Changing the size of taskbar icons in Windows 11 is a simple process that can make your desktop look cleaner and more organized. With just a few clicks, you can adjust the size of the icons to better fit your preferences or screen resolution. Read on to learn the step-by-step instructions for making these adjustments and other useful tips.
How to Make Taskbar Icons Smaller in Windows 11
The following steps will guide you on how to resize your taskbar icons in Windows 11. This will help you achieve a more streamlined and visually pleasing desktop.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
Navigating to the Settings menu is the first step in changing the size of your taskbar icons. This shortcut quickly opens the Settings app, saving you time.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings menu, click on “Personalization.”
The Personalization section allows you to customize various aspects of your Windows 11 interface, including the taskbar.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
Within the Personalization menu, click on “Taskbar” in the left-hand pane.
Here, you can access all the settings related to your taskbar, including its appearance and behavior.
Step 4: Scroll Down to Taskbar Behaviors
Scroll down and click on “Taskbar behaviors.”
This section contains advanced settings that let you modify how the taskbar looks and operates, including icon size.
Step 5: Select “Use Small Taskbar Buttons”
Check the box next to “Use small taskbar buttons.”
By enabling this option, your taskbar icons will become smaller, giving you more room and a less cluttered look.
After completing these steps, you will notice that your taskbar icons are smaller, freeing up more space on your taskbar and making it look tidier.
Tips for Making Taskbar Icons Smaller in Windows 11
- Use Display Settings: Adjust the overall display scaling settings to change the size of everything, including taskbar icons.
- Taskbar Alignment: Align your taskbar to the left if you prefer more traditional Windows aesthetics.
- Combine Taskbar Buttons: Enable “Combine taskbar buttons” to save more space.
- Taskbar Corner Icons: Manage corner icons to minimize clutter.
- Pin Frequently Used Apps: Pin only the most frequently used apps to reduce the need for space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the taskbar icons smaller without changing display settings?
Yes, by following the steps outlined above, you can make only the taskbar icons smaller.
Will this affect the icons on my desktop?
No, this change only affects the icons on your taskbar, not those on your desktop.
Can I revert to the original icon size?
Yes, you can uncheck the “Use small taskbar buttons” option to revert to the default size.
Is this option available in earlier versions of Windows?
The exact steps may vary, but similar options are generally available in earlier versions like Windows 10.
Does this change affect the Start Menu icons?
No, this change will not affect the size of icons in the Start Menu.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Select Taskbar
- Scroll Down to Taskbar Behaviors
- Check “Use Small Taskbar Buttons”
Conclusion
Making the taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to declutter your desktop and improve your overall experience. With a few simple steps, you can achieve a cleaner, more organized look. Whether you’re someone who loves a minimalistic design or just needs more space for multitasking, adjusting the size of your taskbar icons can make a significant difference.
Experiment with other customization options available in the Personalization settings to further tailor your Windows experience to your liking. From changing the taskbar alignment to managing corner icons, each tweak can help create a desktop environment that suits your style and needs.
Happy customizing!
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.