How to Change Taskbar Size in Windows Registry

This article explains how to configure compact taskbar button sizing in Windows using the Registry Editor (Regedit). It identifies the specific registry keys and DWORD values used in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, followed by step-by-step instructions to apply the changes and restart the Windows Explorer process.

Windows 11 Taskbar Sizing

In Windows 11, taskbar size is controlled by the TaskbarSi DWORD value.

• Registry Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Value Name: TaskbarSi
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Data Values:
  • 0 = Small / Compact
  • 1 = Medium (Default)
  • 2 = Large

Windows 10 Taskbar Sizing

In Windows 10, compact taskbar icons are controlled by the TaskbarSmallIcons DWORD value.

• Registry Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Value Name: TaskbarSmallIcons
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Data Values:
  • 1 = Small / Compact buttons enabled
  • 0 = Standard sizing (Default)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. Locate the value name corresponding to your operating system (TaskbarSi for Windows 11 or TaskbarSmallIcons for Windows 10). If the entry does not exist, right-click the empty space in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it accordingly.

4. Double-click the value, set the Value data to 0 (for Windows 11 compact) or 1 (for Windows 10 compact), and click OK.

5. Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager or restart your computer for the changes to take effect.