How Change Windows 11 Taskbar Size ?

Alter M 245

can anyone help how to change Windows 11 Taskbar size i really hate default size... why there no Taskbar Resize on Windows 11 that was most basic Setting all user need why the Developer erase that Setting... this's sh*ck

i try this method 6 times but never work...

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Right-click the Advanced key, select New and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Registry Advanced key

Name the key TaskbarSi and press Enter.

Double-click the newly created DWORD and change its value from 0 to 2 to change the Taskbar icons size to large. The value 0 is for the small size and 1 is for the default icon size.

Tom Wickerath 35 Reputation points

2023-09-17T07:37:39.3633333+00:00

The Help in Windows 11 has not been updated from Windows 10! I tried to follow the directions, thinking they should be similar, but I'm not seeing the option to "then turn on Use small taskbar buttons" (I want to turn this option OFF!).

From Windows 11 Help
"Resizing taskbar buttons in Windows 10 <---??
If you want to use smaller taskbar buttons, right-click an empty area of the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and then turn on Use small taskbar buttons.

Note: To see larger taskbar buttons, turn off this setting."
Eduardo Diaz del Rio 85 Reputation points

2023-09-28T12:21:01.8733333+00:00

Yes plis do it. And not only this, put on the taskbar all the possible options old windows had.
Simon Lee 110 Reputation points

2023-10-11T14:11:46.94+00:00

This and many of the settings being hidden behind other setting menus is literally the only thing holding me back from moving to windows 11. I really do dislike the massive taskbar.
soubhik das 15 Reputation points

2023-10-20T02:44:49.8233333+00:00

Custom Downscaling, then Font size increase will help in reducing size of taskbar.
Patrick Santos 5 Reputation points

2023-12-13T04:31:40.3+00:00

Has anyone found an app that can fix this?
Shardul Zahan 45 Reputation points

2023-12-15T05:25:31.5233333+00:00

That's why I didn't upgraded windows 11. I hate big taskbar icons.
Matthias Woste 0 Reputation points

2024-01-10T18:25:25.5633333+00:00

The key "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\TaskbarSmallIcons" worked for me. I just set it to 1. (so "TaskbarSi" in the original attempt has just been renamed).
Biero 10 Reputation points

2024-01-11T15:18:39.8566667+00:00

Patrick Santos, I use ExplorerPatcher (https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher). It can reduce taskbar, return Win10 Start menu and so on.
Stu Johnson 0 Reputation points

2024-01-16T18:06:29.6+00:00

You can change the scale of your display, which decreases the size of the taskbar. 150% is the default setting, but changing it to 125% works well for me.
SQON 5 Reputation points

2024-01-18T09:49:17.8766667+00:00

Hi. There is an a real, real easy solution for this in Windows 11: Right click on your Desktop and choose Display settings. In Display settings go to Scale in Scale & layout. You do now change the Scale from 125% and to 100%. Now close the Display settings and your screen does now look like Windows 10 has miraculously reappeared on your Desktop.
bobby1bat 0 Reputation points

2024-01-18T10:03:54.9+00:00

I believe is under screen size in the control panel.
Mirza Baig (mibaig2) 75 Reputation points

2024-01-29T17:59:36.2933333+00:00

I really dont understand why the option to resize my taskbar was taken away. I like to see all my open apps/icons so I can just choose instead of having to scroll (by clicking on the three dots) and then selecting the app
Chloé Graham 5 Reputation points

2024-03-10T16:54:27.15+00:00

Hi, I was looking for this answer without having to modify the register. I trust you have found this information already, however for those who struggle in the future, I found that by going to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviours > Make sure Optimise taskbar for touch interactions when this device is used for a tablet, is turned off. I found this worked for me, maybe not all.
Larry Kerr 35 Reputation points

