How to Adjust Taskbar Icon Size in Windows 11

This article explains how to change the Taskbar icon’s size in Windows 11.

In Windows 11, the taskbar icons usually include the Start Menu Icon, which opens the Start menu; the Search Icon, which lets you search for files; and the Task View Icon, which enables you to see all open windows and virtual desktops, the Widgets Icon provides quick access to news, weather, and other personalized content, and more.

These icons can be customized based on user preferences and the applications installed on the device.

Starting with Windows 11 Insider build 22635.4291 (Beta), you can show smaller taskbar buttons (icons) that make the Taskbar shorter or taller.

The steps below walk you through toggling the settings button to adjust the Taskbar icon sizes.

Change the Taskbar icon sizes

As mentioned, starting with the Windows 11 beta version recently released, there’s a setting to change and just the size of the icons on the Taskbar.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app.

When the Setting app opens, click the Personalization button on the left.

Next, select the Taskbar on the right to expand it.

Click the Taskbar behaviors tile on the Personalization > Taskbar settings pane to expand and open it.

Under the Taskbar behavior options, select one of the options listed on the drop-down menu for “Show smaller taskbar buttons:”

• Always
• Never
• When taskbar is full (default)

Close the settings app when you are done.

Change Taskbar icon sizes using Windows Registry

Another way you can change the icon sizes on the Taskbar in Windows is to use the Windows Registry editor.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Right-click Advanced > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD IconSizePreference.

Double-click IconSizePreference and change the value to one of the options below:

• 0 = Always show smaller Taskbar buttons or icons.
• 1 = Never show smaller Taskbar buttons or icons.
• 2 = Show smaller smaller Taskbar buttons or icons.

Save your changes and restart your computer.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, changing the Taskbar icon sizes in Windows 11 can enhance your user experience by allowing for customization based on your preference. Here are the key takeaways:

• Windows 11 allows users to adjust Taskbar icons’ size through the Settings app.
• The feature is available starting from the Insider build 22635.4291.
• You can choose from options such as “Always,” “Never,” or “When taskbar is full.”
• The Windows Registry editor provides another method for advanced users to modify Taskbar icon sizes.
• Changing settings in the Registry requires caution, and a restart may be needed to apply changes.

Following the steps, you can easily personalize your Windows 11 Taskbar to suit your workflow and aesthetic preferences.