Making the taskbar smaller in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves tweaking some settings within the Windows Registry. Although it sounds a bit technical, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through each step. By the end of this, you’ll have a smaller taskbar that frees up more space on your desktop.
How to Make Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
Below are the steps to make your Windows 11 taskbar smaller. This will involve going into the Windows Registry and adding a new value. Make sure you follow these steps closely to avoid any hiccups.
Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and press Enter.
The Windows Registry Editor is where you can make changes to your system’s settings. Be cautious while making changes here, as it can affect your system’s overall functionality.
Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Settings
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.
This location in the Registry Editor holds various advanced settings for Windows Explorer, including taskbar size.
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
Right-click on the Advanced folder, select New, and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it TaskbarSi.
The new DWORD value will allow you to specify the size of the taskbar.
Step 4: Modify the DWORD Value
Double-click TaskbarSi and set its Value data to 0 for a small taskbar. Click OK.
Setting the value to 0 will resize the taskbar to its smallest size. You can also set it to 1 for medium or 2 for large, but we’re aiming for smaller here.
Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab, right-click it, and select Restart.
Restarting Windows Explorer will apply the changes immediately. You should now see a smaller taskbar.
After following these steps, your taskbar should appear smaller, making your desktop look more spacious and less cluttered.
Tips for Making Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
- Backup Your Registry: Always create a backup before making any changes to the registry.
- Check Your Work: If the taskbar doesn’t change size, double-check the DWORD value you entered.
- Explore Other Sizes: If small isn’t to your liking, try medium (1) or large (2).
- Revert Changes Easily: If you want to go back to the default, just delete the
TaskbarSiDWORD. - Use Caution: Be careful when navigating and making changes in the Windows Registry to prevent accidental system issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert the changes if I don’t like the smaller taskbar?
Yes, you can easily revert the changes by deleting the TaskbarSi DWORD value from the Registry Editor.
Will making the taskbar smaller affect my pinned apps?
No, your pinned apps will remain on the taskbar, just in a more condensed format.
Do I need to restart my computer?
No, you only need to restart Windows Explorer for the changes to take effect.
Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry?
Yes, as long as you follow the steps correctly. Always create a backup before making any changes.
Can I change the taskbar size without using the Registry Editor?
Currently, this specific feature isn’t available in the standard settings menu in Windows 11.
Summary
- Open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced. - Create a new DWORD value named
TaskbarSi. - Set the DWORD value to
0. - Restart Windows Explorer.
Conclusion
Adjusting the size of your taskbar in Windows 11 doesn’t just bring aesthetic benefits; it can also improve your workflow by giving you more screen space. Although the process involves diving into the Windows Registry, it’s fairly simple if you follow the steps carefully. Just remember to back up your registry before making any changes. If you ever want to explore more ways to customize your Windows 11 experience, there’s a lot out there from changing wallpaper to tweaking system settings.
So, go ahead and give it a shot. You’ll be surprised how a small change can make a big difference! And if you find this guide useful, why not share it with friends who might benefit from a decluttered desktop? After all, a little bit of personalization can go a long way in making your digital environment feel more like home.