To make the taskbar smaller in Windows 10, right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and turn on Use small taskbar buttons. To make it bigger, turn off Lock the taskbar, then drag the taskbar’s top edge up. Turn Lock the taskbar back on when it’s the size you want. On a newer PC, see how to change the taskbar size in Windows 11 instead.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
- Right-click an empty part of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- Turn Use small taskbar buttons on for a thinner taskbar, or off for the normal size.
Make the taskbar taller
- In Taskbar settings, turn off Lock the taskbar.
- Point to the top edge of the taskbar until the pointer becomes a two-headed arrow.
- Drag up to add a row, or down to remove one.
- Turn Lock the taskbar back on.
If the taskbar is on the left or right side, drag its inside edge to make it wider or narrower.
Make the icons and text bigger instead
The taskbar also grows when you scale the whole display. Select Start > Settings > System > Display and choose a larger size under Scale and layout.
Frequently asked questions
I can’t drag the edge. Why?
The taskbar is locked. Right-click it and clear Lock the taskbar.
How do I move the taskbar?
See how to move the taskbar in Windows 10. If it has disappeared, see how to get the taskbar back on Windows 10.
For desktop and folder icons, see how to change icon size on Windows 10.
To change the taskbar’s color too, see how to change the taskbar color in Windows 10.
Windows 11 doesn’t let you drag the taskbar to resize it. See how to make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is Customize the taskbar in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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