- There are three ways: one-off configuration (if available), system-wide scaling, and fine-tuning via TaskbarSi in the registry.
- TaskbarSi accepts 0, 1, or 2 to define small, medium, or large icons and requires a restart or logout.
- The scale modifies the entire interface; the register primarily affects the elements in the center bar.
- Choose the size according to your resolution: 0 for HD, 1 by default, and 2 ideal for 2K/4K or to improve readability.
If you use Windows 11 If you notice that the taskbar elements look too large or too small, there are several methods to adjust them safely and quickly. In previous versions, you could simply drag the bar to change its height, but now that gesture is no longer available, and you have to resort to system options or the registry. In this guide, we'll tell you all the alternatives, and how to Customize shortcuts and the taskbar, with clear steps and practical advice to help you get the size that best fits you, from the smallest to the largest, and with warnings when you have to touch the register, because it is a sensitive area of the system and it is advisable to act very carefully. caution.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, it's worth getting two points straight. On the one hand, there's a quick method that affects the entire interface: screen scaling; it serves as a shortcut to make everything appear larger or smaller at once, including the icons on the taskbar. On the other hand, there's the fine-tuning that specifically changes the size of taskbar elements using a registry value called TaskbarSi, with three available sizes: small (0), medium (1, default), and large (2). If you prefer external solutions, you can also Customize the bar with TaskbarXWe explain both paths step by step, as well as an optional option in the configuration of Windows that some users will see to show 'small buttons' on the bar, and that may be very useful.
What's changed in Windows 11 regarding the taskbar
For years, Windows allowed you to customize the taskbar in a very flexible way: it was even possible to drag it with the mouse to modify its height or move it from one place to anotherWith the arrival of Windows 11, Microsoft has simplified the experience and removed several popular features. Among them, the ability to easily adjust the size of the bar by dragging. This has surprised many users, especially those who use 2K or 4K monitors and preferred larger icons, or HD screens where the default height can eat up too much space. This reduction in options has left the feeling that clear native controls are missing, which has boosted the use of Tricks as the TaskbarSi registry value to retrieve a certain level of customization.
Does this mean you can't change anything? Absolutely not. Today, there are three reasonable options: a quick option in the taskbar settings if your computer offers it, display scaling (which modifies the entire interface), and a registry method to fine-tune the specific size of the taskbar elements. With these three alternatives, you'll make the application area of the taskbar better adapt to your monitor and your way of working, and you'll be able to thoroughly customize the taskbar without the need to install anything from third parties and keeping the system as efficient as possible cleansed possible.
Option in Settings: Show smaller taskbar buttons
Some Windows 11 computers display a toggle to reduce the size of the taskbar buttons without touching the registry. Although it doesn't always appear, it's worth looking here first, because it's the quickest and most reversible. You'll find it in the taskbar behaviors section, and its effect is immediate: you'll switch to more compact buttons, freeing up horizontal and vertical space with a single toggle. touch.
Follow these steps if the option appears on your system: right-click on the taskbar and go to 'Taskbar settings'. Scroll down to 'Taskbar behaviors' and look for the 'Show smaller taskbar buttons' option. If you enable it, you'll immediately see the bar's elements shrink, making everything look more compact. If you're not happy with it, disable it again and you'll get the same size again. default.
Keep two details in mind. First, this option may not be available in all builds or editions of Windows 11; Microsoft has been fine-tuning it over time. There and it doesn't appear uniformly on all devices. Second, while it makes the buttons smaller, it doesn't offer a 'large' scale; if you're looking to make them larger than the default, you'll have to resort to the registry method explained later, where the '2' size applies a noticeably larger aspect ratio. Most.
Adjusting display scaling: The quick trick that affects everything
If you want an immediate solution without touching anything delicate, modifying the system scale may be enough. This tweakment changes the size of all Windows elements: text, menus, desktop icons, and, of course, the icons you see on the taskbar. Increasing the scale makes everything look larger; decreasing it makes everything smaller, including the appearance of the taskbar. It's a comprehensive approach that, when fine-tuned, can give you a more comfortable desktop without having to go into the registry, which is especially handy if you're not familiar with tweaking. advanced.
To do this, right-click on the desktop and choose 'Display settings'. Under 'Scale & layout', change the 'Scale' setting to a percentage that suits you: values like 100%, 125%, or 150% are common. If you reduce the scale to 100%, everything (including the bar) will appear smaller and more content will fit on the screen; if you increase it to 125% or 150%, everything will become larger and more legible. This method is a matter of trial and error: change it, evaluate it for a few minutes, and decide if the readability, sharpness, and workspace are balanced for you. comfortable.
