If you’ve just upgraded to Windows 11, you may notice that the taskbar icons look smaller than in previous versions. This can be frustrating if you have a high-resolution monitor or prefer bigger, easier-to-click icons. Don’t worry—Windows 11 makes it possible to enlarge taskbar icons with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to enlarge taskbar icons in Windows 11, step by step.
Why Enlarge Taskbar Icons?
Before changing settings, let’s understand why this matters:
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Improved Visibility – Bigger icons are easier to see, especially on large screens.
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Accessibility – Helpful for users with vision difficulties.
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Better Precision – Easier to click and interact with icons.
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Aesthetic Preference – Some users prefer a bolder, more noticeable taskbar.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings
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Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
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Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization Settings
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In Settings, click on Personalization.
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From the left sidebar, select Taskbar.
đź’ˇ Tip: Windows 11 has redesigned taskbar settings, so this is where most customization options are found.
Step 3: Access Taskbar Behavior Settings
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Scroll down and click Taskbar behaviors.
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Here you can adjust alignment, taskbar badges, and other options.
Step 4: Enlarge Taskbar Icons via Registry (Advanced)
Windows 11 doesn’t offer a direct slider for icon size in Settings, but you can enlarge icons through the Registry Editor:
Step-by-Step Registry Method
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click Advanced → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it
TaskbarSi. -
Double-click
TaskbarSiand set its value:-
0 = Small icons
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1 = Medium icons (default)
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2 = Large icons
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Click OK and restart your PC or Windows Explorer (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Restart).
Your taskbar icons should now appear larger.
Step 5: Adjust Display Scaling (Optional)
If you want even bigger icons across Windows, adjust display scaling:
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Open Settings → System → Display.
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Under Scale & Layout, change Scale to 125% or 150%.
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Sign out and sign back in to apply changes.
đź’ˇ Note: This enlarges all UI elements, not just taskbar icons.
Step 6: Use Third-Party Tools for Extra Customization
If you want more flexibility than the Registry allows, try tools like:
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StartAllBack – Customize taskbar size, icon spacing, and more.
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ExplorerPatcher – Restore classic taskbar functionality with larger icons.
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TaskbarX – Center, resize, and animate taskbar icons.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always download third-party tools from official sites to avoid malware.
Step 7: Troubleshooting
Issue 1: Taskbar Icons Didn’t Resize
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Ensure you used the correct Registry value (0, 1, 2).
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Restart Windows Explorer or your PC.
Issue 2: Taskbar Looks Crooked After Resize
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Check your display scaling. Large scaling may affect layout.
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Reset Registry value to
1(default) and try again.
Issue 3: Third-Party Tools Not Working
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Run the tool as Administrator.
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Make sure the tool is compatible with Windows 11 version.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Larger Taskbar Icons
Once the changes are applied, your taskbar will look more visible, accessible, and stylish. You can combine Registry tweaks with display scaling or third-party tools for the perfect setup.
FAQs
1. Can I enlarge only the taskbar icons without affecting other UI elements?
Yes, use the Registry method to resize only taskbar icons.
2. Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
Yes, if you follow instructions carefully. Always backup your registry before making changes.
3. Will Windows Updates reset my taskbar icon size?
Usually no, but major updates may revert Registry changes. Check settings after updates.
4. Can I make taskbar icons smaller than the default?
Yes, set TaskbarSi to 0 in Registry for smaller icons.
5. Are there free third-party tools to customize the taskbar?
Yes, ExplorerPatcher and TaskbarX are free and reliable.