how to make icons smaller on windows 11
If you’re finding your desktop icons a bit too large for your liking on Windows 11, you’re in luck! The steps to make your icons smaller are simple and quick. By adjusting a few settings, you can free up more space on your screen and make it look cleaner. Follow these easy steps to reduce the size of your desktop icons.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on how to make icons smaller on windows 11
Ready to make those icons a bit more compact? The following steps will guide you through the process of making your desktop icons smaller on Windows 11.
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop
To begin, right-click anywhere on your desktop where there aren’t any icons.
This will open a context menu that provides various options for adjusting your desktop settings.
Step 2: Hover over "View"
After right-clicking, hover your mouse over the "View" option in the context menu.
Hovering over "View" will reveal sub-options that allow you to change the size of your desktop icons.
Step 3: Select "Small icons"
In the "View" submenu, click on the option that says "Small icons."
Selecting "Small icons" will immediately reduce the size of your desktop icons, making them smaller and more compact.
Step 4: Check the new icon size
Take a look at your desktop to see the new size of the icons.
If the icons are still not the desired size, you can repeat the steps and try the "Medium icons" option for a slightly larger size.
Step 5: Adjust icon size from Settings (optional)
For more customization, you can go to "Settings" > "System" > "Display" and adjust the "Scale" setting.
This option allows for finer control over the size of text, apps, and other items on your screen, including icons.
After completing these steps, you’ll notice a cleaner and more organized desktop with smaller icons. This not only looks better but also gives you more room to work with.
Tips for how to make icons smaller on windows 11
- Use keyboard shortcuts: You can also use the Ctrl key and your mouse scroll wheel to quickly adjust the icon size.
- Change folder view: If you want to adjust the size of icons within a folder, open the folder and use the "View" options in the File Explorer.
- Customize taskbar icons: For even more space, you can adjust the size of taskbar icons by right-clicking on the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and toggling "Use small taskbar buttons."
- Explore themes: Sometimes changing your theme can also affect icon size and appearance. Look into different themes under "Personalization" in Settings.
- Revert changes: If you don’t like the smaller icons, you can always go back and choose "Medium icons" or "Large icons."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert back to the original icon size?
You can easily revert to the original size by following the same steps and selecting "Medium icons" or "Large icons" instead of "Small icons."
Can I customize the size of icons further?
Yes, by adjusting the "Scale" setting in "Display" within the "Settings" menu, you can fine-tune the size of icons and other elements.
Will this change the size of all icons on my computer?
No, these steps will primarily change the size of desktop icons. You may need to adjust icon sizes in other locations separately.
Does changing the icon size affect performance?
Generally, changing the icon size should not have a noticeable impact on performance.
Can I change the size of taskbar icons?
Yes, you can adjust the size of taskbar icons by right-clicking on the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and toggling "Use small taskbar buttons."
Summary
- Right-click on the desktop
- Hover over "View"
- Select "Small icons"
- Check the new icon size
- Adjust icon size from Settings (optional)
Conclusion
Reducing the size of your desktop icons on Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to make your workspace look cleaner and more organized. Whether you’re looking to free up some screen space or simply prefer a minimalist look, this guide should help you achieve that with little effort.
Making icons smaller can also help enhance productivity, as it allows you to see more of your desktop at once. Plus, if you ever change your mind, you can easily revert back to a larger icon size by following the same steps.
Feel free to explore other customization options within Windows 11 to make your desktop truly yours. Happy customizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.