The Windows 11 taskbar looks sleek and modern, but many users find it restrictive compared to Windows 10. By default, the taskbar is locked to a single size and position, which can feel limiting. Fortunately, there are ways to expand, resize, and customize the taskbar to better fit your workflow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to expand the taskbar in Windows 11, adjust its size, and even restore some missing features using step-by-step methods.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
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Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in option to resize the taskbar — but workarounds exist.
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You can expand the taskbar using Registry Editor tweaks, third-party tools, or taskbar settings.
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Expanded taskbars allow for larger icons, better visibility, and more screen space management.
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Third-party apps like ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack restore advanced customization.
Why Expand the Taskbar in Windows 11?
Expanding the taskbar can improve both productivity and aesthetics. Here’s why you might want to do it:
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Larger icons for better visibility on high-resolution monitors.
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More room for pinned apps without crowding.
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Custom height to match personal preference.
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Restoring Windows 10-style functionality that’s missing in Windows 11.
Method 1: Change Taskbar Size via Registry Editor
Windows 11 doesn’t let you resize the taskbar in Settings, but you can do it with a registry tweak.
⚠️ Caution: Always back up the registry before making changes.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click on the right panel → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Double-click it and enter one of the following values:
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0= Small taskbar -
1= Medium (default) -
2= Large
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Click OK and restart Windows Explorer (or reboot your PC).
✅ The taskbar will now appear expanded (or shrunk) based on your choice.
Method 2: Use Taskbar Settings for Limited Expansion
Although Windows 11 doesn’t allow full resizing, you can expand functionality slightly:
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Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
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Expand sections like Taskbar behaviors.
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Enable options such as:
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Show taskbar on all displays (for multi-monitor setups).
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Show badges (unread messages) for larger icons.
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👉 While this won’t make the taskbar taller, it gives a feeling of expansion and customization.
Method 3: Expand Taskbar with Third-Party Tools
For more flexibility, third-party apps bring back missing customization options.
Recommended Tools:
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ExplorerPatcher – Free tool that restores Windows 10-style taskbar, including adjustable height.
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StartAllBack – Paid tool with advanced customization (taskbar position, size, transparency).
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TaskbarX – Lets you center, resize, and style taskbar icons.
Steps (ExplorerPatcher Example):
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Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub.
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Install and restart your PC.
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Right-click taskbar → Settings → Adjust Taskbar Size and Position.
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Apply changes.
✅ This method offers the most flexibility and user control.
Method 4: Increase Icon Size with Display Scaling
If you don’t want registry hacks or tools, adjusting display scaling also makes the taskbar appear bigger.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Display.
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Under Scale & layout, change the Scale percentage (e.g., from 100% → 125%).
👉 This enlarges the taskbar and icons but also scales everything else on your screen.
How to Restore Default Taskbar Size
If you want to undo changes:
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For Registry edits → set
TaskbarSiback to1or delete it. -
For third-party tools → uninstall the app.
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For scaling → return display scale to 100%.
Troubleshooting: Taskbar Not Expanding in Windows 11
If your taskbar size doesn’t change after tweaking:
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Make sure you restarted Explorer (Task Manager → right-click Explorer.exe → Restart).
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Double-check registry values.
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Update Windows 11 — some builds reset taskbar tweaks.
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If using third-party apps, ensure they’re compatible with your version of Windows 11.
Pros and Cons of Expanding Taskbar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bigger icons, better visibility | Registry edits can be risky |
| More pinned apps fit | Third-party apps may cause bugs |
| Better multi-monitor usability | Scaling affects entire UI |
| Restores Windows 10-like functionality | Not officially supported by Microsoft |
Conclusion
Expanding the taskbar in Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as in Windows 10, but it’s definitely possible. Whether you tweak the registry, adjust display scaling, or use third-party tools, you can customize your taskbar to match your style and productivity needs.
If you prefer stability, stick to display scaling. But if you want full control and classic features, tools like ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack are the way to go.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Windows 11 taskbar taller?
Yes, but not through Settings — you’ll need registry edits or third-party tools.
2. Is it safe to change the taskbar size in the registry?
Yes, if done correctly. Always back up the registry before editing.
3. Does expanding the taskbar affect performance?
No, resizing only changes visuals — performance is unaffected.
4. Can I move the taskbar to the top or side in Windows 11?
Not natively, but third-party tools like StartAllBack allow this.
5. Will Microsoft add taskbar resizing in future updates?
Possibly — many users have requested it, but as of now, it requires tweaks.