How to Make Taskbar Bigger in Windows 11
Want to make your taskbar bigger in Windows 11? No problem! Follow these steps to increase the size of your taskbar in just a few clicks. You’ll be diving into your registry settings, so make sure to proceed carefully.
How to Make Taskbar Bigger in Windows 11
Making your taskbar bigger in Windows 11 involves tweaking the registry settings. This might sound complicated, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step to get it done safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
First, press Win + R
, type regedit
, and hit Enter.
When you open the Registry Editor, you are accessing a powerful tool for making changes to your system. Make sure to back up your registry before proceeding, just in case anything goes wrong.
Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Key
In the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
.
This path leads you to where all the taskbar settings are stored. Each folder level you navigate through gets you closer to the specific setting you need to change.
Step 3: Create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value
Right-click on the right pane, then click New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
. Name it TaskbarSi
.
Creating a new DWORD value is essential because this is where you’ll define the size of your taskbar. Naming it correctly ensures your system recognizes the setting.
Step 4: Modify the Value
Double-click TaskbarSi
, set the Value Data to 2
, and click OK.
The value you set here determines the size of your taskbar. A Value Data of 2
makes the taskbar larger, while 0
makes it smaller, and 1
keeps it at the default size.
Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer
, right-click, and select Restart
.
Restarting Windows Explorer applies the changes you’ve made without requiring a full system reboot. You’ll see your new, larger taskbar immediately.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will have increased in size, providing you with a larger and possibly more user-friendly interface.
Tips for Making Taskbar Bigger in Windows 11
- Backup your registry before making changes. This helps you revert changes if something goes wrong.
- Use Task Manager for quick restarts. It’s faster and more efficient than rebooting your entire system.
- Keep your system updated. Updates often include fixes that can help maintain your taskbar settings.
- Avoid unnecessary edits. Only make changes to settings you fully understand to prevent system issues.
- Check for third-party tools. Sometimes software can simplify the process and offer additional customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the default taskbar size?
Yes, you can. Simply go back to the TaskbarSi
value in the Registry Editor and change the Value Data to 1
.
Is it safe to modify registry settings?
Yes, but always back up your registry before making any changes. This ensures you can restore your system if something goes wrong.
What if my changes don’t apply?
Try restarting your computer. If that doesn’t work, double-check that you’ve followed each step correctly.
Can I set a custom taskbar size?
No, Windows 11 only allows for small, default, and large sizes through the TaskbarSi
value.
Will this change affect other users on the same computer?
No, changes made in HKEY_CURRENT_USER
only affect the current user.
Summary of Steps
- Open Registry Editor (
Win + R
, typeregedit
). - Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
. - Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named
TaskbarSi
. - Set
TaskbarSi
Value Data to2
. - Restart Windows Explorer.
Conclusion
Making your taskbar bigger in Windows 11 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps correctly. By accessing and modifying the registry, you can easily adjust the size of your taskbar, making it more comfortable to use. Remember to always back up your registry before making any changes and to proceed carefully to avoid any potential system issues.
If you want more customization options or run into any trouble, there are various third-party tools that can offer additional flexibility. Always keep your system updated to ensure the best performance and user experience.
Feel free to experiment with the different sizes to find what works best for you. Whether you prefer a small, default, or large taskbar, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to cater to your needs. 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.