Windows 11 is Getting a Smaller Start Menu – Here’s How to Change It!

Compact view in Windows 11 shrinks the Start menu ⊞ to fit fewer pinned apps and free up desktop space. Microsoft includes this layout option in recent Insider builds to give you a way to scale down the default panel size.

Open the Taskbar settings app to turn on the compact view and cut down empty space so the menu looks closer to the classic Windows 10 layout.

How to Change Your 🪟 Windows 11 Start Menu Size

Why change the Start menu size?

The Start menu ⊞ houses all installed applications. Sometimes, it feels too big or too small for daily workflows. Adjusting its dimensions helps utilize screen space more effectively.

What happens when you change the size?

Altering the size either reduces the screen footprint or packs more items into view simultaneously. Finding specific programs becomes faster with the right layout.

Step 1Open Settings

Press Win+I to open Settings ⚙️.

1. Right-click on 🖱️ your Desktop.
2. Click on Personalize from the menu that appears.

Pressing Win+I on the keyboard opens Settings instantly.

Step 2Go to Taskbar Settings

To change the Windows 11 Start menu size, head to Taskbar settings. Open the main Personalization menu on the PC, click Taskbar in the left-hand menu, and scroll down to click Taskbar behaviors.

1. In the Personalization window, click on Taskbar.
2. Scroll down to find the section called Taskbar behaviors. Click it to open it.

Warning: Exercise caution inside Taskbar settings. Certain options relocate the taskbar across the screen. Focus strictly on dimension controls during this step.

Step 3Find the Start Menu Size Setting

Inside Taskbar settings, the control for adjusting Start menu dimensions sits under 'Taskbar behaviors.' Locate the specific sizing preference in this menu. Missing options indicate a feature still rolling out gradually across devices.

1. In the Taskbar behaviors section, look for a new option related to the Start menu size.

A new Windows feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders (members of Microsoft's public testing community). This means it might not appear for everyone right away. However, the feature will be available soon, so verify that the Windows operating system runs the latest version.

Step 4Choose Your Start Menu Size

Choose between the Small or Large layout under the sizing options.

1. You will see options for the Start menu size. You might see a dropdown menu or radio buttons.
2. Choose between:

   • Small: This makes the Start menu more compact. It's good if you want more space on your screen.
   • Large: This makes the Start menu bigger. It shows more apps and items without needing to scroll as much.
3. Select the size that works best for you.

The display updates immediately. System restarts remain unnecessary.

Practical Tip: Test both Small and Large configurations for several days. Personal preference dictates which layout suits daily computing best.

Step 5Other Start Menu Tweaks (Bonus!)

Beyond resizing, further visual tweaks customize the Start menu. Toggle sections like 'Pinned,' 'Recommended,' and 'All apps' on or off to reduce clutter. Recommendations for recently opened files also hide through these menus.

• Section Toggles: You can turn on or off sections like "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All apps." This lets you make a very simple Start menu.
• File Recommendations: You can stop seeing recent files in the Start menu. This setting is separate from the File Explorer recommendations.
• Hide Name and Profile Picture: If you show your screen to others, you can hide your name and picture from the Start menu for privacy.

Monitor Windows Update for incoming patches.

Reference:

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2026/05/15/improving-windows-quality-making-taskbar-and-start-more-personal

Summary

Change the Windows 11 Start menu size to be smaller or larger for better screen use. Go to Settings › Personalization › Taskbar › Taskbar behaviors and select the preferred dimension.