How to Make Icons Smaller on Taskbar in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 12, 2025

Is your Windows 11 taskbar feeling a little too crowded or overwhelming? Maybe the icons look too big for your taste. Don’t worry—Windows 11 gives you options to adjust the taskbar icon size, making your desktop look cleaner and more organized. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make icons smaller on the taskbar step by step.

Why Make Taskbar Icons Smaller?

Smaller taskbar icons aren’t just about aesthetics. Here’s why you might want to adjust them:

  • Maximize screen space: More room for apps and windows.

  • Reduce visual clutter: Cleaner desktop, less distraction.

  • Better multitasking: More icons fit without overlapping.

  • Personal preference: Some users simply prefer a minimalistic look.

Think of it like arranging books on a shelf—sometimes smaller books fit better, making the shelf look neat.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Settings is your control center for customizing Windows 11.

Step 2: Navigate to Personalization

  1. In Settings, click Personalization from the left-hand menu.

  2. Then select Taskbar at the bottom of the list.

Here, you’ll find all taskbar customization options including icon size.

Step 3: Enable Small Taskbar Icons

Currently, Windows 11 doesn’t offer a direct toggle for small icons in Settings. However, you can adjust the registry to make taskbar icons smaller:

Step 3a: Open Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.

Step 3b: Navigate to Taskbar Key

  1. Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Step 3c: Create or Modify TaskbarSi

  1. Right-click Advanced → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  2. Name it TaskbarSi.

  3. Double-click TaskbarSi and set its value:

    • 0 → Small icons

    • 1 → Medium (default)

    • 2 → Large icons

Step 3d: Restart Explorer

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.

Your taskbar icons should now be smaller!

Step 4: Alternative Method Using Third-Party Tools

If you’re not comfortable editing the registry, tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher can adjust taskbar icon size with a user-friendly interface.

  • StartAllBack: Paid tool, highly customizable taskbar settings.

  • ExplorerPatcher: Free, open-source, adjusts taskbar to classic Windows look including small icons.

These apps are perfect if you want flexibility without registry tweaks.

Step 5: Adjust Icon Spacing and Alignment

Making icons smaller sometimes looks cramped. You can adjust spacing:

  1. Use the Taskbar Alignment option in Settings → Personalization → Taskbar.

  2. Set alignment to Left for a classic feel, or keep it Center for modern look.

  3. Some registry tweaks allow icon spacing adjustments via ExplorerPatcher.

This ensures your taskbar is both compact and visually appealing.

Tips for a Cleaner Taskbar

  • Hide unnecessary icons: Settings → Taskbar → Taskbar corner overflow → toggle off unwanted icons.

  • Combine taskbar buttons: Keep multiple windows of the same app grouped.

  • Use auto-hide: Settings → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → Enable Automatically hide taskbar.

A clean taskbar boosts productivity and reduces distraction.

Common Issues and Fixes

  • Icons too small or distorted: Ensure scaling settings in Settings → System → Display are standard (100–125%).

  • Taskbar doesn’t change after registry tweak: Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your PC.

  • Accidental changes: Always backup the registry before editing.

Conclusion

Making icons smaller on the taskbar in Windows 11 is a simple way to maximize screen space, reduce clutter, and customize your desktop. Whether you use the registry method or a third-party tool, you can achieve a cleaner, more organized taskbar that suits your style. With these steps, your desktop can look sleek and efficient in minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I revert taskbar icons to default size?
Yes, set TaskbarSi value back to 1 in the registry and restart Explorer.

2. Is editing the registry safe?
Yes, if you follow instructions carefully. Always back up the registry before changes.

3. Can I make icons even smaller than small mode?
Not via default Windows 11 settings. Third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher allow more customization.

4. Do smaller icons affect performance?
No, it’s purely visual and doesn’t impact PC performance.

5. Will updates reset my taskbar icon size?
Sometimes, major Windows updates may reset registry tweaks. Check settings after updates.

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