An important note: since this is a global change, you won't just see the taskbar changed. The size of text and apps will also be adjusted, and in some programs, it may affect the visible space or how some controls are rendered. If your goal is to simply touch the bar (and keep everything else scaling), the registry method explained below will give you control. accurate.
Resize from Registry Editor (TaskbarSi)
The most effective method for specifically modifying the size of taskbar items in Windows 11 is to create or edit the TaskbarSi value in the registry. With it, you can choose between three sizes: 0 (small), 1 (medium, default), and 2 (large). If you're comfortable with these types of changes, it's quick; if not, just follow the instructions and remember to back up the registry in case you want to undo any changes. The Registry Editor is powerful and, if misused, can cause problems, so act wisely and with extreme caution. careIf you find any errors later, consult Solutions if the taskbar or start menu is not responding.
Recommended preliminary steps: Before doing anything, close any open applications and, if you want to be on the safe side, export a copy of the registry from the Editor itself (File > Export). You don't need a complete copy; as long as you're clear about the value you're creating or editing and its path, you can easily revert it. Furthermore, this entire process is reversible: just reset the value to 1 (default size) or delete the TaskbarSi entry to return the system to its original state. original.
Step-by-step guide: Create and configure TaskbarSi
- Open the Registry Editor. Press Windows + R, type 'regedit', and press Enter. If the User Account Control appears, accept to continue. This is the first step to creating or editing the value that controls the size of the bar.
- Navigate to the exact path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. Expand each folder in the left panel until you reach 'Advanced', which is the key where the setting we need lives. This path is the same on any Windows 11 computer, and it's key not to make a mistake when navigating through it. tree.
- Create the value if it doesn't exist. With the 'Advanced' key selected, right-click on an empty area on the right side and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Give it this exact name: TaskbarSi. Windows will recognize this name to adjust the size of the items on the taskbar. If you already see it created, don't duplicate it; just edit the existing value and you'll save a step. unnecessary.
- Set the desired size. Double-click TaskbarSi and enter one of these numbers in the 'Value data' field: 0 for small icons, 1 for the default medium size, 2 for large icons. Click OK to save. Don't use any other values: anything other than 0, 1, or 2 won't give a valid result, so limit your selection to these three sizes. supported. Other minor bar adjustments, such as show seconds on clock, are configured by different routes.
- Apply the change by restarting or logging out. For the new size to take effect, log out and back in or restart your computer. When you return to the desktop, you'll see that the taskbar icons have adopted the chosen size. If the result isn't satisfactory, repeat the process and change the number, or delete TaskbarSi to return to the previous behavior. default.
Practical recommendations: Size 2 (large) generally fits very well on 2K and 4K displays, and can also be useful for people with reduced visibility. Size 0 (small) is interesting on HD monitors (1280 × 720) or when you want to regain more vertical space. Size 1 is a compromise intended for most people, so if you are not sure what to choose, start there and evaluate it during a few hours of real-world use before deciding whether it is worth going up or down. get off.
Basic taskbar management: pinning, unpinning, and arranging
Beyond size, it's worth remembering that the taskbar's app area is designed for quick access. You can pin your favorite programs, unpin those you no longer use, and reorder icons by dragging them to where they're most convenient. Having a streamlined and organized bar makes a difference in everyday life, and often reduces unnecessary clicks and lost data. tiempo.
How to pin apps to the taskbar: Type the app name into the taskbar search box, right-click on the result, and choose 'Pin to taskbar.' If the app is already open, you can also right-click its icon in the taskbar and select 'Pin to taskbar.' Either way, the icon will remain pinned and always ready to reopen with a single click. click.
How to unpin: When you are no longer interested in keeping an app pinned, right-click on its pinned icon and choose 'Unpin from the taskbarThe icon disappears from the pin, but if the app is open, it will remain visible for the duration of the session. This periodic cleaning helps keep the bar clear and focused on what you really need. you use.
How to rearrange icons: Drag any pinned icon to the desired position within the bar. Windows lets you drop it among other icons and it will retain that order in the future. If you work with multiple tools daily, group them logically (e.g., browser, mail, and calendar together) to improve your workflow. agile.
Useful visual indicators: the apps Running apps display a line below the icon to indicate they are open, and the active app also highlights the Windows accent color. These details make it easy to see what is open and what is not at a glance, which is especially helpful when you have multiple windows or virtual desktops in your march.
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