Look for the dropdown menu next to Show smaller taskbar buttons .
References: Microsoft Documentation, Windows Insider Program Release Notes, GitHub Repository for ExplorerPatcher. windows 11 taskbar small icons
Early Windows 11 builds allowed a registry change to adjust taskbar size, but Microsoft patched most of these methods. Some users still report partial success by modifying: Look for the dropdown menu next to Show
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. Windows Insider Program Release Notes
Despite the modern look, users seek small taskbar icons for several practical reasons: