The Windows 11 taskbar features a modern design with centered icons, rounded corners, and improved animations. While many users appreciate its fresh appearance, others find the default taskbar size too large, especially on laptops or smaller displays where every bit of screen space matters. A smaller taskbar creates more room for applications, documents, games, and web browsing while giving Windows a cleaner and more compact look.
Unlike Windows 10, Microsoft removed the built-in option to resize the taskbar in Windows 11. There is no setting in the Settings app that lets you choose between small, medium, or large taskbar icons. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the default size. There are several safe and effective ways to make the Windows 11 taskbar smaller using the Registry Editor, third-party customization tools, and other personalization options.
This guide explains every working method to make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11. Whether you want a permanent solution or prefer using a customization utility without editing the registry, you’ll find the right option below.
What Is the Windows 11 Taskbar?
The taskbar is the horizontal bar located at the bottom of your desktop. It contains the Start button, Search, Task View, pinned apps, open applications, system tray icons, network status, volume controls, battery information, date, and time.
Since Windows 11 introduced a redesigned taskbar, Microsoft removed several customization features that were available in Windows 10. One of those missing options is the ability to resize the taskbar directly from Windows Settings. Fortunately, there are still reliable methods to reduce its size.
Method 1: Make the Taskbar Smaller Using Registry Editor
The Registry Editor offers the simplest built-in way to reduce the taskbar size. By creating a registry value called TaskbarSi, you can choose between small, medium, and large taskbar sizes.
Before making changes, it’s recommended to create a System Restore Point or back up the registry.
Steps
- Press Windows + R.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced- Right-click the empty area.
- Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it:
TaskbarSi- Double-click the new value.
- Enter one of the following:
- 0 = Small taskbar
- 1 = Default size
- 2 = Large taskbar
- Click OK.
- Restart Windows Explorer or restart your computer.
After signing back in, Windows will display the smaller taskbar with compact icons.
Method 2: Restart Windows Explorer After Changing the Registry
Sometimes Windows doesn’t immediately apply registry modifications. Restarting Windows Explorer refreshes the desktop without requiring a full reboot.
Steps
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it.
- Select Restart.
The taskbar will disappear briefly before loading again with the updated size.
This method is much faster than restarting your PC every time you adjust taskbar settings.
Method 3: Use ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is one of the most popular free tools for restoring classic Windows features. Besides bringing back the Windows 10 taskbar, it allows extensive taskbar customization, including resizing.
After installing ExplorerPatcher, you can choose different taskbar sizes through its settings instead of editing the registry manually. It also offers additional customization such as changing the Start menu style, system tray behavior, and File Explorer appearance.
Because ExplorerPatcher integrates deeply with Windows, always download the latest version to ensure compatibility with the newest Windows 11 updates.
Method 4: Use StartAllBack
StartAllBack is another excellent customization application designed specifically for Windows 11.
Unlike free registry tweaks, StartAllBack includes an easy graphical interface where you can select a compact taskbar with just a few clicks. It also restores classic context menus, improves File Explorer, and provides extensive Start menu customization.
Many users prefer StartAllBack because it remains compatible with major Windows feature updates and offers a polished experience without requiring manual registry edits.
Although it is paid software, a free trial is available.
Method 5: Reduce Taskbar Clutter by Removing Unnecessary Icons
Even if you don’t resize the taskbar itself, removing unnecessary icons can make it appear cleaner and more compact.
Windows 11 pins several features by default, including Search, Widgets, Task View, and Chat (on some versions). If you don’t use these features regularly, removing them creates more space.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Taskbar.
- Turn off items you don’t need, such as:
- Search
- Task View
- Widgets
- Copilot (if available)
With fewer icons, the taskbar feels significantly smaller and less crowded.
Method 6: Hide the Taskbar Automatically
Automatic hiding doesn’t technically reduce the taskbar size, but it maximizes available screen space whenever you’re working.
The taskbar stays hidden until you move your mouse pointer to the bottom edge of the screen.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to:
Personalization > Taskbar- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Enable:
Automatically hide the taskbar
This option is particularly useful on laptops and smaller monitors.
Method 7: Reduce Display Scaling
Display scaling affects the size of almost every user interface element, including the taskbar.
Lowering the scaling percentage makes icons, text, windows, and the taskbar appear smaller.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Click Display.
- Under Scale, choose a lower percentage such as:
- 100%
- 125%
- 150%
Only select a scaling level that’s comfortable for your screen resolution and eyesight.
This method changes the entire Windows interface rather than only the taskbar.
Method 8: Increase Screen Resolution
Using a higher display resolution naturally makes Windows interface elements appear smaller.
If your monitor supports multiple resolutions, switching to the native resolution often provides a more compact desktop.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to:
System > Display- Under Display Resolution, choose the recommended or highest supported resolution.
- Confirm the changes.
Higher resolutions provide additional desktop workspace while making the taskbar occupy less visual space.
Method 9: Use Small Icons Through Third-Party Customization Software
Several Windows customization utilities provide taskbar icon resizing beyond Microsoft’s built-in capabilities.
Popular options include:
- ExplorerPatcher
- StartAllBack
- Windhawk (with compatible taskbar mods)
These tools let you reduce icon size independently of other desktop elements while adding advanced customization features unavailable in standard Windows 11.
Before installing any customization software, ensure it supports your current Windows build.
Method 10: Keep Windows Updated
Microsoft occasionally introduces new personalization features through Windows updates.
Although Windows 11 currently lacks an official taskbar size option, future updates may expand customization settings.
Keeping your system updated also ensures compatibility with third-party taskbar customization tools.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install any available updates.
- Restart your computer if prompted.
Staying updated helps maintain stability while using taskbar customization methods.
Which Method Is Best?
If you only want a smaller taskbar without installing additional software, the Registry Editor method remains the quickest solution. It takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require downloading anything.
Users who frequently customize Windows may prefer ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack because they provide many additional personalization features beyond taskbar resizing. If your main goal is simply gaining more screen space, enabling automatic taskbar hiding or reducing display scaling can also produce excellent results.
Choose the method that best matches your comfort level and how much control you want over the Windows interface.
Conclusion
Although Windows 11 removed the built-in taskbar size setting found in previous versions of Windows, you still have several reliable ways to make the taskbar smaller. The Registry Editor offers a simple built-in solution, while applications such as ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack provide even more customization options with user-friendly interfaces. You can also maximize available screen space by hiding the taskbar automatically, reducing display scaling, increasing your screen resolution, or removing unnecessary taskbar icons.
For most users, changing the TaskbarSi registry value is the fastest and most effective approach because it requires no additional software and permanently applies the smaller taskbar size. If you enjoy personalizing Windows beyond basic settings, third-party tools can unlock many more features while maintaining a modern desktop experience. Regardless of the method you choose, a smaller taskbar can make Windows 11 feel cleaner, less cluttered, and more efficient for everyday work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Windows 11 taskbar smaller without using the Registry?
Yes. You can use customization tools such as ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack, which provide graphical settings for changing the taskbar size.
What value makes the taskbar small in Registry Editor?
Set the TaskbarSi DWORD value to 0 to use the small taskbar. A value of 1 restores the default size, while 2 creates a larger taskbar.
Will making the taskbar smaller affect system performance?
No. Changing the taskbar size only alters the user interface and has virtually no impact on system performance.
Does the Registry method work on every version of Windows 11?
The registry tweak works on many Windows 11 builds, but Microsoft occasionally changes or removes unsupported registry options in newer updates. If it no longer works on your version, using ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack is the most reliable alternative.