2024-03-16T22:30:06.27+00:00

The regedit hack 'taskbarSI' 0-2 no longer works as "Last entry WINS!" and somewhere MS has a key that is holding us back! MS wins@we lose!
Ali Kayn 20 Reputation points

2024-04-18T14:40:00.7333333+00:00

It is appallingly arrogant that Microsoft is so disinterested in usability. I have a database that no longer 'fits' in the the area between the taskbar and the status bar for no better reason than someone at MS has decided that it is fashionable to reduce the desktop working area down to a porthole, forcing users to scroll up and down what was previously a single screen.
Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-06-07T16:06:47.5266667+00:00

Yeah this is dumb. What is this, Readers Digest? LipstickonapigOS is brutal
Andrew Citera 36 Reputation points

2024-10-08T14:54:27.06+00:00

Will Windows bring back the ability to configure small buttons on the taskbar? Lowering the entire system scale is not a solution since it applies to the entire systems not just the taskbar.
Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-10-08T14:57:06.74+00:00

Use Windhawk. It will save your experience.

Accepted answer

Limitless Technology 44,431 Reputation points

2023-07-11T14:12:55.1433333+00:00

Hello Alter M,

Thank you for your question and for reaching out with your question today.

I understand that you're frustrated with the default size of the Taskbar in Windows 11 and would like to change it. However, I must inform you that as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Windows 11 does not provide an official built-in option to resize the Taskbar.

The method you mentioned, modifying the registry key, is not a supported or recommended solution, and it's possible that it may not work as expected or could have unintended consequences. Modifying the registry can potentially cause system instability or other issues.

Microsoft periodically updates Windows, and new features and options may be introduced in future updates. It's possible that Microsoft may introduce a Taskbar resizing option in a future Windows 11 update, but I don't have information on specific plans or timelines for such changes.

In the meantime, I would recommend exploring alternative customization options available in Windows 11, such as changing the Taskbar alignment, choosing a different Taskbar layout, or exploring third-party software or themes that offer more extensive customization options for the Taskbar.

Please note that any modifications or third-party tools used for customization should be obtained from trusted sources and used with caution, as they can potentially introduce security risks or system instabilities. It's always a good practice to create a system restore point or backup before making any significant changes to your system.

Keep an eye on official Windows updates and announcements from Microsoft for any changes or new features related to Taskbar customization in Windows 11.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer.
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2 people found this answer helpful.
J G 60 Reputation points

2023-09-12T22:21:10.0466667+00:00

This issue about more than convenience. As a senior I have trouble seeing the miniaturized taskbar icons. This needs to be fixed!

Egroeg1980 85 Reputation points

2023-10-01T13:52:26.4633333+00:00

Agree with the community user here - AGAIN, microsoft have failed to full appreciate the broad reach of their users given the wide adoption of Windows.

Unrequited Avarice 15 Reputation points

2023-11-04T12:30:38.8066667+00:00

The problem is exactly the opposite of the buttons being too small. For me, from my perspective. Whatever, nevermind.

Marta Zduńczyk 50 Reputation points

2023-12-14T21:49:57.5833333+00:00

It's so ridiculous that to downsize the taskbar I need buy additional software... I'm truly speechless.

Shardul Zahan 45 Reputation points

2023-12-15T05:25:41.7833333+00:00

That's why I didn't upgraded windows 11. I hate big taskbar icons.

Mike Cataldo 20 Reputation points

2024-01-09T10:19:35.7933333+00:00

It might be nice for Microsoft to realize some of us are not 20 something programmers with perfect vision. Can barely see the icons in the taskbar. Thanks.

Barnabas Adedoyin 10 Reputation points

2024-01-11T18:07:31.5933333+00:00

There should have been a provision to control the size of the taskbar icons. The current user interface (UI) falls short of an optimal user experience when one has to purchase additional software for taskbar size management. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that this issue will be addressed in future updates.

