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

Windows 11 brought a sleek, modern interface — rounded corners, centered taskbar, and smooth animations. But for many users, the default taskbar size feels too large and takes up valuable screen space, especially on smaller laptops or monitors.

If you’ve ever wished your desktop looked cleaner and more compact, you’re in the right place. In this detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to make taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11 — step by step.

We’ll cover multiple methods: from simple settings tweaks to Registry edits, Group Policy, and third-party tools — all explained clearly so you can pick the one that suits you best.

Why Make Taskbar Icons Smaller in Windows 11?

The taskbar is one of the most used parts of your Windows interface — it’s where your open apps, Start button, and system tray live. But on Windows 11, Microsoft enlarged the taskbar icons to match the new design.

For some users, this is fine. But if you:

• Prefer more desktop space

• Like a minimalist aesthetic

• Work on a smaller display (e.g., 13-inch laptop)

• Or simply want the Windows 10 feel back

…then making taskbar icons smaller can significantly improve your workflow and comfort.

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⚙️ 2. What You Should Know Before You Start

Before diving in, keep these points in mind:

• Windows 11 doesn’t offer a direct setting (like in Windows 10) to resize taskbar icons.

• You’ll need to edit the Registry or use third-party software for advanced changes.

• Always back up your system or Registry before making modifications.

• The small taskbar option may slightly affect spacing and icon alignment.

Now let’s start shrinking those icons!

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🧰 3. Method 1: Change Taskbar Size via Registry Editor

This is the most popular and reliable way to make your taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11.

🪟 Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor:

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

   • Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.

2. Navigate to this path:

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


3. Create a new DWORD value:

   • Right-click on the right panel → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

   • Name it: TaskbarSi

4. Set the value data:

   Value	Taskbar Size
   0	Small
   1	Default (Medium)
   2	Large

   • Double-click TaskbarSi → Enter 0 → Click OK.

5. Restart Explorer:

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

   • Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose Restart.

Your taskbar icons should now appear smaller!

✅ Pro Tip: If you don’t see changes, sign out and back in to refresh Windows UI.

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🧑‍💼 4. Method 2: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to apply a system-wide policy for smaller taskbar icons.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar


3. Look for a policy related to Taskbar Size. (If unavailable, you’ll need to edit via Registry as above.)

4. Once done, apply and restart Windows Explorer.

⚠️ Note: Home edition users don’t have Group Policy Editor by default. Stick to the Registry method.

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🖥️ 5. Method 3: Adjust Display Scale Settings

This method doesn’t change the actual taskbar icon size — but it visually reduces everything, including icons and text, by scaling down the entire interface.

Steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop → Select Display settings.

2. Under Scale & layout, find Scale.

3. Change it from 125% (default) to 100%.

You’ll immediately notice smaller icons across Windows, including the taskbar.

✅ Best For: Users who want a global UI shrink (not just the taskbar).

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🧩 6. Method 4: Use Third-Party Tools (StartAllBack / ExplorerPatcher)

If you prefer a graphical interface rather than editing the Registry, tools like StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher make it easy.

Option 1: StartAllBack

• Visit the official StartAllBack website.

• Download and install the tool.

• Open Taskbar Settings → Choose Small Icons.

• You can also customize position, color, and transparency.

Option 2: ExplorerPatcher

• Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub.

• Install and open it from the system tray.

• Under Taskbar options → Select Small icons.

✅ Bonus: These tools can also restore the classic Windows 10 taskbar layout.

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📏 7. Method 5: Change Taskbar Alignment and Spacing

If you want a compact look without Registry edits, adjust taskbar alignment and spacing.

Steps:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar → Choose Taskbar settings.

2. Under Taskbar behaviors, find Taskbar alignment.

3. Set it to Left instead of Center.

While icons stay the same size, left alignment saves horizontal space and feels tighter, especially on ultrawide screens.

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⚙️ 8. Method 6: Hide or Combine Taskbar Icons

Want a more minimal look? Combine or hide icons entirely.

Steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar → Select Taskbar settings.

2. Go to Taskbar behaviors → Enable Automatically hide the taskbar.

3. Scroll to Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.

4. Set to Always or When taskbar is full.

✅ Result: Icons group together neatly, reducing clutter and saving visual space.

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🧮 9. Method 7: Use Taskbar Overflow Options Smartly

Windows 11 introduced a taskbar overflow menu, which stores extra icons in a collapsible drawer.

To enable or check:

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.

2. Toggle Taskbar overflow menu on.

Now, even if icons stay large, fewer will display — making the bar appear smaller and cleaner.

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⚡ 10. Method 8: Create a Custom Registry File to Automate the Process

If you plan to apply the small taskbar tweak across multiple PCs, you can create a simple .reg file.

Steps:

1. Open Notepad and paste the following:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

   [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarSi"=dword:00000000


2. Save the file as SmallTaskbar.reg.

3. Double-click the file and confirm Yes to apply it.

4. Restart Windows Explorer.

✅ Pro Tip: Create a second .reg file with value 1 to revert to the default size later.

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🔄 11. How to Restore the Default Taskbar Size

If you decide to go back to the original look:

1. Open Registry Editor again.

2. Go to the same path:

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


3. Double-click TaskbarSi → Change its value to 1.

4. Restart Explorer or reboot your PC.

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🧩 12. Common Issues and Fixes

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💡 13. Tips to Make Your Taskbar Look Cleaner

• Turn off widgets and search icons (from Taskbar settings).

• Disable Chat and Copilot if you don’t use them.

• Use minimalist icons and wallpapers.

• Set taskbar transparency for a modern, sleek look:

  1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Colors.

  2. Enable Transparency effects.

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⚖️ 14. Pros and Cons of Smaller Taskbar Icons

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🧭 15. Final Thoughts

That’s it — you’ve just learned how to make taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11 using multiple methods.

Whether you prefer editing the Registry, adjusting scaling, or using third-party tools, each approach helps reclaim precious screen space and refine your desktop’s appearance.

Windows 11 may not offer built-in size options like Windows 10, but with these tweaks, you can easily personalize it to your style — compact, efficient, and distraction-free.

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🧾 Key Takeaways

• Use Registry Editor to set TaskbarSi = 0 for small icons.

• Restart Windows Explorer to apply changes.

• Use tools like StartAllBack for easier customization.

• You can revert anytime by changing the Registry value to 1.

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❓ FAQs About Making Taskbar Icons Smaller in Windows 11

1. Can I make the taskbar icons smaller without editing the Registry?

Not directly — Windows 11 doesn’t include a built-in option. But tools like StartAllBack let you resize icons easily.

2. Is editing the Registry safe?

Yes, if you follow steps carefully. Always back up your Registry before changes.

3. Does this affect only taskbar icons or system icons too?

It affects only the taskbar. For desktop icons, adjust View → Small icons from your desktop.

4. Can I make the taskbar even smaller than the “small” setting?

Not officially. But custom scaling or third-party tools can shrink the overall appearance slightly more.

5. Will Windows updates reset my taskbar icon size?

Major updates might reset Registry values. You can reapply your .reg tweak afterward.

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🧠 Summary

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✨ In Summary

Making your Windows 11 taskbar icons smaller is a simple way to make your interface cleaner and more space-efficient. Whether you tweak the Registry manually or use a tool like StartAllBack, these adjustments let you personalize your Windows 11 experience to suit your workflow and preferences.