Windows 7 taskbar doesn't show text in application buttons, it only show their icons. On the other hand previous Windows versions used to show icon as well as text in all application's taskbar buttons.
Actually Windows 7 new iconized taskbar feature looks good and it also saves space in taskbar area. If you want to have the same feature in Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, 2008, etc, then you can get it after following a few simple and easy steps.
Before applying this tutorial:

After applying this tutorial:
![]()
So here are the steps to follow:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
2. In right-side pane, create a new String value MinWidth and set its value to -255

3. That's it. Log off or restart your system and get ready to have iconized taskbar in your system.
4. To restore default taskbar behavior, delete the MinWidth String value and log off or restart your system.
PS: If you want a ready-made registry script which can do the task automatically, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the Install.reg file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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VG
^^ Although its not possible but you can increase the height by increasing value of "Caption Buttons" in Desktop Properties. Set it to 35.
PS: It'll also increase the titlebar buttons and system tray icons size.
besnath
thanks to the replie i have tested but it's not very beautifull so the only way it's to make a new picture in the theme with each estates more heighter than the original.
nikoPSK
Can you make the icons larger? I hope an application that does the function of Aero Peek comes for Vista soon.
M4573R
Cool, thank you VG!
Amirz
Thx VG, very cool as always!
TSR-Pr
This is awesome! Great work!
Also, you know if you make the taskbar large in XP?
(I mean, unlock the taskbar, right-click on the Quick Launch bar, and choose View and Large Icons) Will the taskbar buttons become large as well?
Thanks anyway!
TSR-Pr.deviantART.com
leon424
How to return it normal again please help
VG
^^ Please refer to Point 4. Delete the "MinWidth" String value.
Kai
@VG I think you should make a reg hack for that. it'll be more simple to remove it. =p some people can delete the wrong things without knowing it sometimes. xD great post by the way. =p
ΝІИ
I'm using Windows Vista SP1
when I go to WindowMetrics it doesn't show me MinWidth, How come it doesent appear to be there??? can anyone help me''