How to Make Taskbar Smaller on Windows 11

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, brings a fresh and modern interface to enhance productivity and improve user experience. One of the prominent features of Windows 11 is its centered taskbar, which provides a clean and minimalist look. However, some users prefer a more compact taskbar to maximize screen real estate.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods to make the taskbar smaller on Windows 11. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method and highlight the pros and cons of each approach. Whether you want to make the taskbar smaller for aesthetic reasons or to have more space for your workflow, this guide has got you covered.

Why You Need to Make the Taskbar Smaller

There are several reasons why you might consider making the taskbar smaller on Windows 11. Here are a few key points:

• Maximize screen real estate: A compact taskbar allows you to utilize more space on your screen for your applications and content.
• Enhanced productivity: With a smaller taskbar, you can fit more open windows without having to constantly switch between them.
• Improved aesthetic appeal: Some users prefer a minimalistic and clutter-free desktop, and a smaller taskbar contributes to that visual appeal.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the size and appearance of the taskbar, and making it smaller allows you to tailor it to your liking.

Now, let’s dive into the different methods you can use to make the taskbar smaller on Windows 11.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Taskbar Settings

The first method we’ll explore is using the built-in taskbar settings in Windows 11. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app and navigate to "Personalization" > "Taskbar."
2. In the Taskbar settings, scroll down to the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
3. Toggle the switch for "Use small taskbar buttons" to enable it.

Part 2. Taskbar Position

Another method to make the taskbar smaller is by changing its position on the screen. By aligning the taskbar to the left or right side of the screen, you can achieve a narrower taskbar. Here are the steps to do it:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and uncheck the "Lock the taskbar" option if it’s enabled.
2. With the taskbar unlocked, click and drag the taskbar to the left or right side of the screen.
3. Once the taskbar is positioned on the side, you can adjust its height by clicking and dragging the top edge.
4. If desired, you can right-click on the taskbar and select "Lock the taskbar" to prevent accidental movement.

Part 3. Third-Party Tools: TaskbarX

If the built-in options in Windows 11 do not meet your requirements, you can turn to third-party tools for more flexibility. One popular tool for customizing the taskbar is TaskbarX. Here’s how you can use it to make the taskbar smaller:

1. Visit the TaskbarX website (https://chriscarey.com/projects/taskbarx) and download the latest version of the software.
2. Install and launch TaskbarX.
3. In the TaskbarX settings, adjust the "TaskbarX offset" to make the taskbar smaller. Decreasing the value will shrink the taskbar.
4. Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes and see the updated taskbar size.

Part 4. AutoHotkey Script

For users who are comfortable with scripting and want more granular control over the taskbar size, using an AutoHotkey script can be a viable option. Here’s how you can create and use an AutoHotkey script to make the taskbar smaller:

1. Install AutoHotkey from the official website (https://www.autohotkey.com/).
2. Create a new plain text file and open it with a text editor.
3. Enter the following script into the text file:

   #NoEnv
   #SingleInstance force
   
   ; Taskbar Smaller Script
   
   ; Decrease width
   ^!-::WinSet, Style, -0x80000, ahk_class Shell_TrayWnd
   
   ; Increase width
   ^!+::WinSet, Style, +0x80000, ahk_class Shell_TrayWnd

4. Save the file with a ".ahk" extension, such as "taskbar_smaller.ahk".
5. Double-click on the saved ".ahk" file to run the script.
6. Use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Alt + Minus (-) to make the taskbar smaller and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Plus (+) to revert to the default size.

What to Do If You Can’t Make the Taskbar Smaller

If you are unable to make the taskbar smaller using the above methods, here are three alternative solutions you can try:

1. Use a higher screen resolution: Increasing the screen resolution can effectively reduce the size of various elements on the screen, including the taskbar. However, keep in mind that this may also make other elements smaller, such as text and icons.
2. Enable auto-hide for the taskbar: Auto-hide allows the taskbar to automatically hide when not in use, providing more screen space. To enable auto-hide, right-click on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and toggle the switch for "Automatically hide the taskbar."
3. Explore alternative shell replacements: Third-party shell replacements, such as Rainmeter or Explorer++ provide additional customization options, including the ability to create a completely custom taskbar. However, using shell replacements may require more technical expertise and can have an impact on system stability.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your taskbar customization on Windows 11:

• Utilize virtual desktops: Windows 11 offers built-in support for virtual desktops, allowing you to create separate workspaces for different tasks. This can help organize your open windows and reduce clutter on the taskbar.
• Customize taskbar icons: Take advantage of icon packs and customization options to personalize the appearance of the taskbar icons. This can add a unique touch to your desktop environment.
• Experiment with different themes: Windows 11 allows you to select from various system themes, including light and dark modes. Try different themes to find one that complements your taskbar size and overall visual preferences.

The Bottom Line

Customizing the taskbar size on Windows 11 can help optimize your desktop experience and create a workspace tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer a minimalistic taskbar or want to maximize screen real estate, the methods outlined in this blog post should provide you with the necessary tools and options.

Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and requirements. From built-in settings to third-party tools and scripts, there are multiple avenues to explore for taskbar customization on Windows 11.

5 FAQs about Making the Taskbar Smaller

Q1: Can I make the taskbar transparent on Windows 11?

A: Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not provide an option to make the taskbar transparent natively. However, you can use third-party tools, such as TranslucentTB or TaskbarX, to achieve a transparent taskbar effect.

Q2: Will making the taskbar smaller affect its functionality?

A: Making the taskbar smaller does not impact its core functionality. You will still be able to access and interact with the taskbar icons and features as usual. The only difference is the reduced size of the taskbar itself.

Q3: Can I customize the taskbar size for individual monitors on a multi-monitor setup?

A: Windows 11 does not offer native support for customizing the taskbar size on a per-monitor basis. The taskbar settings and size modifications apply to all connected monitors. However, third-party tools like DisplayFusion provide more advanced multi-monitor customization options.

Q4: Is it possible to revert back to the default taskbar size after making it smaller?

A: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default taskbar size by reversing the modifications made using the respective method. For example, in the Taskbar settings, toggle off the "Use small taskbar buttons" option to revert to the default button size.

Q5: Can I use these methods to make the taskbar smaller on previous versions of Windows?

A: While the methods discussed in this blog post primarily focus on Windows 11, some of them can be adapted to previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 10. However, the specific steps and options may vary depending on the operating system version.