Windows 11 could soon get macOS-like resizable taskbar icons: Check details

Microsoft is reportedly testing icons capable of shrinking depending on the number of applications opened by a user or the number of minimised windows

Microsoft, Microsoft corp, Windows, Bill gates
The Microsoft Corp. logo. The company is increasing its cybersecurity staff. Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
Aashish Kumar Shrivastava New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : Apr 04 2025 | 2:10 PM IST
Microsoft is reportedly planning to change the size of taskbar icons in Windows 11. According to a report by The Verge, Microsoft is testing resizable taskbar icons on Windows 11, which would be able to shrink as users continue to open more apps or remain at a smaller size permanently. These new trials are reportedly available under the latest Insider Preview Beta. This function is quite similar to macOS, where users have seen icons on the dock getting smaller as they open more applications or minimise more windows.
 
The report stated that for users in the beta programme, they can choose between various options under Show smaller taskbar buttons by going to Taskbar settings and then clicking on Taskbar behaviours. The options that users can choose from are - Always, Never, or When taskbar is full.  ALSO READ | Air India partners with Apple to enable AirTag-based lost baggage tracking
 
If someone chooses the third option, then it will scale down icons so that they all fit and are not hidden in the second menu.
 
According to the report, the latest update also includes changes to the Start menu. The new layout is reportedly larger and offers users the option to hide the recommended recent apps section, allowing for a full view of all installed applications on the same screen. 
  Microsoft has also reportedly acknowledged that users installing this Insider Build may temporarily lose access to the battery charge status icons that were introduced earlier in January. However, according to the report, the company has said that these icons will return in a future update for Insider users.
 
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

Topics :Windows 11MicrosoftMicrosoft Window

First Published: Apr 04 2025 | 2:10 PM IST

Next Story