One of the most immediate and noticeable changes in Windows 11 was the redesigned taskbar. Microsoft centered the icons, simplified the system tray, and removed several long-standing customization features. Among the most requested features missing from the new taskbar is the ability to use or a small taskbar size—a staple of Windows 10 and previous versions.
The release of Windows 11 introduced a significantly redesigned user interface, centering around a simplified, Mac-like taskbar. While aesthetically pleasing to many, the default taskbar icons and button sizes are considerably larger than those in previous iterations (specifically Windows 10 and 7). This paper explores the user demand for "small icons," the limitations of the native operating system settings, and the various methodologies—ranging from registry modifications to third-party shell replacements—employed to achieve a more space-efficient taskbar layout. windows 11 taskbar small icons