Windows 7: Start Menu - Use Small or Large Icons

   Information

This will show you how to set the Windows 7 Start Menu to display with either small or large icons in it's pin to area.

OPTION ONE

Use Customize Start Menu Settings

1. Right click on a Start button and click on Properties.

2. Click on the Customize button. (see screenshot below)

3. To Use Small Icons in the Start Menu

A) Uncheck the Use large icons box. (see screenshot below step 4A)

B) Go to step 5.

4. To Use Large Icons in the Start Menu

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

5. Click on OK. (see screenshot above)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below step 2)

OPTION TWO

Using a REG File Download

1. To Use Small Icons in the Start Menu

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

Use_Small_Icons_in_Start_Menu.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Use Large Icons in the Start Menu

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

Use_Large_Icons_in_Start_Menu.reg

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

4. Right click 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 Through 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)

Code:

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

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

5. To Use Small Icons in the Start Menu

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 Large Icons in the Start Menu

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.