How to Change Scrollbar Size in Windows 11 (Easy Steps)
Changing the scrollbar size in Windows 11 lets you make those sliding bars easier to see and grab.
Windows 11, starting with version 22H2, added a simple way to adjust scrollbar thickness right in your system settings.
This setting helps you control how thick the scrollbars appear, which is especially helpful for navigating large documents or websites on high-resolution screens.
While this change affects many desktop apps like File Explorer, not every application will show thicker scrollbars.
You adjust scrollbar size in Windows 11 by modifying registry settings. Open Registry Editor, navigate to 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktopWindowMetrics, and change ScrollHeight and ScrollWidth values. Restart Windows Explorer for the changes to take effect.
Step-by-Step: Change Scrollbar Size
Step 1Open Registry Editor
Press the ⊞ Win+R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box. Type ‘regedit’ and press Enter.
Windows might ask for permission; click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
Step 2Go to the Scrollbar Settings
To adjust the Windows 11 scrollbar size, open the Registry Editor and navigate to a specific folder. This folder, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics, contains the settings that dictate your scrollbars' appearance and behavior.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
Step 3Change Scrollbar Height
You can change the Windows 11 scrollbar height by editing a number in the Registry Editor. Double-click the 'ScrollHeight' setting and type in a new number to make your scrollbars taller or shorter. Use a number between -120 for smaller scrollbars and -1500 for much larger ones.
A box will open. Type a new number for the 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 4Change 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 5Save and Exit
Click OK after entering each value, then close Registry Editor.
Step 6Apply the Changes
Once you've adjusted the Windows 11 scrollbar size, a restart of Windows Explorer is needed to see the updates. The fastest way is to open Task Manager, find 'Windows Explorer' in the list, and click 'Restart'. You can also sign out and back in, or restart your whole PC.
- 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
Adjusting the Windows 11 scrollbar size lets you make them thicker or thinner to better suit your needs. Remember that these changes require a restart of Windows Explorer or your computer to appear. This adjustment typically affects most older applications but may not impact newer ones.- You can make scrollbars thicker or thinner to match your preference
- 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 before saving
How do I change the size of the scroll bar?
Log off and back on to make the changes. Okay, so we're logged back in. Let's open our browser. Now you can see we've got this jumbo scrollbar.
What is the default scrollbar width?
The scrollbar-width property accepts the following values: auto is the default and will render the standard scrollbars for the browser. thin tells the browser to use thinner scrollbars, when applicable. none hides the scrollbar completely, without affecting the element's scrollability.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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