Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft which was released in October 2021. The operating software like most of Microsoft’s new releases has brought many changes to the way users are going to their computers. If you have even spent half an hour with Windows 11, you must have noticed that one of the most prominent changes is the Taskbar. The taskbar has been updated to offer new features and customization options to the users.
And if you look at it, you will also realize why one of the most talked-about changes in the Windows 11 taskbar size. Windows 11 Taskbar size is now smaller if compared to the previous versions of the Windows Operating System. This is why, this blog is focused on Windows 11 Taskbar Size, how it can be customized and the benefits of a smaller Windows 11 Taskbar Size! So, let us get going.
Reason Why Windows 11 Taskbar Size Is Smaller Now
Now that you have already noticed that the windows 11 taskbar size is smaller than all the previous generation of operating systems from the tech giant, Microsoft. Let us tell you the reasons why it became important to reduce the Taskbar size in Windows 11.
More Screen Area
The simple point is that a smaller Windows 11 Taskbar size will be able to make more room for the content on your screens. It did take a little long for Microsoft, but they finally did realise that most users in the current diaspora have larger screens on their laptops and desktop computers, mostly because the users want to take advantage of that space by displaying more content.
This could be achieved by simply declining the amount of screen space the taskbar was taking. Now the Windows 11 user gets to acquire a higher screen real estate to work with, which can help increase productivity as well as make it more convenient to enjoy using the computer’s different resources.
Taskbar For Touch-enabled Devices
In the current era, touch-enabled devices are in everyone’s hands. More and more laptops are getting touch-enabled screens these days. Which is why another reason behind the smaller Taskbar size in Windows 11 was to make it easier to use on touch-enabled devices.
This is why the latest update to the Microsoft Operating System range comes with a smaller taskbar size which allows users to work seamlessly on both traditional desktops and laptops, as well as on touch-enabled devices such as tablets and 2-in-1 laptops. With the reduction in taskbar size, the operating system becomes much easier for users to interact with it using touch, without accidentally activating the wrong icon or button.
Benefits Of Smaller Windows 11 Taskbar Size
While there are several benefits to the Windows 11 small taskbar. After using Windows 11 for more than a year, we have concluded some of the main advantages of a smaller Windows 11 taskbar size.
Less Clutter
The smaller Taskbar size in Windows 11 directly decreases the clutter on the desktop. All of us know how the previous versions of Windows looked with a Taskbar that took up a significant amount of space on the screen.
The last generation taskbar made the screen cramped and cluttered, which was extremely distracting and more than that declined productivity for many users. That’s why with a smaller Taskbar in Windows 11, there is less visual clutter, which can exponentially increase work productivity and users’ focus.
Improved Touch Support
As we had mentioned in the previous section, the smaller Windows 11 taskbar size is designed specifically to work better on devices with touch-enabled screens. Now with the latest upgrade, users with touchscreen laptops or desktops can even use a stylus to interact with the taskbar conveniently without repeatedly accidentally touching the wrong button or icon.
Customization Options
With the upgrade in Windows 11 Taskbar size, there are tons of customization options introduced by Microsoft that are now available for users to not only improve the looks of the screen but also increase productivity.
Users can now choose to show or hide certain icons, change the colour of their taskbar, and even increase or decrease the size of the icons and buttons. Technically, Microsoft has given the key to personalising the looks in the hands of each user.
Not able to Fix the “No Internet, Secured” Error on Windows 10? Read this blog to learn the quick fix!
Customizing Taskbar in Windows 11
In this section, we have mentioned some of the best customization options and a brief guide on how to do it for users in Windows 11.
Change the Icon Size
To change the size of the icons on your Windows 11 Taskbar, all you have to do is right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar and from the drop-down menu, select “Taskbar settings.” Under the “Taskbar appearance” section in the settings menu, you can choose the size of the icons.
Change the Taskbar Position
macOS has always offered its users the ability to change the taskbar position and even though Microsoft too did it, it never worked as seamlessly as it now does. Now you can move the Windows 11 small taskbar to the left, right, or top of the screen according to your preferences.
To change the taskbar’s position on the screen, again right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and then from the menu select “Taskbar settings.” Under the “Taskbar Behaviors” section in the dialogue box, users can choose any preferred position of the taskbar.
Show or Hide Icons
The best thing is that now users can also choose which icons are to be displayed on the Taskbar and which ones are not required. To show or hide icons on the taskbar, right-click on the Taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Under the “Notification Area” section, you can choose which icons are to be hidden and which are allowed to be shown on the taskbar.
Customize the Taskbar Color
We love this feature, and honestly speaking I have used this feature at least five times in the last five weeks. If you want to change the colour of your taskbar, it is fairly easy and straightforward to do.
All you have to do is right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and then select “Taskbar Settings.” From the “Personalization” section, you get to choose any colour you want your taskbar to be. These are not just primary options, you can even choose a custom colour from this option.
Tips For Increasing Productivity
Customize Taskbar Shortcuts
Windows is a GUI- Graphical User Interface, which allows users to access the applications using their icons and buttons.
On the Windows 11 small taskbar, you can now pin your favourite application icons and shortcuts on the taskbar itself which will provide you with much quicker access. To do so, simply right-click on the app or shortcut and from the drop-down menu select the “Pin to taskbar” option.
Snap Assist
Though snap assist is an old feature, its useability has been improved so much in Windows 11. Snap assist now allows users to quickly snap windows to the left or right side of the screen, like the multiple desktop feature on macOS.
This is extremely useful and comes in handy when users are comparing multiple documents side-by-side or when handling multiple projects in a different application at the same time. If you want to use snap assist, all you have to do is simply drag a window to the left or the right side of the screen, and the operating system will automatically resize it to fit half of the screen.
Taskbar Search
With the inclusion of a search bar in the Windows 11 taskbar, users can now quickly search for files, documents, apps, and settings. If you have ever used a macOS device, you will notice that it is quite similar to the spotlight search option that improves work efficiency to another level, if you are one of those users who keep forgetting their things every now and then.
If you want to know about all the Windows 11 Updates, go to this quick-read blog!