This tutorial will show you how to change the size of the taskbar for your account in Windows 11.
Starting with Windows 11 build 26300.8493 (Experimental 25H2) for Insiders, Microsoft introduced a smaller taskbar for users who want to maximize screen space, especially on smaller devices. While the default taskbar remains unchanged, this setting provides a more compact experience with smaller icons and a reduced taskbar height, giving you more room for your apps. Core elements like Start, Search, and the system tray scale appropriately to stay aligned and consistent. When set to Always, both the icons and the taskbar height become smaller.
Starting with Windows 11 build 26300.8758 (Experimental 26H2) for Insiders, taskbar customization just got easier. Microsoft has now introduced a dedicated Taskbar Size setting, making it simpler to find, understand, and personalize your ideal taskbar experience.
You can select to use a default (medium) or Small taskbar size.
Smaller icons are always shown when taskbar size is set to Small.
EXAMPLE: Default and small taskbar size
1 Open Settings (WIn+I).
2 Click/tap on Personalization on the left side, and click/tap on Taskbar on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Taskbar behaviors on the right side to expand it open. (see screenshot below step 4)
4 Select Default or Small for what you want in the Taskbar size drop menu. (see screenshot below)
5 You can now close Settings if you like.
1 Do step 2 (default) or step 3 (small) below for the taskbar size you want.
2 Use Default Taskbar Size
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Default_taskbar_size.reg
Download
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarSize"=dword:000000003 Use Small Taskbar Size
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Small_taskbar_size.reg
Download
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarSize"=dword:000000014 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.
6 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
