Windows Vista uses large icons by default in the start menu, and it hides the setting for small icons pretty well. No matter, we’ve located it. (Thankfully Windows 7 is a bit easier)

Changing in Windows 7

Simply right-click on the start menu orb button, choose Properties, then check the box for Use Small Icons on the Taskbar tab:

Changing in Windows Vista

Right click on the start button, and select Properties:

Then click the Customize button:

Now scroll down all the way to the bottom. You should see a checkbox for Use large icons, which you’ll want to uncheck:

Ahh, much better, especially if you pin your favorites to the start menu:

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Lowell is the founder and CEO of How-To Geek. He’s been running the show since creating the site back in 2006. Over the last decade, Lowell has personally written more than 1000 articles which have been viewed by over 250 million people. Prior to starting How-To Geek, Lowell spent 15 years working in IT doing consulting, cybersecurity, database management, and programming work.
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