Windows 7: Taskbar - Use Small or Large Icons

   Information

This will show you how to set the Windows 7 taskbar to display with either small or large icons.

   Tip

Microsoft has made available a hotfix that will resolve a problem where the taskbar customizations are lost and reset to defaults when automatic logon is enabled in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. More details are available at FIX: The Taskbar is reset to the default settings when you use the "Automatically Log On" feature in Windows 7 and in Windows Server 2008 R2.

OPTION ONE

Through Taskbar Properties

1. Right click on a empty space on the taskbar and click on Properties.

2. To Use Small Icons on the Taskbar

A) Check the Use small icons box. (see screenshot below step 3A)

B) Go to step 4.

3. To Use Large Icons on the Taskbar

A) Uncheck the Use small icons box. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This is the default setting.

4. Click on OK. (See screenshot above)

OPTION TWO

Using a REG file Download

1. To Use Small Icons on the Taskbar

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Small_Icons_for_Taskbar.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Use Large Icons on the Taskbar

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
NOTE: This is the default setting.

Large_Icons_for_Taskbar.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION THREE

Manually in Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

4. In the right pane of Advanced, right click on TaskbarSmallIcons and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)

5. To Use Large Icons on the Taskbar

A) Type 0 (number zero), and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This is the default setting.

B) Go to step 7.

6. To Use Small Icons on the Taskbar

A) Type 1, and click on OK. (see screenshot above)

7. Close regedit.

8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.