SQON 5 Reputation points

2024-01-17T14:53:09.6833333+00:00

Hi all. Instead of reading this answer and just giving up, then do the opposite of what Anuradha Sarup is suggesting in an answer below. I have also searched in wain before as the Windows 11 screen is driving me totally nuts. It seems that the Display setting for Windows 11 is as standard set to 125%. If you change this to 100% then Windows 11 will look just like Windows 10, but it is just not the Icons that become like Windows 10. Everything will be shown in 100%. I have been puzzled over why Windows 11 show so little on my screen even if my screen has a great resolution. If you dare try, then just do like this: Right click on your Desktop and choose Display settings. In Display settings go to Scale in Scale & layout. You do now change the Scale from 125% and to 100%. Now close the Display settings and your screen does now look like Windows 10 has miraculously reappeared on your screen

Mirza Baig (mibaig2) 75 Reputation points

2024-01-29T18:01:24.2966667+00:00

Its really beyond my comprehension as to why the ability to have a quick launch, ability to resize the task bar to multiple rows etc., has been taken away. This one thing has so drastically impacted my ability to work efficiently that I find it immensely disruptive. Can you please reintroduce these options: 1. Quick launch, 2. Ability to resize the taskbar width

Mirza Baig (mibaig2) 75 Reputation points

2024-02-06T16:03:25.2633333+00:00

Your response is a typical diplomatic BS response. What we need is a real acknowledgement and explanation as to why Microsoft decided to do away with this feature. Why are you forcing us to live with your decision. Give us the flexibility. Give us back quick launch. Give us back ability to resize, reposition the taskbar etc., instead of having to depend on external software

shozu 10 Reputation points

2024-02-22T23:27:04.07+00:00

I use laptops, so my desktop space is tight; therefore I prefer a smaller taskbar. The new taskbar is only 2mm-3mm bigger, but it looks big and wasteful to me. However, I can understand why some people want larger icons, due to their vision. Given that people want to customize the taskbar size, why remove the option to change the size? Will it break Win11? Is the OS really that bad, where allowing people change their taskbar size will cause problems? Win11 has so many annoying changes. I've probably spent over 20 hours Googling out how to customize Win11 to what I'm used to (Win10). I hope I never have to do this again.

Ramiro Blanco 15 Reputation points

2024-02-29T07:49:00.3266667+00:00

Customization and setting menus over the years have gotten bigger and bigger, with hundreds of customization options most of us don't want or need, making it impossible to find the settings we need to modify. However, the few settings we actually want, are removed. Please bring this feature back.

Larry Kerr 35 Reputation points

2024-03-14T00:09:08.42+00:00

I have the same issues with size on screen viewing. Way! Way to small for me. Scaling did not help with eity bity popups. Still eity-bitty small unreadable BUT oh boy did it ever scale up the size above the task bar. Reg-edit did little but it does seem to be larger now at least i can read/see the icons. Note: only to the left! The taskbar to the far right is still eitty-bity small and unreadable. Try to put your mouse on one of those EITTY-BITTY icons! I have A 32" display. Why no plus / minus widget like win 10? Angst to Microsoft over sight!

Larry Kerr 35 Reputation points

2024-03-16T22:37:29.61+00:00

The regedit "taskbarSi 0-2" was working until last night's update. MS wins @ WE lose as last regedit wins in the registry. So! they, MS, has a key-reg that is wining!

Take down your regedit hack until you find the LAST key to the taskbar size WAR!

Byron Hallam 10 Reputation points

2024-03-29T15:32:34.0133333+00:00

I really don't understand why Microsoft won't provide the option in Windows 11 to resize the taskbar. Do they really believe, with their millions of customers, that one size fits all? Some like the smaller size. That's fine. Whatever works for them. But there are those, like me, whose eyesight just isn't what it used to be. We need the option to increase the size of the taskbar and its icons.

