This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable changing the taskbar size for all or specific users in Windows 11.
Starting with Windows 11 build 26100.9278 (24H2), build 26200.9278 (25H2), and build 2800.3086 (26H1), a smaller taskbar option is now available to help maximize screen space on smaller devices. This experience reduces the size of taskbar icons and the taskbar height while maintaining access to key features such as Start, Search, and the system tray. When set to Small, both the icons and the taskbar height become smaller. You can select to use a default (medium) or Small taskbar size.
Starting with Windows 11 version 26H2, you can now configure the Disable changing the taskbar size policy to enable or disable changing the taskbar size for all or specific users.
You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable changing the taskbar size.
Contents
- Option One: Enable or Disable Changing Taskbar Size for All or Specific Users in Local Group Policy Editor
- Option Two: Enable or Disable Changing Taskbar Size for All Users using REG file
EXAMPLE: Changing taskbar size disabled
Enable or Disable Changing Taskbar Size for All or Specific Users in Local Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
All editions can use Option Two to configure the same policy.
1 Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.
2 Navigate to the policy location below you want in the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor. (see screenshots below step 3)
(All users)
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
OR
(Specific user or group)
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
3 In the right pane of Start Menu and Taskbar in the Local Group Policy Editor, double click/tap on the Disable changing the taskbar size policy to edit it. (see screenshots below)
4 Do step 5 (enable) or step 6 (disable) below for what you want.
5 Enable Changing Taskbar Size
This is the default setting.
A) Select (dot) Not Configured. (see screenshot below)
B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 7.
6 Disable Changing Taskbar Size
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below)
B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 7.
7 You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.
1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.
2 Enable Changing Taskbar Size for All Users
This is the default setting
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Enable_changing_takbar_size_for_all_users.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableTaskbarSize"=-
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableTaskbarSize"=-3 Disable Changing Taskbar Size for All Users
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Disable_changing_takbar_size_for_all_users.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableTaskbarSize"=-
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableTaskbarSize"=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
