In the future, you’ll be able to resize the Windows 11 taskbar directly in Settings without having to tinker with the registry. On June 26, 2026, Microsoft rolled out a dedicated setting called “Taskbar Size” in two new Insider builds. This officially adds a feature to the system that many have been missing since the launch of Windows 11.
If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you’ll find the new option under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. It replaces the previous workaround involving a hidden registry entry, which Microsoft never officially supported.
TL;DR
- New “Taskbar Size” setting in Insider builds 26300.8758 (Experimental) and 26220.8754 (Beta), rolled out on June 26, 2026.
- Three sizes to choose from: small, medium (default), and large.
- Found under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar; no registry trick required anymore.
- Distribution is via Controlled Feature Rollout; not every Insider will see the option immediately.
- A release date for regular Windows 11 versions has not yet been set.
What the new taskbar size setting can do
Until now, Windows 11 essentially only offered one taskbar height. Users who wanted a more compact layout had to open the Registry Editor and manually set a value there. That step is now eliminated. Microsoft describes the new feature in the official changelog for Build 26300.8758 as a dedicated setting designed to make customizing the taskbar “easier to find and understand.”
Specifically, there are three levels. The small option shrinks both the icons and the height, creating more space for your windows—which is especially useful on small laptop screens and tablets. The medium size is the default that Windows 11 has used since day one. And the large setting stretches the height and icons, which improves touch navigation on 2-in-1 devices and readability on large monitors. The large option is new and had no direct equivalent in the old registry trick.
When switching between sizes, Windows plays a short fade-in and fade-out animation. Microsoft has refined these transitions in the new builds so that the taskbar no longer flickers briefly when switching. A restart or logout is not required to apply the change.
An overview of the three taskbar sizes
| Size | Effect | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Smaller icons, lower taskbar, more space for apps | Laptops, tablets, small displays |
| Medium (Default) | Unchanged default view of Windows 11 | General use |
| Large | Higher taskbar, larger icons, better touch control | 2-in-1 devices, large or 4K monitors |
Here’s how to make the Windows 11 taskbar smaller using Settings
If you already see the new option in an Insider build, follow these steps:
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. Alternatively, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Look for the new ” Taskbar Size ” option.
- Set the desired size: small, medium, or large.
- The change takes effect immediately; a restart is not required.
Part of a Larger Taskbar Overhaul
The size setting isn’t the only change. Microsoft has been gradually revamping the taskbar over the past few months. As early as May 2026, the company began allowing the taskbar to be docked to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. This was one of the most requested features of all, since in the original version of Windows 11, the taskbar was permanently anchored to the bottom edge.
Microsoft has also revamped the Start menu. You can now choose between “small” and “large” sizes and disable individual sections, such as recommended files. If you value privacy while giving presentations or streaming, you can also hide your name and profile picture in the Start menu.
Who can already test the new taskbar option
The setting is currently available in two builds: 26300.8758 in the Experimental channel and 26220.8754 in the Beta channel. Microsoft rolled out both on June 26, 2026. One important point to note upfront: The feature is being rolled out via the so-called Controlled Feature Rollout. This means it’s initially being distributed to only a portion of Insiders and will be gradually expanded. So it’s possible that you’ve installed the correct build but still don’t see the option.
According to the release notes, there are also two known quirks. In the small size, a one-pixel offset may occur when automatic taskbar hiding is enabled; this is purely cosmetic and will be fixed in an upcoming flight. And sometimes the new size dropdown doesn’t appear immediately after the upgrade; a restart usually resolves this.
At the same time, Microsoft is making the Windows Insider Program itself more accessible. The new channel structure is now rolling out gradually to users of the regular release versions as well; it can be found in the update settings under Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. In the future, switching between channels will be possible via an in-place upgrade, without being tied to specific versions.
What’s Still Missing
Despite the progress, a few gaps remain. In the default view, the taskbar still cannot be easily spread across multiple monitors with separate clocks and system trays; third-party tools are still required for this. A full-fledged “Never group” option for taskbar buttons—which power users have long been requesting—is also not included in these builds.
Microsoft has not yet officially announced when the resizing feature will arrive in the general release of Windows 11. Typically, such features spend several weeks in the test channels before being included in a servicing update or the next major feature update. If you don’t want to wait, you can join the Insider Program and send feedback directly to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub (keyboard shortcut WIN + F).
Conclusion
The new setting may seem unremarkable, but it hits a nerve. The fact that you can finally officially resize the Windows 11 taskbar without any registry tinkering is exactly the kind of small detail that makes a difference in everyday life. Together with the movable taskbar and the redesigned Start menu, Microsoft is thus restoring some of the flexibility that Windows 10 had. Until this feature makes its way into the regular version, however, you’ll have to either wait or become an Insider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I resize the taskbar in Windows 11?
In the new Insider builds from June 26, 2026, you can do this via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar using the “Taskbar Size” option. In the regular version of Windows 11, this currently requires an entry in the registry.
What taskbar sizes are available?
Three levels: small, medium (default), and large. “Small” reduces the size of icons and the taskbar height, while “Large” increases both for touch devices and large monitors.
Do I need to restart to change the size?
No. The change takes effect immediately. According to Microsoft, a restart is only necessary if the dropdown menu is missing immediately after the upgrade.
When will the feature be available to all Windows 11 users?
There is no official release date yet. The feature will first go through the Insider channels before being released for regular versions.
Sources: Microsoft Learn, Windows Insider Blog
