Microsoft has introduced a new taskbar size setting in Windows 11, now available in experimental preview builds 26300.8758.
It provides users with the proper option to make not just the icons but the entire taskbar smaller. 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 when using small icons.
What changes and other changes in build 26300.8758
Earlier Insider builds introduced the option to “show small taskbar buttons”, but this setting only reduced the size of the icons.
The height of the taskbar remained the same. The new dedicated taskbar size toggle solves this by providing an actual size option. Microsoft announced in the release notes of the build:
“Taskbar customization is now easier. As we continue to improve the taskbar experience outlined last month, we’ve added a dedicated taskbar size setting to make it easier to find, understand, and personalize your ideal taskbar.”
The transitions between different taskbar sizes have also been improved to create a smoother overall experience. The update includes several additional improvements:
file Explorer:
- Thumbnails for cloud files now preview more reliably in the details pane
- The Details pane has been reorganized to make it easier to find and review file properties.
- Fixed an issue where OneDrive shortcuts stopped working when running File Explorer as administrator
- The recycle bin bug mentioned earlier has been fixed. Previously, the confirmation dialog when permanently deleting a file showed an internal file name instead of the original
Sounds:
- System sound improved when using Windows in dark mode
Other:
- Xbox Mode has been renamed to XBOX Mode, a change noted in this build
The Recycle Bin fix confirms Microsoft’s earlier acknowledgment of bugs that exist since the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update. This 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, Windows 11’s taskbar has been the subject of controversy, particularly because Microsoft removed features available in Windows 10, such as the ability to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen.
Starting this year, Windows Insiders have been able to move the taskbar freely. The introduction of proper size control addresses another common concern.
Overall, these updates provide a level of taskbar flexibility that Windows 10 users have had for years, but that Windows 11 previously lacked.
What does this mean for Windows 11 users
For users who prefer a more compact interface or use a smaller screen, being able to minimize the taskbar can free up valuable screen space.
Currently, this setting is only available in the experimental channel, so most users will have to wait until they reach stable Windows 11 builds via a future update.
If you want to try out this feature now, you can join the Windows Insider Program and switch to the experimental channel through Settings, Windows Update, and Windows Insider Program. Keep in mind that testing pre-release builds may cause stability issues and is generally only recommended 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 that this option will be included in a future monthly update for all Windows 11 users.
The change reflects Microsoft’s broader pattern of responding to users’ feedback on Windows 11 design and functionality, including recent decisions like canceling AI-powered history search in Edge, expanding Windows Update pause options, and adding a toggle to disable Bing web results in Windows Search.
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