Small Icons on Windows 11 Taskbar
- Windows 11 users testing preview builds may soon have more control over the size of taskbar icons.
- The default setting will maintain the larger icon size introduced with Windows 7, shrinking only when the taskbar nears its capacity.
- Note that changing the icon size will not alter the dimensions of the taskbar itself.
Windows 11 Taskbar Icons to shrink, Plus Other New Features in Test Builds
Table of Contents
- Windows 11 Taskbar Icons to shrink, Plus Other New Features in Test Builds
- Windows 11 News: Taskbar Icon Control and New Features in test Builds
- is Windows 11 Getting Adjustable Taskbar Icon Sizes?
- What Builds of Windows 11 Have This Feature?
- How Will the Taskbar Icon Size Adjustment work?
- Will Changing Icon Size Affect the Taskbar Dimensions?
- What Other Taskbar Improvements Have Been Made in Windows 11?
- Why Can’t I Move the Taskbar in Windows 11?
- What Other New Features Are Being Tested in Windows 11 insider Preview Builds?
- Summarizing New Windows 11 Features (Test Builds)
Windows 11 users testing preview builds may soon have more control over the size of taskbar icons. A returning feature will allow users to keep icons permanently small, regardless of the number of open applications.
The feature is currently available in these test builds:
- Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3671 (Beta Channel, Pro version 24H2)
- Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5518 (Dev Channel)
Taskbar Icon Sizing
The default setting will maintain the larger icon size introduced with Windows 7, shrinking only when the taskbar nears its capacity. However, users will gain the option to set icons to “always small” or “always large,” according to reports.
Note that changing the icon size will not alter the dimensions of the taskbar itself.
Taskbar Tweaks: A History
Since its initial release, the Windows 11 development team has made numerous adjustments to the taskbar. These include addressing issues with overflowing icons, restoring missing icons, adding Task Manager to the context menu, enabling program termination via the context menu, and unifying the visual style of labels.
While the ability to reduce icon size addresses a frequent user request, the option to relocate the taskbar from the bottom of the screen remains absent. Sources indicate that this feature is not a priority, citing limited user interest.
Additional Features in Testing
Beyond the taskbar icon resizing, Microsoft is testing several other features in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview builds:
-
File Sharing via Drag-and-Drop
Users can drag files to the top of the screen to reveal a menu of applications for sharing. (Beta and Dev Channels)
-
Quick Machine Recovery
Microsoft is testing a tool to restore Windows installations that fail to start. This feature addresses concerns similar to those raised by the Crowdstrike case. A test version is currently available. (Beta Channel)
-
Recall (Preview)
The visual memory feature now includes search functionality.(Beta and Dev Channels)
-
Click to Do (Preview)
Users can highlight text or images for analysis. This feature is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area, including the Czech Republic. A touch gesture from the right side of the screen activates the feature. (Beta and Dev Channels)
-
Studio Effects
The system will automatically apply automatic image framing from the webcam. Users can disable these effects in the Fast Settings menu. (Beta and Dev Channels)
-
Enhanced Mouse Settings
More detailed mouse settings, previously accessible only through the classic control panel, are now available in the settings menu. These settings include options for customizing the pointer’s appearance and behavior. (Beta and Dev Channels)
-
touchscreen Right-Click Simulation
Users can now configure the action performed when simulating a right-click using a touchscreen or digital pen. (Beta and Dev Channels)
Sources: Windows Insider Blog
Windows 11 News: Taskbar Icon Control and New Features in test Builds
is Windows 11 Getting Adjustable Taskbar Icon Sizes?
Yes, Windows 11 users testing preview builds will soon have more control over the size of their taskbar icons. A returning feature will allow users to keep icons permanently small, regardless of how many applications are open.
What Builds of Windows 11 Have This Feature?
Currently, this taskbar icon sizing feature is available to users in the following Windows 11 Insider Preview builds:
- Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3671 (Beta Channel, Pro version 24H2)
- Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5518 (Dev Channel)
How Will the Taskbar Icon Size Adjustment work?
The default setting will maintain the larger icon size introduced with Windows 7 and only shrink the icons when capacity is reached. However, users will gain the option to set icons to “always small” or “always large”.
Will Changing Icon Size Affect the Taskbar Dimensions?
No, changing the icon size will not alter the physical dimensions of the taskbar itself, according to reports.
What Other Taskbar Improvements Have Been Made in Windows 11?
The Windows 11 advancement team has made numerous adjustments to the taskbar since its initial release. These include:
- Addressing issues with overflowing icons
- Restoring missing icons
- Adding task Manager to the context menu
- Enabling program termination via the context menu
- Unifying the visual style of labels
Why Can’t I Move the Taskbar in Windows 11?
The option to relocate the taskbar from the bottom of the screen is not available. Sources indicate that this feature is not a priority due to limited user interest.
What Other New Features Are Being Tested in Windows 11 insider Preview Builds?
Microsoft is testing several other features beyond taskbar icon resizing.Here’s a glimpse:
File Sharing via Drag-and-Drop
Users can drag files to the top of the screen to reveal a menu of applications for sharing.(Beta and Dev Channels)
Rapid Machine Recovery
Microsoft is testing a tool to restore Windows installations that fail to start. This feature addresses concerns similar to those raised by the Crowdstrike case. A test version is currently available. (Beta Channel)
Recall (Preview)
The visual memory feature now includes search functionality. (Beta and Dev Channels)
Click to Do (Preview)
Users can highlight text or images for analysis. This feature is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area, including the Czech Republic. A touch gesture from the right side of the screen activates the feature. (Beta and Dev Channels)
Studio Effects
The system will automatically apply automatic image framing from the webcam. Users can disable these effects in the Fast Settings menu. (Beta and Dev Channels)
Enhanced Mouse Settings
More detailed mouse settings, previously accessible only through the classic control panel, are now available in the settings menu. These settings include options for customizing the pointer’s appearance and behavior. (Beta and Dev Channels)
Touchscreen Right-Click Simulation
Users can now configure the action performed when simulating a right-click using a touchscreen or digital pen.(Beta and Dev Channels)
Summarizing New Windows 11 Features (Test Builds)
Here’s a quick comparison of the new features in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview builds:
| Feature | Description | Available Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar icon Sizing | Option to set taskbar icons to “always small” or “always large.” | Beta & Dev |
| File Sharing via Drag-and-Drop | Drag files to the top of the screen to share. | Beta & Dev |
| Quick Machine Recovery | tool to restore failed Windows installations. | Beta |
| Recall (Preview) | Visual memory feature now includes search. | Beta & Dev |
| Click to Do (Preview) | Highlight text/images for analysis (certain regions). | Beta & Dev |
| Studio Effects | Automatic webcam image framing (can be disabled). | Beta & Dev |
| Enhanced Mouse Settings | More detailed mouse settings in the settings menu. | Beta & Dev |
| Touchscreen Right-Click Simulation | Configure right-click action for touchscreens/pens. | Beta & Dev |
Sources: Windows Insider Blog