James A 5 Reputation points

2024-03-29T20:51:39.1133333+00:00

I have come to the conclusion that Windows 11 sucks and those that created Windows as a better product than Windows 10 should be FIRED !!! You do not make small idiotic changes to a Windows version and call it better! NO, Microsoft is ripping off the consumers .

pauldak 5 Reputation points

2024-04-02T19:45:25.67+00:00

It is not possible to work with many tabs, the is embarrassing. back to win 10. what a bunch of armatures.

John Besse 15 Reputation points

2024-04-06T16:44:59.49+00:00

I created a profile just to mention that I'm among the others that refuse to upgrade to 11 based on the lack of taskbar customization options. I will run 10 until the end of it's support life if I have to, and will consider all options afterward.

Mirza Baig (mibaig2) 75 Reputation points

2024-04-06T16:50:47.1666667+00:00

Absolutely agree with you. The lack of taskbar customization is such a crazily unbelievable decision from Microsoft that it beats me. I think this thinking has been adopted by the dictatorial, eccentric style propagated by Apple that other Tech companies blindly like to follow without any due consideration for User requirements and needs.

VS 5 Reputation points

2024-05-02T20:09:22.9+00:00

Please update Windows 11 so that the taskbar has the same functionality as Windows 10. I need a a two-row taskbar, and I prefer to have small icons without changing font size everywhere else. It is so annoying that Microsoft developers create a new product and leave out things from earlier versions that so many people considered helpful. If I had a choice, I would go back and NOT buy a new PC with Windows 11. I can't see any benefit at all to Windows 11, only endless nuisances like this where developers couldn't leave well enough alone. I want Windows 10 back, but can't realistically get that.

Rudro_Ahmed 5 Reputation points

2024-05-09T15:46:07.32+00:00

So big taskbar.(┬┬﹏┬┬)(┬┬﹏┬┬)(┬┬﹏┬┬)

Kyle 5 Reputation points

2024-05-09T18:47:50.7966667+00:00

I installed Explorer Patcher and it allowed me to put the taskbar to 3 rows like in windows 10. After installing, set to windows 10, unlock the taskbar by right clicking on a blank space of the taskbar, and then you can change it.

Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-06-07T16:22:18.6666667+00:00

Too big to fail. Well, if you don't count failing upwards.

Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-10-08T14:57:30+00:00

Use windhawk

Michael Huang 0 Reputation points

2024-11-21T03:53:35.9966667+00:00

After I upgraded and reinstalled the new Windows 11 24H2, And I haven't installed any drivers & software yet.

Everytime When I restart Windows 11 24H2, the taskbar sticky key icon will disappear?

Settings > Help Tools > Keyboard > Sticky Keys --> Show sticky key icon on task: ENABLE

Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system box icons --> windows File Manager: ENABLE

Both of the above options are ENABLE, but after restarting Windows 11 24H2, the sticky key icon in the taskbar will still disappear?

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Michael Huang 0 Reputation points

2024-11-21T09:15:20.04+00:00

I have already Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support for a few weeks.

But how do I know MS's engineers will be fix this bug, yes or no?

Yes, I have to do the following every time I restart my computer, but this is not a long-term solution, right?

Please try to re-enable sticky keys. Manually toggling the Sticky Keys feature can restore its icon on the taskbar.

Press Win + I to open Settings.

Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.

Under Sticky Keys, toggle the switch off and then back on.

and you can see this q&a:

https://answers.microsoft.com/zh-hant/windowserver/forum/all/windows-11-24h2/82eb1b60-651d-4b03-86c1-3445c69e2d82

Michael Huang 0 Reputation points

2024-11-21T09:23:33.6533333+00:00

windhawk is too big. Nearly 1GB.
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10 additional answers

Alter M 245 Reputation points

2023-07-13T20:12:05.29+00:00

what a Disappointment... it's simple setting but it's Important... and windows 11 is to many Wasted Space why not make it small and simple...

i expect windows 11 is more simple than windows 10 but not... it is the sistem is better but unfortunately not Beatiful and Elegant at all it's just a flat... especially the settings option...

i miss windows 7 beautiful interface and simple setting... but unfortunatly the sistem is too old for now era... T_T
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16 people found this answer helpful.
Egroeg1980 85 Reputation points

2023-10-01T13:53:53.7866667+00:00

Agree - I rebooted an old machine the other day which had Windows7 installed and it was SOOO intuative and visually easy to use. Win10/11 has just made finding things harder for everyone and the GUI is chellenging to get to where you need to.

