With a focused taskbar and updated icons that prioritize simplicity and beauty, Windows 11 offers a new and contemporary user experience. But not everyone likes this new design, especially those who would rather operate in a smaller environment. Users of Windows 11 frequently question how to reduce the size of the taskbar. In addition to increasing screen real estate, a smaller taskbar boosts user productivity by enabling users to concentrate more on their apps. In this thorough guide, we’ll look at a number of ways to reduce the taskbar’s size and alter its look to suit your preferences.
Understanding the Taskbar in Windows 11
In Windows 11, the taskbar acts as a central location for controlling open apps, retrieving system alerts, and offering fast access to commonly used applications. Its icons are larger than what users may be used to, especially if they upgraded from earlier versions of Windows, and it has a centered orientation by default. The default taskbar is awkward for many users, and they would like it to occupy less vertical space.
Why You Might Want a Smaller Taskbar
Optimize Screen Space: On smaller displays, such those seen in laptops and tablets, a smaller taskbar gives your apps more space.
Better Focus: Users can focus on work without being distracted by the interface when there are less visual distractions.
Personal Preference: Users might just like the way a smaller taskbar feels and looks.
Accessibility: The ability to quickly access open apps without having to sift through a sizable taskbar.
Basic Customization Options
Let’s examine the fundamental actions you can take to alter the taskbar’s size and look in Windows 11 before moving on to more complex settings.
Adjusting Taskbar Settings
Use the Taskbar’s right-click menu to: Right-clicking on an empty taskbar space is the easiest approach to begin modifying taskbar settings. This will cause a context menu to appear.
Choose Taskbar Preferences: Select the Taskbar settings option from the context menu. You can change different taskbar settings in the new window that appears as a result.
To expand Taskbar Behaviors, locate the “Taskbar behaviors” area by scrolling down in the taskbar settings box. To see more modification possibilities, click on it.
Taskbar Alignment: You have the ability to alternate between left and center taskbar icon alignment. The taskbar icons can appear more compact if they are positioned to the left.
Changing Taskbar Icons Size
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct way to reduce the taskbar’s size in Windows 11. You may, however, change the icons’ sizes, which subtly modifies the overall look.
Taskbar Settings Window: There isn’t a size setting in the taskbar settings window. Nevertheless, you can use the following technique to change the icon display settings.
Change Icon Size Using Registry Editor: This technique modifies the registry to change the taskbar icon display in Windows 11. Please be aware that this requires registry modification, which might be dangerous if done incorrectly. Before continuing, make sure to backup the register.
-
Press
Windows + R
to open the Run dialog. -
Type
regedit
and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. -
Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
-
In the right pane, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value and name it
TaskbarSi
. -
Set it to one of the following values:
-
0
for small icons -
1
for medium icons (default) -
2
for large icons
-
- Restart your computer or log out and back in to see the changes.
-
0
for small icons -
1
for medium icons (default) -
2
for large icons
Third-Party Tools for Customization
Third-party programs offer more customization choices than Windows 11 for customers who desire greater control over their taskbar.
TaskbarX
TaskbarX gives users the ability to alter the look and placement of taskbar icons, giving them more creative freedom when creating a smaller taskbar.
-
Download TaskbarX
: Visit the official website or a trusted platform like GitHub to download TaskbarX. -
Installation
: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool. -
Configuration
: Once installed, you can access the settings to adjust icon transparency, position, and size, allowing for a highly customized experience.
StartAllBack
By restoring earlier designs, such as a smaller taskbar, StartAllBack improves the traditional Windows interface.
-
Download StartAllBack
: Available from the official StartAllBack website. -
Configuration Options
: After installation, you can configure the taskbar size, button styles, and even the behavior of the Start Menu.
Other Customization Tools
There are a number of additional online tools that let you make comprehensive customizations to Windows 11. These usually concentrate on altering the Start Menu, taskbar, and even Windows’ general theme.
-
Open-Shell
: This tool restores the classic Start Menu and allows significant customization, including taskbar settings. -
Customize8 or ExplorerPatcher
: These provide a wide range of adjustments to the taskbar, including sizing options.
Tweaking Visual Effects and Scaling
Changing the visual effects and display scaling in Windows 11 is another way to get a smaller taskbar. By making everything on the screen smaller, this can create the illusion of a smaller taskbar.
Adjust Display Scaling
Visual Effects Settings
Utilizing Alternative Interfaces
Alternative interfaces, such as task management software or virtual desktops, may simplify workflow for certain users and eliminate the requirement for a huge taskbar.
Virtual Desktops
With Windows 11, you may create several workspaces by using virtual desktops. Your work can be efficiently compartmentalized by having a distinct set of apps and taskbar items on each desktop.
-
Creating a New Desktop
: Click on the Task View button on the taskbar or use the shortcut
Windows + Tab
to open Task View. From there, click on New Desktop to add a new workspace. -
Switching Between Desktops
: You can quickly switch between desktops using
Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow
.
Task Management Software
The taskbar can be used less frequently for task organization if you use task management apps like Todoist, Trello, or Microsoft To Do. These programs offer specialized interfaces for effective work tracking and management.
Conclusion
In Windows 11, reducing the taskbar size requires a mix of registry modifications, native settings changes, and third-party applications that expand customization possibilities. There are several ways to get what you want, whether you want a simple UI or just extra screen real estate. With the tools and methods at their disposal, Windows 11 users may design a taskbar that enhances their overall efficiency while also fitting in with their aesthetic tastes.
The taskbar’s customization and resizing options may change as Windows 11 develops further. Users may maintain a productive and private workspace by keeping up with the most recent features and advancements.
The important thing is to try out different approaches and find the one that works best for your workflow. Don’t be afraid to explore the options because even minor adjustments can have a big impact on your computer experience!