Choosing an Icon Size for the Taskbar

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated June 17, 2019)

It's possible to customize the size of the icons on the taskbar. You may want large icons if you have difficulty seeing them clearly. Or, if you have a lot of icons on the taskbar, you may want small ones so that they all fit nicely. In either case, you can easily change the icon size by right clicking an open space on the taskbar and selecting the Properties option from the resulting Context menu. Windows then displays the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box. (In Windows 8 it is the Taskbar and Navigation Properties dialog box.) (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Changing your icons' size on the taskbar.

Depending on your version of Windows, you may see a checkbox entitled Use Small Icons or one entitled Use Small Taskbar Buttons. Regardless of the wording, choosing this option significantly reduces the size of the icons on the taskbar. This change occurs as soon as you click OK or Apply. Similarly, if there is already a checkmark in that checkbox, clicking it to remove the checkmark will cause your tiny icons to be enlarged.

The steps to changing the size of the icons on the taskbar is somewhat different in Windows 10. Follow these steps:

  1. Type "Taskbar Settings" (without the quotes) in the Search box to the left of the Taskbar and press Enter. Windows displays the Taskbar section of the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 2.)

    2. Figure 2. The Taskbar section of the Settings dialog box.

  2. Click the Use Small Taskbar Buttons On or Off link. The size of the icons on the Taskbar changes immediately.
  3. Close the Settings dialog box.

 This tip (3584) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How to Find Apps Faster

This tip reveals a little-known trick that enables you to move around your Start menu a little faster. The result is ...

Discover More

Using Folder Templates

Windows is highly customizable. One way you can customize it is by changing what the File Explorer looks like. This can ...

Discover More

Changing File Explorer's Default Startup Location

The File Explorer can start in either of two locations. This tip tells you how to set its default startup location to one ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Move the Windows 11 Taskbar to the Left

Windows 11's new Taskbar puts the Start menu and apps front and center. In this tip you learn how to move the Taskbar to ...

Discover More

Adjusting Sound Volume

Windows utilizes sound for many purposes. You can adjust the volume at which Windows plays those sounds by using the ...

Discover More

Pinning a Shortcut to the Taskbar

It's usually easy to pin items to the Taskbar. But if what you want to pin is not a shortcut to an application? This tip ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 0 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.