If you’re a Windows 10 user, you’re likely familiar with the taskbar thumbnail preview feature. This feature displays a preview of an application’s window when you hover over its icon on the taskbar. It can be a handy way to quickly check which windows are open and switch between them.
However, the default size of the taskbar thumbnail preview may not always be ideal for everyone. If the thumbnail previews are too small, you may not be able to see enough detail to quickly identify which window you need to switch to. On the other hand, if the thumbnail previews are too large, they may take up too much space on your screen and make it harder to use your computer efficiently.
Fortunately, Windows 10 allows you to resize the taskbar thumbnail preview to your preferred size. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to resize the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10. We will also cover some common issues and troubleshooting tips, as well as alternative methods to resize the taskbar thumbnail preview.
Steps to Resize Taskbar Thumbnail Preview on Windows 10
To resize the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10, you will need to make some changes in the Windows Registry Editor. Here are the steps to follow:
Open Windows Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” into the box and hit Enter. This will open the Windows Registry Editor.
Navigate to the appropriate key
Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. You can do this by expanding the folders in the left-hand pane of the Registry Editor.
Create a new DWORD value
Right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane of the Registry Editor and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value “MinThumbSizePx” (without the quotes).
Modify the value data
Double-click on the “MinThumbSizePx” value you just created. In the “Value data” box, enter the desired size of the taskbar thumbnail preview in pixels. The default value is 116. You can increase or decrease this value to resize the thumbnail preview as desired. Once you have entered the new value, click OK to save it.
Restart the Windows Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click on it, and select Restart. This will restart the Windows Explorer process and apply the changes you made in the Registry Editor.
And that’s it! You have successfully resized the taskbar thumbnail preview on your Windows 10 computer.
Note: Be careful when making changes in the Registry Editor, as making incorrect changes can cause serious problems with your computer. Make sure you follow the steps carefully and back up your registry before making any changes.
While resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, there may be some issues you encounter along the way. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:
- Issue 1: The Registry Editor is not working
If you are having trouble accessing the Registry Editor, make sure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes. You may need to run the Registry Editor as an administrator.
- Issue 2: The value data is not changing
If you have followed the steps to modify the “MinThumbSizePx” value, but the thumbnail preview size is not changing, try restarting your computer. This will ensure that the changes are properly applied.
- Issue 3: The Windows Explorer is not restarting
If you are unable to restart the Windows Explorer process, try logging out of your account and logging back in. This will also restart the Windows Explorer process and apply the changes you made in the Registry Editor.
If you are still having trouble resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview, there are alternative methods you can try. We will cover these in the next section of this blog post.
Alternative Methods to Resize Taskbar Thumbnail Preview on Windows 10
If you are having trouble resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview using the Registry Editor, or you would simply prefer an alternative method, there are other options available to you. Here are two alternative methods you can try:
Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software applications available that can help you resize the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10. One such application is called TaskbarX, which allows you to customize the taskbar by resizing and repositioning the taskbar icons and thumbnail previews. It also offers additional customization options such as changing the color and opacity of the taskbar. Other similar applications include 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and TranslucentTB.
Windows Taskbar Settings
Windows 10 also offers some built-in settings that can help you resize the taskbar thumbnail preview. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings”.
- Scroll down to the “Combine taskbar buttons” section and select “Never”.
- This will display all open windows as separate icons on the taskbar, which will allow you to resize each thumbnail preview individually.
- While these alternative methods may not offer as much customization as the Registry Editor method, they can still be effective in helping you resize the taskbar thumbnail preview to your preferred size.
In conclusion, resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10 can be a useful way to improve your productivity and make it easier to switch between open windows. While the Registry Editor method is the most direct way to accomplish this, there are alternative methods available if you encounter any issues or prefer a simpler approach. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to resize the taskbar thumbnail preview to your desired size and optimize your Windows 10 experience.
Best Practices for Resizing Taskbar Thumbnail Preview on Windows 10
While resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10 can be a useful customization, it’s important to keep in mind some best practices to ensure that your computer runs smoothly and without any issues. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview:
Be careful when making changes in the Registry Editor
As mentioned earlier, the Registry Editor is a powerful tool that should be used with caution. Make sure to back up your registry before making any changes, and only make changes if you are confident in what you are doing.
Choose a reasonable thumbnail size
While it may be tempting to make the taskbar thumbnail previews as large as possible, this can take up valuable screen space and may make it harder to navigate between open windows. Choose a reasonable size that allows you to see what you need to see without taking up too much space.
Keep your computer up to date
Regularly updating your computer can help to ensure that it runs smoothly and without any issues. Make sure to install any updates that are available for Windows 10 and your other software applications.
Use reputable third-party software
If you decide to use third-party software to resize the taskbar thumbnail preview, make sure to choose a reputable application from a trusted source. Do your research to make sure that the software is safe and reliable.
Restart Windows Explorer if necessary
If you have made changes to the Registry Editor or taskbar settings, you may need to restart the Windows Explorer process for the changes to take effect. If you encounter any issues, try restarting Windows Explorer before attempting any other troubleshooting steps.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that resizing the taskbar thumbnail preview on Windows 10 is a smooth and trouble-free experience.