Ivan Ilin 0 Reputation points

2023-10-23T11:21:05.0533333+00:00

THIS.

Egroeg1980 85 Reputation points

2023-10-23T12:02:32.32+00:00

@Ivan Ilin "THIS" - this what?...

Serge Lafleur 5 Reputation points

2023-11-01T23:57:08.0333333+00:00

It's called improvement, hahaha

Larry Kerr 35 Reputation points

2024-03-16T23:16:41.9233333+00:00

I expected windows 11 to hack down some for better security, but really, all out war on the registry, sizing the taskbar and its' icons, sizing the scroll bar, and sizing the drop down menus? Is sizing a security vector? Than say so!

Chrome seems to have its' normal scroll bar and menus. . .now. Why not windows? Security first for me. Space for information on navigation etc: Is not wasted space! Etise bitise and big mouse pointer are hard to get along with.

Maybe Linux is a better fit for those of us who want a Burger King OS!

Ubuntu Linux may be deserving a look see for us!
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Pamela Clark 70 Reputation points

2023-11-06T17:17:19.65+00:00

It’s more than disappointing. I never updated to 11 I heard it had problems. But I had to have a new computer and they only come with 11. In todays age we have to put up with this incompetent version. I can’t even put the task bar at the top. I hate it at the bottom. They force us to use technology but they don’t make it user friendly. Now I see why my friends are buying MACs. Come on Microsoft get with the program. Update windows 11.
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14 people found this answer helpful.
STEVE SHELTON 5 Reputation points

2024-02-06T15:52:46.37+00:00

I feel the same way. I did not want windows 11 but I had to buy a new laptop. I hate it. I cannot put my task bar at the top and I cannot make my task bar larger. I will buy a apple mac book next time unless I can return this new HP laptop now. Microsoft is really screwing up with this windows 11 but they do not care is they lose a few customers. Now lets see how I can return this laptop and get a mac

Mirza Baig (mibaig2) 75 Reputation points

2024-02-06T16:00:42.3933333+00:00

Yeah I really find it very frustrating. Why wouldnt you want to make your software more flexible??? Beats me. I feel so much productivity loss due to this one simple feature that I will be looking at replacing it with a mac as well.

B. Richardson 0 Reputation points

2024-03-20T17:41:06.1466667+00:00

I wholly agree with the above comment. Microsoft have not done themselves any favours by editing out useful options such as the ability to be able to move the task bar to the side. Having it at the bottom actually interferes with seeing the whole page of some programs!
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Anuradha Sarup 70 Reputation points

2024-01-14T21:08:03.79+00:00

As an older person, I also found the taskbar icons much too small for comfort. After trying multiple google search given youtube methods, I found a simple solution that worked.
Step 1. Change 'Scale' under Display in Settings to more or less or more as per your need. I set it to 200%. Taskbar icons became nice and easy to use.
Step 2. Change 'Text size' under Accessibility in Settings to increase or decrease as per your preference.
With a combination of both these steps, my Display is comfortable again and no changes in registry or additional software was needed. Hope this helps :)
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14 people found this answer helpful.
John M 0 Reputation points

2024-01-21T20:27:22.1466667+00:00

Thanks. Great suggestion. Works great.

mike 5 Reputation points

2024-01-24T04:05:50.4366667+00:00

I've been trying to solve this small task bar on windows 11 since I got my new laptop last week. I mean hours of searching and trying fixes that were suggested on the web. All failed. But your two-step solution worked ! I can actually read the time and date in the task bar again and make out the icons. Thanks so much, MIke

Lynne Murphy 0 Reputation points

2024-01-30T05:28:38.82+00:00

Thankyou a thousand times over! Worked for me.

