Windows 11 brought us a fresh, modern look with rounded corners, centered taskbar, and sleek icons. But not everyone loves the default taskbar icon size. If you feel the icons are a bit too large and eating up screen space, you’re not alone. The good news? You can make taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11 with just a few tweaks. Let’s walk through the steps together in a simple, no-jargon way.
Why Make Taskbar Icons Smaller?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly answer the “why.”
- More space: Smaller icons free up room for more apps.
- Cleaner look: Some people prefer a minimalist taskbar.
- Better for small screens: On laptops or tablets, smaller icons help maximize workspace.
It’s all about personal preference — and luckily, Windows 11 lets you adjust it.
How to Make Taskbar Icons Smaller in Windows 11
There are two main methods to shrink taskbar icons:
- Using Windows Settings (built-in option).
- Using Registry Editor (advanced method).
Let’s go through both.
Method 1: Using Taskbar Settings (Quick & Easy)
This is the easiest way.
- Right-click on the Taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Scroll down and look for Taskbar behaviors.
- Find the Taskbar size option (only available in newer Windows 11 updates).
- Choose Small instead of Medium (default).
Boom! Your icons will shrink instantly.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor (For Older Versions)
If your PC doesn’t have the “Taskbar size” option in Settings, don’t worry. You can still do it through the Registry Editor.
⚠️ Note: Editing the registry can be risky if you change the wrong thing. Follow the steps carefully.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - On the right side, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it TaskbarSi.
- Double-click it and set the value to:
- 0 = Small icons
- 1 = Medium icons (default)
- 2 = Large icons
- Click OK, close Registry Editor.
- Restart your PC or just restart Windows Explorer.
Your taskbar icons should now be smaller!
How to Restart Windows Explorer Quickly
If you don’t want to restart your whole PC:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Scroll down to Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and choose Restart.
This applies the new icon size instantly.
How to Change Taskbar Height Along with Icons
Did you know you can also adjust the taskbar height? Smaller icons look even better on a slimmer taskbar.
- Open Registry Editor (Windows + R → type regedit).
- Navigate to the same path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - Modify the TaskbarSi value:
- 0 = Small (short taskbar)
- 1 = Medium (default)
- 2 = Large (taller taskbar)
This changes both icon size and taskbar thickness.
Pros and Cons of Smaller Taskbar Icons
Like anything, shrinking icons comes with trade-offs.
Pros
- More space for apps.
- Sleeker look.
- Great for multitasking.
Cons
- Harder to click for users with larger screens or touchscreens.
- Text labels (if enabled) might look cramped.
How to Revert Back to Default Icon Size
Changed your mind? Easy fix:
- If you used Settings, just go back and switch to Medium.
- If you used the Registry Editor, change the TaskbarSi value back to 1.
Restart Explorer or your PC, and everything’s back to normal.
Extra Customization Tips for Windows 11 Taskbar
While you’re at it, why not make your taskbar feel truly yours?
- Move icons to the left: In Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors, choose Left alignment.
- Auto-hide taskbar: Saves even more space.
- Pin or unpin apps: Keep only the essentials for a minimalist vibe.
Final Thoughts
Making taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11 is a quick way to declutter your desktop and maximize screen space. Whether you use the built-in Settings (if available) or go the Registry Editor route, it only takes a couple of minutes. And the best part? You can always switch back if you don’t like it.
So go ahead — give your taskbar a slimmer, cleaner look today!
FAQs
Q1. Can I make taskbar icons even smaller than the “Small” option?
Not natively. The smallest option in Windows 11 is set by Microsoft, but third-party apps might offer more tweaks.
Q2. Will changing icon size affect performance?
Nope! It’s purely a cosmetic change and won’t impact performance.
Q3. Why don’t I see the Taskbar size option in my settings?
It might be because you’re on an older version of Windows 11. In that case, use the Registry Editor method.
Q4. Can I change the size of system tray icons too?
Yes, they also resize when you change the taskbar icon size.
Q5. Does this method work on Windows 10?
Not exactly. Windows 10 has different options, but you can adjust taskbar settings separately.