Making the taskbar smaller on Windows 11 is a straightforward process. All it takes is a few clicks within the settings menu, and you’ll have a sleeker, less intrusive taskbar in no time. Let’s dive in and learn how to complete this simple customization.
Step by Step Tutorial: Making Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. We’re going to access the settings menu in Windows 11 and adjust the size of the taskbar to make it smaller. This is purely a visual change and won’t affect the functionality of the taskbar or the apps pinned to it.
Step 1: Open the Settings Menu
Click on the Start button and select ‘Settings’ from the list.
The Settings menu is the control hub for all the customization you can do in Windows 11. It’s where you can tweak the system to your liking, from changing your wallpaper to managing your device’s privacy settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings menu, click on ‘Personalization’.
The Personalization section is where all the magic happens in terms of visual customizations. This is the place to be if you want to make your Windows 11 experience truly unique.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
In the Personalization menu, find and click on ‘Taskbar’.
Here you will find various options related to the taskbar’s appearance and behavior. You can choose to hide it automatically or change its location on the screen.
Step 4: Adjust Taskbar Size
Find the ‘Taskbar behaviors’ section and click on it, then select ‘Taskbar size’ and choose ‘Small’.
By selecting ‘Small’, you’re instructing Windows 11 to reduce the taskbar’s size. This means the icons will become smaller, and the taskbar will take up less screen real estate.
After completing these steps, your taskbar should now be smaller. This change will allow for more screen space for your apps and content, giving your desktop a cleaner look.
Tips for Making Taskbar Smaller in Windows 11
- If you’re using a tablet or touchscreen, making the taskbar smaller may make it harder to touch the icons accurately.
- Consider rearranging the icons on your taskbar after resizing it to maintain quick access to your most-used apps.
- Remember that reducing the size of the taskbar will also reduce the size of the system tray and the clock.
- You can always revert to the original size by following the same steps and selecting ‘Medium’ or ‘Large’ instead of ‘Small’.
- If you’re looking for even more screen space, explore the option to automatically hide the taskbar when it’s not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will making the taskbar smaller affect my notifications?
No, changing the size of the taskbar will not affect your notifications. You will still receive them as usual.
Can I change the size of the taskbar icons individually?
Unfortunately, no. The size of the taskbar icons is tied to the size of the taskbar itself.
Will this change affect other users on the same computer?
No, taskbar settings are specific to each user’s profile, so your changes will only apply to your own account.
Is it possible to make the taskbar completely invisible?
While you can’t make it completely invisible, you can set the taskbar to automatically hide when not in use.
Can I make the taskbar smaller on Windows 10?
Yes, the process is similar in Windows 10, but the steps to access the taskbar settings may differ slightly.
Summary
- Open the Settings Menu
- Navigate to Personalization
- Select Taskbar
- Adjust Taskbar Size
Conclusion
Customizing your Windows 11 taskbar is a great way to personalize your desktop experience and maximize screen space. By making the taskbar smaller, you can enjoy a cleaner, more streamlined interface that allows for greater focus on your work or entertainment. Remember that these settings can be adjusted at any time, so feel free to experiment with different sizes to find the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re a power user looking to optimize your workflow, or you simply prefer a minimalist desktop look, resizing the taskbar is a quick and easy way to make Windows 11 your own.
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.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.