If you’re on Windows 11 and looking to shrink that annoying taskbar to free up some screen space, you’re not the only one. Sometimes, the default size feels a bit bulky, especially if you prefer a cleaner look or just don’t like wasting room. The tricky part? Microsoft kind of hides this option behind some registry tweaks. So, if the usual settings don’t cut it, a quick registry change will do the trick. Just a heads-up — messing with the registry can be risky if you’re not careful, so it’s smart to back it up first. This method’s mainly for those comfy navigating system files, but honestly, it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
How to Make the Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
Open the Registry Editor with the Run Box
Press Windows key + R to bring up the run box. It’s like a quick command pad for Windows — no fuss. Type regedit and hit Enter. This opens the Registry Editor, where a lot of system magic happens. If it asks for permission, just click Yes — nothing dodgy, but be careful because changing things here can cause issues if you get carried away.
Hop to the Right Registry Path
Once inside, follow this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. If you’re not sure how to get there, just copy the full path and paste it into the top bar of the Registry Editor. Think of it a bit like following a treasure map — once you arrive at that key, you’re halfway done.
Change the “TaskbarSi” Value
Look for an entry called TaskbarSi. It controls the size of the taskbar icons — kind of like flicking a secret switch. Double-click on it, and a small window will pop up. Change the value to 0 for a smaller taskbar. If it’s set to 1, that’s the default medium size. Putting it to 2 makes the icons bigger. In some setups, changing this works instantly, but sometimes you’ll need to restart your PC for the change to kick in.
Save and Restart Windows
Close the Registry Editor, then restart your PC. A proper reboot refreshes everything. On some machines, you’ll see the smaller taskbar straight away, but on others, it might take a second or two or a full restart to see the change.
This trick works because you’re directly telling Windows how to draw the taskbar icons. Change TaskbarSi, and you’re basically asking Windows to show smaller icons, making your desktop look cleaner and less cluttered.
Tips to Keep It That Way
- Always export the registry key before you tinker — just in case you want to undo. Right-click on Advanced and pick Export.
- If the icons are too tiny or hard to see, try boosting display scaling under Settings > Display > Scale & Layout.
- For a more permanent fix, you can create a simple batch script to set the registry key — automation’s always handy!
- If the taskbar keeps reverting to a bigger size after a restart, check if some third-party app or a Windows update has changed your settings. Sometimes, updates or other tweaks can override your custom registry settings.
Common Questions
Can I resize the taskbar without messing with the registry?
Not really. Windows 11 doesn’t officially let you change the taskbar size through the Settings unless you’re running some insider or beta build. The registry is currently the only way.
What if I stuff up the registry or it doesn’t work?
No worries — restore the backup you made before editing. If it still doesn’t do the trick, set TaskbarSi back to 1 for the default medium size. Sometimes, Windows updates or other tweaks undo your changes, so you might need to redo the registry tweak now and then.
Will smaller icons break or hide some apps?
Not exactly break them, but they’ll be smaller. If they’re too tiny, try increasing the display size or DPI scaling. Just a heads-up — very tiny icons can be tricky on the eyes if you’re not a hawk.
Can I easily go back to the original size?
Of course. Just set TaskbarSi back to 1 (or 2 if you prefer bigger icons), then restart. The registry change is reversible, just keep a backup handy.
Is messing with the registry risky?
As long as you follow the steps and back up first, you’ll be right. Windows will warn you if you’re about to do something big, so don’t skip that backup.
Quick Summary
- Open the Run box (Windows + R).
- Type
regeditto launch Registry Editor. - Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
- Find and double-click
TaskbarSi. Change the value to 0. - Close everything and restart Windows to see the new size.
Final Word
Honestly, this registry tweak isn’t too tricky — once you’ve got the hang of it, you can make your taskbar look just how you want. It’s a bit odd that Microsoft buried this option, but that’s Windows for ya. Just remember to back up everything before playing with the registry, especially if you’ve never done it before. Hopefully, this helps you get more space out of your Windows 11 setup. Good luck, and enjoy your neater desktop!