Windows 11 now has built-in controls for taskbar size. After the September 2026 update for versions 24H2 and 25H2, Taskbar behaviors includes a Taskbar size option (Small or Default) and a separate Show smaller taskbar buttons option. Earlier versions offered only Show smaller taskbar buttons, and older registry tweaks no longer work. Microsoft is rolling these settings out gradually, so they may not appear on every PC at once.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, expand Taskbar behaviors, and set Taskbar size to Small. Or set Show smaller taskbar buttons to Always. To make icons bigger instead, raise display scaling.
How to Change Taskbar Icon Size in Windows 11
- Right-click an empty part of the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Set Taskbar size to Small for a shorter taskbar with smaller icons, if the option is available.
- Set Show smaller taskbar buttons to Always, When taskbar is full, or Never.
- To make the icons larger, open Settings, System, Display and raise Scale (this enlarges everything).
- If neither option appears, install the latest updates in Windows Update, including optional ones.
Taskbar Size Options
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Taskbar size: Small | Shorter taskbar and smaller icons |
| Taskbar size: Default | Standard height |
| Show smaller taskbar buttons: Always | Small buttons all the time |
| When taskbar is full | Shrinks only when crowded |
| Display Scale | Makes all text and icons larger or smaller |
Troubleshooting
- Small taskbar option missing on a side taskbar: Microsoft supports the smaller taskbar only at the top or bottom. See how to move the Windows taskbar.
- Registry TaskbarSi value does nothing: that tweak stopped working in version 22H2. Use the settings above.
- Icons blurry after scaling: sign out and back in.
- Taskbar missing completely? Read how to get the taskbar back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taskbar icons bigger without scaling?
Not with a built-in setting. Display scaling is the supported option.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Windows 10 has Use small taskbar buttons in Taskbar settings.
Why do I only see some options?
The newer Taskbar size setting is rolling out gradually after the September 2026 update.
Will this change the Start menu size?
No. Start has its own layout settings.
Summary
- Taskbar settings, Taskbar behaviors.
- Set Taskbar size to Small.
- Or turn on smaller taskbar buttons.
- Use display scaling for bigger icons.
- Update Windows if options are missing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.