In-Depth Guide: Increasing Taskbar Height on Windows 11
Windows 11’s default taskbar height can feel cramped, especially on high-resolution displays or when you want larger icons. While there’s no direct setting in the user interface, you can adjust the taskbar’s height by modifying a registry value. Follow these steps carefully, as incorrect edits can affect system stability.
Why Modify the Registry?
Microsoft removed the taskbar sizing options from the Settings app in Windows 11. The registry still holds the configuration, but it’s hidden. By creating or changing a specific DWORD value, you can choose between three sizes:
- Small: 28 pixels
- Default: 32 pixels
- Large: 36 pixels
Larger sizes improve visibility and make it easier to click icons.
Step 1: Back Up Your Registry
Before making any registry changes, create a backup so you can restore if needed:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor, select File → Export.
- Choose All under Export range, pick a safe location, and click Save.
Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Settings Key
- In Registry Editor’s left pane, expand folders to reach:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - If you don’t see Advanced, right-click Explorer, choose New → Key, and name it Advanced.
Step 3: Create or Modify the TaskbarSi Value
- With Advanced selected, right-click in the right pane.
- Choose New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new entry TaskbarSi.
- Double-click TaskbarSi to edit it.
- In the Value data box, enter:
- 0 for a small (28 px) taskbar
- 1 for the default (32 px) taskbar
- 2 for a large (36 px) taskbar
- Click OK to save.
Step 4: Apply Changes by Restarting Explorer
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Under Processes, find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
The taskbar will disappear briefly and then reappear at the new height.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- No change visible? Double-check the TaskbarSi value and confirm you restarted Explorer.
- Registry entry doesn’t stick? Ensure you have the correct key path under your user account, and you’re editing under HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
- Accidental mistakes? If the taskbar breaks or icons vanish, run regedit, navigate back to TaskbarSi, right-click it, choose Delete, then restart Explorer to revert to default.
- Experiment carefully: Only values 0, 1, and 2 are supported. Other numbers may cause odd behavior.
Restoring Defaults
To return to the original taskbar size without editing values:
- Delete the TaskbarSi entry in Registry Editor.
- Restart Windows Explorer as described above.
Your taskbar will revert to Windows 11’s built-in size of 32 pixels.
By following these steps, you can tailor the taskbar height to your needs, improving visibility and ease of use on any display.
