Jump to:

Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily

How Tos
By published

Big icons hogging your taskbar? Shrink them down with this Windows 11 tweak.

IMages showing off smaller icons for Windows 11 for a how-to article.
(Image credit: MMicrosoft | Future | Edited with Gemini)
Jump to:

On Windows 11, you can now switch to smaller Taskbar icons, and in this guide, I'll explain how the feature works and how to enable it.

Earlier versions of the operating system offered a "Use small Taskbar buttons" setting, but that option disappeared when Windows 11 launched. Microsoft has now brought the feature back, though its behavior has changed. Previously, enabling small icons also reduced the Taskbar's height. On Windows 11, only the icon size changes, and the Taskbar remains the same height.

How to enable smaller icons in the Taskbar on Windows 11

To show smaller app icons in the Taskbar, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Taskbar page on the right side.

Windows 11 open Taskbar settings

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Taskbar behaviors setting.
  2. (Option 1) Select the "Always" option in the "Show smaller taskbar buttons" setting to show smaller icons.

Enable Taskbar smaller icons

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. (Option 2) Select the "When taskbar is full" option to continue using the original size, but then make the icons smaller when there's enough space in the Taskbar.
  2. (Option 3) Select the Never option to show regular-size icons in the Taskbar.

After you complete the steps, the Taskbar will display smaller application icons depending on your configuration.

(Image credit: MMicrosoft | Future | Edited with Gemini)

FAQs about using smaller icons in the Taskbar

These are common questions regarding the option to set smaller icons in the Taskbar.

What are smaller Taskbar icons on Windows 11?

The option that lets you reduce the size of app buttons on the Taskbar, helping you fit more apps before they spill into the overflow menu.

Does enabling smaller icons make the Taskbar shorter?

No. Unlike older versions of the operating system, Windows 11 keeps the Taskbar at the same height. Only the icon size changes.

Why would I want to use smaller Taskbar icons?

Smaller icons let you fit more pinned or open apps in the Taskbar's available space, which is helpful on smaller screens or when working with many apps at once.

Where is the setting to enable smaller Taskbar icons?

You’ll find it in Settings under Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. The "Show smaller taskbar buttons" dropdown controls the feature.

Does this feature improve screen real estate?

Not vertically. The Taskbar height stays the same. The benefit is horizontal efficiency by fitting more apps.

Can I switch back to regular icons at any time?

Yes. Change the setting back to "Never" in the same Taskbar behaviors menu.

Does this change affect Taskbar overflow behavior?

Yes. Smaller icons delay the point at which the operating system pushes extra apps into the overflow menu, letting you keep more apps visible.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

Google Discover button to follow Windows Central.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak
Windows How-To Expert

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 22 years of combined experience in IT and technical writing. He holds various professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA and has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Back To Top