Many computer users prefer saving app shortcuts and crucial files on the desktop so that they can access them quickly and easily.
With default installation settings, Windows 11 uses medium size for files and app icons on the desktop. If you do not like the default size for icons, you can make them bigger or smaller.
Windows 11 offers multiple options to change the size of desktop icons. You can use the context menu, keyboard shortcuts, and mouse to change the size of desktop icons.
NOTE: You can hide or show desktop icons by right-clicking the desktop, clicking View, and then selecting/deselecting the Show desktop icons option.
Method 1 of 3
Change the size of desktop icons via context menu in Windows 11
Step 1: Perform a right-click on an empty spot on the desktop, click View, and then select either Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons to change the size immediately.
Note that the context menu does not show the option to switch to the extra-large icons. If you would like to change the view to extra-large icons, please use the methods mentioned below.
Method 2 of 3
Use keyboard shortcuts to make desktop icons smaller or bigger in Windows 11
If you do not like to perform multiple clicks to change the size of icons, you may consider remembering these handy keyboard shortcuts.
On a Windows 11 PC, you can use Ctrl + Shift + 1 to get extra-large icons, Ctrl + Shift + 2 to see large icons, Ctrl + Shift + 3 to make icons medium, and Ctrl + Shift + 4 for small icons.
Method 3 of 3
Use the mouse to change the size of desktop icons in Windows 11
This is probably the fastest way to make desktop icons smaller or bigger if you cannot remember the keyboard shortcuts.
All you need to do is hold down the Ctrl key and then scroll the mouse wheel up or down to make icons smaller or bigger.
Does changing the size of desktop icons also change the size of taskbar icons?
No, changing the desktop icons’ size will not change the size of taskbar icons. You need to follow our how to change the taskbar icon size guide to change their default size.
How to sort desktop icons on a Windows 11 PC?
Windows 11 allows you to sort desktop icons by name, size, item type, and modified date. To sort them, right-click on an empty spot, click Sort by, and then select one of the options.
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