If you’re using Windows 11 and want to customize your taskbar to make it smaller, you’re in the right place. With a few simple adjustments, you can change the appearance of your taskbar to better fit your preferences. By accessing the Windows Registry Editor, you can easily tweak the taskbar’s size, giving you more screen space and a cleaner look. This process involves navigating to a specific registry path and altering a key value. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have your taskbar size adjusted in no time.
How to Make Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
To make your taskbar smaller in Windows 11, you’ll need to modify a setting in the Windows Registry. This might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry! Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll breeze through it.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
This is the quickest way to access the necessary tool to change your taskbar settings. It’s like opening a secret door to Windows’ inner workings.
Step 2: Access the Registry Editor
Type “regedit” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
This command opens the Registry Editor, where you can change system settings that aren’t available in the regular settings menu.
Step 3: Navigate to the Taskbar Settings
In the Registry Editor, go to the following path: “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced”.
Think of this as following a map to the treasure—except the treasure here is a smaller taskbar.
Step 4: Modify the “TaskbarSi” Key
Find the “TaskbarSi” entry, double-click it, and change its value to 0 for a smaller taskbar.
This is the magic number that controls your taskbar’s size. Setting it to 0 makes it smaller, 1 makes it medium (default), and 2 makes it larger.
Step 5: Restart your Computer
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.
Restarting is like pressing the reset button on your taskbar, allowing the new size to take effect.
After completing these steps, your taskbar in Windows 11 will be smaller. This change gives more screen space and a sleeker user interface, making your desktop look less cluttered and more organized.
Tips for Making Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
- Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid accidental issues.
- If you find the taskbar icons too small, try adjusting the display settings to make them more visible.
- Use the Windows 11 Settings app to customize other taskbar features to your liking.
- If you encounter problems, you can restore the registry to its previous state by using the backup.
- Consider enabling taskbar auto-hide for even more screen space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the taskbar smaller without using the Registry Editor?
No, as of now, changing the taskbar size directly requires accessing the Registry Editor.
What should I do if I encounter an error in the Registry Editor?
Ensure you have the correct path, and double-check your changes. If the issue persists, restore the registry from a backup.
Will making the taskbar smaller affect app icons?
It will make them smaller, so be sure to adjust your display settings if they become difficult to see.
Can I revert to the original taskbar size?
Yes, by changing the “TaskbarSi” value back to 1 or using a registry backup.
Is there a risk in using the Registry Editor?
There’s a minimal risk if you follow instructions carefully. Always back up before making any changes.
Summary
- Open Run dialog.
- Access Registry Editor.
- Navigate to taskbar settings path.
- Modify “TaskbarSi” value.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Customizing your taskbar can significantly enhance your Windows 11 experience. By learning how to make the taskbar smaller, you can create a desktop environment that is both efficient and visually appealing. The process may seem intricate at first, but with careful attention to detail, it’s a task that’s manageable for anyone. Whether you’re looking to maximize screen space or simply prefer a minimalist look, adjusting the taskbar size is a quick way to achieve that.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with other Windows settings. As you get more comfortable, you might find other tweaks that make your system even more suited to your needs. Remember, technology is there to serve you, not the other way around. So go ahead and make the changes you want.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Windows customization, consider exploring forums and tech blogs. They can offer a treasure trove of tips and tricks to further personalize your computing experience. 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.