Making your Windows 11 taskbar smaller can be a breeze! You need to tweak a few settings in the Windows Registry. First, open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” into the search bar and clicking the icon. Then, navigate to the “Advanced” key under “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer.” Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named “TaskbarSi” and set its value to “0” to make the taskbar small. Finally, restart your computer to see the changes. This process will help you reclaim some screen space and customize your desktop to your liking.
How to Make Taskbar Small in Windows 11
Before jumping in, know that changing the size of your taskbar is all about tweaking the Windows Registry settings. This might sound a little technical, but don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it step by step.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
Start by hitting the Windows key and typing “regedit” into the search bar, then click the icon that appears.
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to change various settings within Windows. It’s like the control center where you can tweak things to your heart’s content—just be careful, as changes here affect your system.
Step 2: Navigate to the Appropriate Key
Go to “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.”
Think of this like diving into a digital filing cabinet. Each folder leads you a step closer to the taskbar settings you want to change.
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
Right-click on the Advanced key, select “New,” then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name it “TaskbarSi.”
Creating a new DWORD value is like adding a new rule for the system to follow. This step is crucial for customizing your taskbar size.
Step 4: Set the Value to 0
Double-click on “TaskbarSi” and enter “0” in the Value data box, then click OK.
Setting this value to 0 tells your system to shrink the taskbar. If you wanted a default or larger taskbar, you’d use 1 or 2 instead.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
To apply the changes, restart your computer.
Restarting lets your system refresh and apply the new settings. It’s like hitting the reset button to see your adjustments take effect.
After completing these steps, your taskbar should be noticeably smaller. This change not only gives you more screen space but also can make your desktop look cleaner and less cluttered.
Tips for Making Taskbar Small in Windows 11
- Always back up your registry before making changes.
- If you encounter any issues, double-check the registry path.
- Consider bookmarking the registry location for future tweaks.
- Use value 1 for the default taskbar size and 2 for a larger one.
- Remember, a smaller taskbar means smaller icons and text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the taskbar smaller without using the registry?
No, as of now, Windows 11 does not provide a direct setting to change the taskbar size without modifying the registry.
Is it safe to change the registry settings?
Yes, but it’s important to be cautious. Always back up the registry before making changes to prevent any potential issues.
What should I do if my taskbar doesn’t change size after restarting?
Recheck the registry path and ensure you set the correct value. A typo can prevent changes from taking effect.
Will making the taskbar smaller affect other parts of Windows 11?
No, this change will only affect the taskbar size and not other system functions or applications.
Can I revert the taskbar size back to default?
Yes, simply change the “TaskbarSi” value back to 1 and restart your PC.
Summary
- Open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the appropriate key.
- Create a new DWORD value.
- Set the value to 0.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
In the realm of Windows 11 customization, making the taskbar small is a simple yet effective way to enhance your desktop experience. While it might seem intimidating to dive into the Registry Editor, following the steps outlined above ensures a smooth process. A smaller taskbar can lead to a less cluttered workspace, providing a cleaner look and more screen real estate for your other applications and tasks.
If you’re new to tweaking settings like this, remember to take your time and double-check each step. It’s always a good idea to back up your registry before making changes; that way, you can easily revert if something doesn’t go as planned. Experimenting with these settings can be fun, and it’s a great way to learn more about how Windows 11 operates under the hood.
For those eager to explore further, consider looking into other registry tweaks or Windows 11 customization options. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there to make your computer truly your own. So why not give it a try? Dive in, make your taskbar small, and see how such a simple change can make a big difference in your daily digital life!
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.