How To Make Windows 11 Taskbar Icons Smaller

Ever since the initial release of Windows 11 in 2021, users who prefer customizing the Windows operating system to their liking have been complaining about the new taskbar, as it lacks several features and options offered by the Windows 10 taskbar.

To start with, the Windows 11 taskbar cannot be moved to the left, right, or top of the screen unless we use third-party software. Similarly, Windows 11 does not offer an option in the Settings app to change the size of the taskbar and taskbar icons.

Finally, four years after the release of Windows 11, Microsoft is now rolling out an update that allows users to make the taskbar icons smaller. Yes, you still have to rely on third-party apps to move the taskbar!

Users who find that the default size of taskbar icons is on the higher side can now make taskbar icons appear smaller right from the Settings app.

Here is how to make the taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11.

Make taskbar icons appear smaller in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Settings app from the search or press the Windows logo + I hotkey.

Step 2: In the left pane of the Settings app, click Personalization. Now, on the right side, click Taskbar to see the taskbar settings page.

Step 3: Here, scroll down and then click Taskbar behaviors.

Step 4: Finally, select the ‘Always’ option from the drop-down menu next to the ‘Show smaller taskbar buttons’ option to make the taskbar icons smaller immediately. Please note that only the taskbar icons will be made smaller and not the height of the taskbar.

If you prefer Windows 11 to show smaller taskbar icons only when the taskbar is full, please select the ‘When taskbar is full’ option from the same drop-down.

If you want to reduce the height of the taskbar, please refer to our ‘How to make the taskbar smaller or larger in Windows 11‘ guide, which shows the hidden method of altering the taskbar height by editing the Windows Registry.

Tip: If you prefer customizing Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu, try out the free Windhawk software. It’s the best free customization software out there for Windows 11.