Linda Bradley 0 Reputation points

2024-01-30T22:50:31.1666667+00:00

Thank you !!!

BarneyBear777-5868 0 Reputation points

2024-02-04T20:48:56.01+00:00

Thank you SO very much! I've searched and searched for ways in which to fix this issue. I changed the settings as you described and I can see my clock!

Malintha Alahakoon 0 Reputation points

2024-03-09T07:11:07.8366667+00:00

Thank you. This worked really well. It says some apps may not work with these settings changed from the defaults, but I have found nothing yet. If I found any program that is not compatible with these settings I will put a comment here.

Larry Kerr 35 Reputation points

2024-03-16T23:28:57.6333333+00:00

I have tried these things and i did not get the expected resizing of the taskbar. Even when 'TaskbarSi 0-2' worked, the right side did not grow bigger. Etise Bitise is still the default icon size of the taskbar, scroll bars, and top drop down minus!

The update did fix my browser view/s. Locked the taskbar with 'Last key-regedit wins' tried putting it last.

Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-06-07T16:20:56.3433333+00:00

My favorite part is how everyone is acting like this is a new issue. Are you people goldfish brains?

Wyatt Phx 0 Reputation points

2024-07-15T19:08:19.93+00:00

I am "older" as well but still can't stand these default-size icons that cannot be reduced to small. I'm converting to a new mini pc so am forced into Windows 11 and it's been beyond annoying trying to get the configurations set up to roughly mirror Windows 10. I know already I'll be forever fiddling around trying to remember how to get to certain places. It's inevitable that a new roll out is going to be visually different, but, as usual, Microsoft continues to make it a pain in the you-know-where for even the small things.

Matt Becker 0 Reputation points

2024-07-15T19:11:25.16+00:00

Wyatt. Try Windawk. It helps with all the fisher-price menu stuff.
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Dominik Jégl 25 Reputation points

2024-01-07T15:09:48.43+00:00

Hi guys! You can do it with StartAllBack
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5 people found this answer helpful.
Kenny, George 0 Reputation points

2024-01-07T16:24:42.6533333+00:00

Never heard of it. Just looked and seems interesting. Will give it a try

roxco815 0 Reputation points

2024-01-26T16:09:39.4+00:00

thank you, it works like a charm and allow even more customization.

Frank Heilemann 5 Reputation points

2024-02-29T13:18:24.43+00:00

StartAllBack looks cool.. I have a few questions: Why does it: Spawn so many processes?
Query firmware table info?
Query sensitive IE information?
Check for forensics/monitoring tools? Reads and checks for VM specific registry keys? It also contains a known anti-VM trick. Why does it create and then try to disable/delete all my scheduled tasks? Why so many weird APIs? Allow remote read/write/delete access?
DLL side loading. T1547.009 Shortcut modification?
Tons of possible defense evasion techniques. Persistence possibilities that make no sense. Priv escalation maybe makes sense to disable the native task bar, but not by using task scheduler to execute tasks from an XML file. I'll be staying away from this software with no proper information on their website, and constant communication to a Russian Federation server.

Before anyone says anything, I play/use lots of Russian created software/games. None with 220+ MITRE indicators mapped to 100 attack techniques. I found all these with just about 15 minutes of work.

F Furqan 5 Reputation points

2024-03-06T15:17:12.8066667+00:00

I have used StartAllBack and its fine in the starting but then for reason it gives you a problem which includes not opening folders in windows explorer, taskbar hangs etc, so I would recommend not to use StartAllBack.
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How Change Windows 11 Taskbar Size ?

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