How to Adjust Icon Size on Windows 10 & 11

Desktop icons are useful, but not if they’re too small or too large. If your desktop icons aren’t the size you prefer, Windows includes a few methods for adjusting them, including using your mouse, keyboard, or a hidden desktop menu. This article details how to enlarge or reduce the icon size on your desktop, whichever you prefer. The directions work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Make Desktop Icons Smaller or Larger With the Menu

One way to reduce the icon size on the desktop (or make them larger) is through a context menu accessible directly on the desktop.

1. Right-click an empty space on the desktop (i.e., don’t select an icon).
2. Hover your mouse over the View menu item.
3. Choose Small icons to make desktop icons smaller, or pick Medium icons or Large icons for something bigger.

Change Icon Sizes Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are another way to adjust desktop icon sizes in Windows 11 and Windows 10. To do this, make sure you’re viewing the desktop, so all windows must be minimized. Select one of the icons or an empty area, then do one of the following:

• Ctrl+Shift+1:  Huge icons
• Ctrl+ Shift+2: Large icons
• Ctrl+Shift+3:  Medium icons (this is the default size)
• Ctrl+Shift+4:  Small icons

Use the Mouse to Quickly Reduce the Icon Size on the Desktop

Another simple way to resize your icons on Windows is with the mouse. You’ll recognize this technique if you’ve ever resized web pages with the mouse. Much like the last method, select something on the desktop to put it in focus. Then, hold Ctrl while you scroll up or scroll down to expand or reduce the icon size.

FAQ

Why are my desktop icons suddenly so big?

A program might have changed your screen resolution or the video card could be outdated or faulty. Alternatively, you might have accidentally triggered an icon size change using one of the methods above.

How do you hide desktop icons on Windows?

Right-click an empty area of the desktop. When the appears, go to View > Show desktop icons. Repeat the action to hide them again.

How do I reduce icon space on my desktop?

To make more room on your desktop, put icons in a folder or open the desktop menu and go to View > Auto arrange icons so they stick together.

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Ganiu Abdurahman

Ganiu is an astute technical writer with a special interest in gaming and Cryptocurrency. He is a PlayStation enthusiast whose passion lies in writing problem-solving articles.

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