Changing the Size of the Taskbar

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated August 16, 2021)

1

If you have many windows open simultaneously, you may find that you'd like your Taskbar to be bigger so as to better accommodate the windows' icons. To change the size of the taskbar, right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar and make sure "Lock the Taskbar" is not checked. With the Taskbar unlocked, move your cursor near the top edge of the Taskbar (assuming your Taskbar is at the bottom of the screen) until the cursor becomes a double-headed arrow. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Getting ready to resize the Taskbar.

Click and drag the mouse up, and the Taskbar will get taller. When you have the Taskbar at the desired height, release the mouse, right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar, and select "Lock the Taskbar." The Taskbar will now remain your specified size until you resize it again.

 This tip (12522) 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

Changing the Size of Icons Used by Windows

Microsoft Windows can be highly personalized to suit your needs. This personalization includes the ability to change the ...

Discover More

Starting Applications Automatically when Starting Windows

Understanding the Task Scheduler is a great asset when you want your computer to do things automatically. This tip shows ...

Discover More

Using Media Player to Burn an Audio CD

One of the many things you can do with Windows Media Player is to burn audio CDs. This tip shows you how.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

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

Changing How Tasks Appear on the Taskbar

The Windows Taskbar is much more robust than it was in previous versions of the operating system. One of its many ...

Discover More

Moving the Taskbar to a Different Edge of the Screen

The Taskbar is normally displayed along the bottom edge of the screen. Windows gives you the flexibility to decide where ...

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 7 + 5?

2021-08-16 07:07:12

Will

It bugs me that the minimum width of the taskbar when on the right or left is twice the height of the minimum when on the bottom.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.