How to Change Taskbar Size in Windows 11

Why Change Your Taskbar Size?

Sometimes, you might want more space on your screen. Maybe you have a small laptop or you just like seeing more of your apps. A smaller taskbar can help with this. It makes the icons and the bar itself smaller, giving you more room to work.

What Happens When You Make the Taskbar Smaller?

When you choose a smaller taskbar size, the icons on your taskbar get smaller. The whole taskbar also becomes shorter. This gives you more screen space for your applications. Don’t worry, essential elements like the Start button, search, and clock remain clear and functional.

How to Change Your Taskbar Size in 🪟 Windows 11

Option 1Using ⚙️ the Settings App

You can easily change your Windows 11 taskbar size using ⚙️ the Settings app by adjusting a simple option. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex steps, making it perfect for most users who just want a bigger or smaller taskbar.

1. Open Settings. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. On the left side, click on Personalization. Then, on the right side, click on Taskbar.
3. Scroll down and click on Taskbar behaviors to open it up.
4. Look for the Taskbar size option. You can choose between Default (which is medium) or Small from the dropdown menu.
5. Once you’ve made your choice, you can close ⚙️ the Settings window.

For those comfortable with more advanced system tweaks, you can also adjust 🖥️ the taskbar size using the Registry Editor.

If you’re comfortable with advanced system tweaks, you can change 🖥️ the taskbar size in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor. This method involves editing system files, so it’s best for users who understand the risks and know how to navigate the registry safely.

Note: Changing registry settings might require administrator privileges.

1. First, you need to open the Registry Editor. Search for regedit in the ⊞ Start menu and open it. You might be asked for administrator permission.
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. In the right-hand pane, 🖱️ right-click on an empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new value TaskbarSize.
5. Double-click on the new TaskbarSize value.
6. To use the Default taskbar size, set the Value data to 0.
7. To use the Small taskbar size, set the Value data to 1.
8. Click OK and then close the Registry Editor.
9. You may need to 🔄 restart your computer or restart 📁 Windows Explorer for the changes to take effect.

Summary

Adjusting your Windows 11 taskbar size, whether to make it smaller or return to default, is achievable. For most people, ⚙️ the Settings app offers the most direct path. A smaller taskbar frees up valuable screen real estate by shrinking icons and the bar itself.