Changing the size of taskbar icons in Windows 11 can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer. Whether you want more space for your open apps or prefer a more compact look to maximize screen real estate, adjusting taskbar icon size is a straightforward process. To do this, you need to tweak a setting in the Windows Registry—a place where Windows keeps all sorts of settings. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have your taskbar icons the size you want in no time.
How to Change Taskbar Icon Size in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll go through the steps to change the size of your taskbar icons by adjusting a specific setting in the Windows Registry.
Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box, type “regedit,” and hit Enter.
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that lets you change settings Windows doesn’t normally let you mess with. Be careful when using it—you don’t want to accidentally change something you shouldn’t.
Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Registry Key
Follow this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.
This is like finding a specific file in a giant filing cabinet. You’re looking for the “Advanced” folder, which contains all sorts of settings for how Windows looks and acts.
Step 3: Create or Edit the “TaskbarSi” DWORD
Right-click in the right panel, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it “TaskbarSi” if it doesn’t already exist.
The DWORD value “TaskbarSi” is like a switch that turns on different sizes. If it’s not there, you’ll have to create it yourself.
Step 4: Set the Value for “TaskbarSi”
Double-click on “TaskbarSi” and set the value to 0 for small icons, 1 for medium icons, or 2 for large icons, then click OK.
This is like turning a dial to choose the size of the icons. Each number corresponds to a different size, so pick the one that suits you best.
Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer, and click Restart.
Restarting Windows Explorer is like hitting refresh on a webpage. It makes your changes take effect without having to reboot your whole computer.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your taskbar icons will change to the size you’ve selected. If you don’t see a change right away, double-check that you’ve followed each step correctly and try restarting Windows Explorer again.
Tips for Changing Taskbar Icon Size in Windows 11
- Back up your registry before making changes to avoid accidental issues.
- Use medium-sized icons for a balance between visibility and space-saving.
- Restart your computer if simply restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t apply the changes.
- Consider your screen size when choosing icon size; large screens accommodate larger icons better.
- If uncertain, consult Microsoft’s official documentation for more guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change taskbar icon size without using the Registry Editor?
No, currently, Windows 11 doesn’t offer a built-in option for changing taskbar icon size without using the Registry Editor.
Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
It’s safe if you follow steps carefully, but mistakes can cause issues, so always back up your registry first.
Does changing taskbar icon size affect other parts of the interface?
No, it only affects the size of the icons on the taskbar.
How can I revert back to the default icon size?
Simply set the “TaskbarSi” value back to 1, which is the default medium size.
Do these steps work for all versions of Windows 11?
Yes, these steps should work for all Windows 11 versions as of now.
Summary
- Open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the Taskbar Registry Key.
- Create or Edit the “TaskbarSi” DWORD.
- Set the Value for “TaskbarSi.”
- Restart Windows Explorer.
Conclusion
Changing the taskbar icon size in Windows 11 can personalize your computing experience, making it more efficient and visually appealing. Whether you prefer smaller icons to maximize your screen space or larger ones for easy navigation, the process is simple once you know how to make adjustments in the Registry Editor. Remember to back up your settings to avoid any unwanted changes and use the tips provided here to optimize your settings further.
For those who enjoy tweaking their systems, this is just one of many customization options Windows 11 offers. It’s always a good idea to continue exploring and learning more about your operating system—who knows what other useful tricks you might find?
Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, why not give it a try? The process is quick, and the results are immediately visible. By mastering these small changes, you’re taking control of your digital environment, ensuring it works best for you.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.