Step-by-Step Guide to Change Taskbar Size in Windows 11

Key Notes

  • You can resize the Taskbar using Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher.
  • Registry method for resizing the Taskbar is no longer effective.
  • Pro tips included for each resizing method to enhance user experience.

Easily Resize Your Windows 11 Taskbar: A Concrete Guide

Changing the Taskbar size on Windows 11 can enhance your user experience, allowing for more customization options that fit your preferences.

Change Taskbar Size on Windows 11 with Windhawk

Step 1: Install Windhawk

To get started with Windhawk on Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click on the result, and select Run as administrator.

  3. Type the command below to install Windhawk and hit Enter :

    winget install --id RamenSoftware. Windhawk

Once the installation completes, you can start using Windhawk.

Step 2: Change Taskbar Settings from Windhawk

To customize the Taskbar size using Windhawk:

  1. Launch Windhawk.

  2. Click on Explore.

  3. Search for “Taskbar height and icon size” and click the Details button.

  4. Press the Install button.

  5. Accept the risks and confirm the installation by clicking “Accept Risk and Install”.

  6. Select the Settings tab.

  7. Set “Icon size” to 16.

  8. Adjust “Taskbar height” to 34 for a smaller Taskbar view.

  9. Hit the Save settings button.

These changes will take effect immediately, making your Taskbar smaller on Windows 11.

Change Taskbar Size on Windows 11 from ExplorerPatcher

Step 1: Install ExplorerPatcher

To install ExplorerPatcher:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click and select Run as administrator.

  3. Type the command below and press Enter :

    winget install --id valinet. ExplorerPatcher

Once installed, the Taskbar will relocate to the top by default.

Step 2: Modify Taskbar Size with ExplorerPatcher

To adjust the Taskbar size using ExplorerPatcher:

  1. Open ExplorerPatcher from Start.

  2. Click on Taskbar.

  3. Set the “Taskbar icon size” to “Small”.

  4. (Optional) Alter the “Primary taskbar location on screen” if preferred.

  5. To apply changes, click on Restart File Explorer.

The Taskbar size will adjust as per your settings.

Change Taskbar Size on Windows 11 via Registry (Deprecated)

Note: This method no longer works due to system updates, but here are the steps for reference:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit and open Registry Editor.

  3. Navigate to:

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

  4. Right-click on Advanced, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  5. Name it TaskbarSi and press Enter.

  6. Double-click and set the value to 2 for large icons.

  7. Click OK, and restart your machine.

If you wish to revert it, simply delete the TaskbarSi DWORD.

Summary

This guide provided several methods to change the Taskbar size on Windows 11, including the use of two third-party applications, Windhawk and ExplorerPatcher, as well as a deprecated Registry method for reference. Each method was detailed step-by-step for user convenience.

Conclusion

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively customize the Taskbar size in Windows 11 to fit your aesthetic and functional preferences. Explore the benefits of these tools while also being aware of the limitations of the traditional registry approach.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I reset the Taskbar size back to default?

Yes, you can revert the changes made with Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher by following the steps of each method with default settings.

Is it safe to use third-party applications for Taskbar adjustments?

Yes, both Windhawk and ExplorerPatcher are open-source applications and have been vetted by the community, making them generally safe to use as long as you download from reputable sources.