How to Make Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, the taskbar on Windows 11 takes up more screen space than you’d like. Luckily, you can make it smaller with a few simple steps. By tweaking some settings, you can customize your taskbar to free up screen space, making your desktop cleaner and more efficient.

How to Make Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11

This section will walk you through the steps to make your taskbar smaller, detailing each part of the process to ensure you get it right.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

First, you need to open the Registry Editor. This is where you’ll make the necessary changes.

To open it, press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type in regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Settings

Once in the Registry Editor, navigate to the taskbar settings.

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.

Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value

Now, you need to create a new DWORD value to adjust your taskbar size.

Right-click on the “Advanced” folder, select New, and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it TaskbarSi.

Step 4: Change the Value Data

Set the value of TaskbarSi to make the taskbar smaller.

Double-click TaskbarSi and change its value to 0 for a smaller taskbar.

Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer

To apply the changes, restart Windows Explorer.

Right-click the taskbar, select Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose Restart.

After completing these steps, your taskbar should appear smaller. Your desktop will have more usable space, making it more organized and visually pleasing.

Tips for Making Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11

Here are some additional tips for tweaking your taskbar settings:

• Always back up your registry before making changes, so you can restore it if something goes wrong.
• If TaskbarSi is set to 1, it makes the taskbar medium-sized (default), and 2 will make it larger.
• Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to quickly open Task Manager.
• You can also hide the taskbar automatically by right-clicking it, selecting Taskbar settings, and enabling Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
• Restarting your computer can also apply the changes if restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I revert the changes if I don’t like the smaller taskbar?

Yes, you can. Just go back to the TaskbarSi value in the Registry Editor and change it back to 1 for the default size or 2 for a larger taskbar.

Is it safe to use the Registry Editor?

Yes, but be cautious. Making incorrect changes can cause system issues. Always back up your registry before making any modifications.

Why isn’t my taskbar size changing?

Make sure you followed all steps correctly. Restarting Windows Explorer or your computer is crucial to apply the changes.

Can I only make the taskbar smaller using the Registry Editor?

The Registry Editor is the most effective method, but you can use third-party software as an alternative. However, these programs can sometimes cause other issues.

Will this process work on other versions of Windows?

No, these specific steps are for Windows 11. The process is different for other versions of Windows.

Summary

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the taskbar settings.
3. Create a new DWORD value named TaskbarSi.
4. Change the value data to 0.
5. Restart Windows Explorer.

Conclusion

Making the taskbar smaller in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to declutter your desktop and make better use of your screen space. By following the steps outlined above, you can customize your taskbar to better fit your needs.

Remember, while the Registry Editor is powerful, it should be used carefully. Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid any potential issues. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other ways to customize your Windows 11 experience. A neat and organized desktop can significantly enhance your productivity, so don’t hesitate to tweak other settings to make your workspace just right for you!