Windows 11 Small Taskbar Buttons Update

If you’ve been missing the option to make taskbar icons smaller in Windows 11, you’ll be pleased to learn about a recent update. In the latest Beta build, version 22635.4291, enthusiasts have uncovered indications of a new setting that will soon allow users to switch to a smaller taskbar and its icons.

The ability to use small taskbar icons was one of the features Microsoft removed during the initial Windows 11 launch three years ago, alongside other deemed unnecessary features. Now that Windows 11 is entering its fourth year, Microsoft is focused on reinstating various legacy taskbar and Start menu functionalities.

Unfortunately, the small taskbar feature is not fully operational at this time. @PhantomOfEarth unearthed feature IDs within build 22635.4291 that will enable the “Show smaller taskbar icons”option within the Settings application. Currently, while the taskbar icons can be resized, the actual taskbar remains unchanged in size. Users will need to wait for upcoming builds for the necessary improvements to this feature.

Windows 11 will be getting the option to show smaller taskbar buttons! Currently, only taskbar buttons themselves are made smaller – the taskbar itself can’t be made smaller, this is still early though. (disabled by default, Beta 22635.4291) vivetool /enable /id:29785184 pic.twitter.com/ZXmwhLleLF

— phantomofearth 🍂 (@phantomofearth) September 30, 2024

If your device runs Windows 11 build 22635.4291, you can enable the new taskbar option using the ViVeTool app (note that this is at your own risk, as unannounced features are typically raw, unstable, and unfinished).

1. Download ViVeTool here from GitHub and extract the files to a directory that’s easy to locate.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the folder containing the ViVeTool files using the CD command. For instance, if you placed ViVeTool in C:\Vive, enter CD C:\Vive.
3. Enter vivetool /enable /id:29785184,48433719 and hit Enter.
4. Restart your computer.

After restarting, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle the “Show smaller taskbar icons”option.

Are you excited about this new feature, or do you prefer the standard-sized taskbar in Windows 11? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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