You can reduce the confusion in the Windows 11 taskbar by customizing the taskbar icon, using the toolbar, or adjusting the taskbar behavior. 1. Right-click the app and select "Unpin from taskbar" to remove infrequently used applications; 2. Turn off search and task views in taskbar settings to reduce occupation; 3. Use the overflow menu to store partial icons; 4. Create a custom toolbar or enable the quick launch toolbar to centrally manage common tools; 5. Set search to "Icon Only" or "Hide", enable small taskbar buttons, or use multi-row taskbar to optimize space utilization. These methods can effectively improve taskbar layout without relying on third-party tools.
The Windows 11 taskbar can get pretty cluttered, especially if you've got a bunch of apps pinned or running. It's not just messy — it makes things harder to find and use. The good news is, there are several practical ways to fix it without feeling like you're losing access to what you need.

Customize Which Icons Show Up
One of the easiest fixes is to just control what appears on the taskbar in the first place. A lot of people don't realize that not every icon has to be there.
- Unpin unnecessary apps : Right-click on any app icon in the taskbar and choose “Unpin from taskbar.” This is especially helpful for apps you rarely use but have pinned just in case.
- Turn off search and task view : If you don't use the search bar or the task view button (which shows all your open windows), you can hide them. Right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings > toggle off “Search” or “Task view.”
- Use the overflow menu : Windows hides some icons in a small menu (it looks like a caret “^”) on the far right. You can drag icons into or out of this area through the Taskbar settings under “Search, task view, taskbar widgets, and more.”
This helps reduce visual noise without completely removing functionality.

Use Taskbar Groups or Toolbars (If You're Okay with Tweaking)
If you're comfortable with a bit of customization, grouping similar tools together can save space.
- Create a toolbar : You can create a custom toolbar that sits on the taskbar and give you quick access to folders or tools. Right-click the taskbar > Toolbars > New toolbar , then pick a folder (like one with your most-used utilities or scripts). It adds a dropdown menu that keeps things tucked away but accessible.
- Use Quick Launch (advanced) : This is a bit more old-school, but still works. You can enable the Quick Launch toolbar and pin only your most essential shortcuts there.
This method is great if you want to keep things off the main taskbar but still within reach.

Adjust Taskbar Behavior and Size
Sometimes the issue isn't what's on the taskbar, but how it's displayed.
- Make sure it's not set to "Search" mode : If you're using the full-width search widget, that eats up space fast. Go to Taskbar settings and set search to "Icon only" or "Hidden."
- Enable small taskbar buttons : If you're not using large icons, this can free up a surprising amount of room. It's under Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors > Use small taskbar buttons.
- Use multiple rows (optional) : If you really need more space and don't mind a slightly taller taskbar, you can unlock it, drag the edge up to add a second row, and rearrange things vertically.
These tweaks don't remove icons but make better use of the space you have.
That's about it. You don't need to do all of these — just pick one or two that fit how you use your PC. Most of the overflow problem comes down to what's showing and how it's arranged, and Windows gives you enough control to fix it without third-party tools.
The above is the detailed content of Fixing Windows 11 taskbar overflowing with icons. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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