of background elements in the process.

To end with

All things considered, M2ScreenMag might not be exactly what you’re looking for, at least not if attempting to replace the magnifier found in Windows. Magnifier factor leaves much to be desired, and having to work with two window frames can be quite frustrating.