To make Windows 11 taskbar buttons smaller, right-click an empty area of the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors, and choose an option under Show smaller taskbar buttons. Pick When taskbar is full to shrink them as the taskbar fills, or Always to keep them small. The control is not available on every Windows 11 build.
Change the taskbar button size
- Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- In Settings, expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Find Show smaller taskbar buttons and choose the behavior you want.
Microsoft says smaller buttons can help show more apps on the taskbar. The setting changes button size; it does not promise a fixed number of visible icons. The number that fits depends on the apps and shortcuts on your taskbar and the display space available. Microsoft Support describes the purpose as showing more apps with smaller versions of the buttons.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose how Windows should shrink buttons
| Option | What it does | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| When taskbar is full | Buttons shrink automatically when the taskbar is crowded. | Saving space only when needed. |
| Always | Buttons stay small. | A consistently compact button size. |
| Never | Disables this shrinking behavior, leaving buttons at their standard size. | Keeping the usual button size even when the taskbar fills. |
These choices are behavior settings, not capacity settings: Microsoft does not specify how many additional icons will fit with any one option. The options and behavior are described in Microsoft’s April 3, 2025 Dev-channel announcement and July 11, 2025 Canary-channel announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If “Show smaller taskbar buttons” is missing
The setting was introduced through staged Windows Insider rollouts, so it may not appear on your PC. The cited announcements do not establish a complete eligibility list for current public Windows 11 releases or devices.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
- Check your Windows version and build in Settings > System > About, then check for available Windows updates.
- If the control is still absent, your build may not have received it. The sources cited here do not establish a supported registry change or other workaround for adding it, so do not assume an unofficial tweak is a reliable fix.
Smaller icons are not always a shorter taskbar
The 2025 setting controls button scaling. A separate compact-taskbar experience announced by Microsoft on May 15, 2026 reduces both icon size and taskbar height. Microsoft described that experience as rolling out in the Experimental channel at the time of the announcement; it is not a universal Windows 11 setting. Its announcement gives the Settings route as Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and says choosing Always makes the icons and taskbar height smaller together when that experience is available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
