If you find the scrollbars on your Windows 11 computer too thin or too thick, you can make them just the way you like! This guide will help you change the size of scrollbars for your user account in simple steps.

What You Need to Know

• Changing scrollbar size will only affect some parts of Windows, like File Explorer and desktop apps.
• It won’t change scrollbars inside Microsoft Store apps or new Windows features like the Settings app or Start menu.
• Some apps may have their own scrollbar style that won’t change.

Step-by-Step: Change Scrollbar Size

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run box. Type regedit and press Enter.

You might see a prompt asking for permission—click Yes to continue.

Step 2: Go to the Scrollbar Settings

In Registry Editor, find this folder on the left side:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Step 3: Change Scrollbar Height

On the right side, find ScrollHeight and double-click it.

In the box that opens, type a new number for scrollbar height:

• Use a value between -120 (smaller) and -1500 (larger).
• The default is -255.
• To pick a size, use this formula: -15 × (height in pixels).

For example, if you want 17 pixels tall, enter -255 (because -15 × 17 = -255).

Step 4: Change Scrollbar Width

Next, find ScrollWidth on the right side and double-click it.

Type a new number for scrollbar width using the same range and formula as height:

• Between -120 (thinner) and -1500 (thicker).
• Default is -255.
• Formula: -15 × (width in pixels).

Example: For 17 pixels wide, enter -255.

Step 5: Save and Exit

Click OK after entering each value. When done, close Registry Editor.

Step 6: Apply the Changes

To see the changes, you need to restart Windows Explorer or your computer:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Find Windows Explorer in the list.
• Right-click it and choose Restart.

Or simply sign out and sign back in, or restart your PC.

Summary

• You can make scrollbars thicker or thinner to suit your taste.
• These changes affect most traditional Windows apps but not all modern apps.
• Default scrollbar size is set to -255 for both height and width.
• Remember to restart Explorer or your computer to see the new sizes.
• Be careful when changing Registry settings—always double-check your changes.