microsoft has introduced a new Taskbar Size setting in windows 11now available in experimental preview 26300.8758.
This provides users with a convenient option to reduce the size of the entire taskbar, not just the icons. The update is available to Windows Insiders testing the Experimental channel and is part of Microsoft’s Windows K2 initiative, which aims to address long-standing issues with Windows 11.
The new setting allows users to reduce both the height of the taskbar and the size of its icons when set to Small. It is also possible to keep the taskbar at its default height while using small icons.
What changed and other changes in build 26300.8758
Previous Insider versions offered an option to “show smaller buttons on the taskbar”, but this setting only reduced the size of the icons.
The height of the taskbar remained the same. The new dedicated Taskbar Size option solves this problem by providing a true resizing option. Microsoft announced in the build release notes:
“Taskbar customization just got easier. As we continue to improve the taskbar experience mentioned last month, we’ve added a dedicated Taskbar Size setting to make it easier to find, understand, and customize your ideal taskbar.”
The transition between different taskbar sizes has also been improved to create a smoother overall experience. The update includes several additional improvements:
File Explorer:
- Cloud file thumbnails now preview more reliably in the Details panel
- The Details panel has been reorganized to make file properties easier to find and review.
- Fixed an issue where the OneDrive shortcut would stop working when running File Explorer as administrator.
- Fixed previously reported Recycle Bin bug. Previously, the confirmation dialog displayed an internal file name instead of the original when permanently deleting a file.
Sounds:
- Improved system sounds when using Windows in dark mode
Other:
- Xbox mode has been renamed to XBOX mode, which is a change seen in this version.
The Recycle Bin fix confirms a previous acknowledgment from Microsoft of a bug present since the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update. It caused the confirmation dialog to display an internal file name instead of the original.
The taskbar changes are part of Microsoft’s Windows K2 initiative, a larger effort to address long-standing complaints about Windows 11. Since its release, the Windows 11 taskbar has been the subject of controversy, especially as Microsoft removed features available in Windows 10, such as the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen.
Since the beginning of this year, Windows Insiders can move the taskbar freely. Introducing proper resizing controls addresses another common concern.
Together, these updates provide a level of taskbar flexibility that Windows 10 users have had for years, but that Windows 11 previously lacked.
What this means for Windows 11 users
For users who prefer more compact interfaces or use smaller screens, being able to shrink the taskbar can free up valuable screen real estate.
This setting is currently only available in the Experimental channel, so most users will have to wait until it reaches stable builds of Windows 11 via a future update.
If you want to try the feature now, you can join the Windows Insider Program and switch to the experimental channel through Settings, Windows Update, and the Windows Insider Program. Please note that testing pre-release versions may cause stability issues and is generally recommended only on secondary devices.
Microsoft has not announced when the Taskbar Size setting will be available in the stable channel. Based on the current pace of development of taskbar features, it is reasonable to expect this option to be included in a future monthly update for all Windows 11 users.
This change reflects a broader pattern of Microsoft’s response to user feedback on the design and functionality of Windows 11, including recent decisions like canceling AI-powered history search in Edge, expanding Windows Update pause options, and adding options to disable Bing web results in Windows Search.
