How to Make Icons Smaller on the Desktop in XP

Many computer users keep a large amount of icons on their desktop, but the default icon size in Windows XP only allows for so many icons to be placed in one area. Icons frequently (without the knowledge of how to decrease the size of them) become cluttered and difficult to keep organized. Knowing how to make them smaller can prevent frustration when trying to maintain some order with your icons.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Right click on an open area of your desktop. Make sure you are not over an icon when you click. Select "Properties" from the menu that pops up. This will open your Display Appearance window.

2. Select the "Appearance" tab in the window that opens up. Click "Advanced" when under the "Appearance" tab. This will open your Advanced Appearance settings window.

3. 
    

   Select "Icon" from the drop-down menu labeled "Item." The image shown here is an example of the correct selection. It will allow you to change the Windows icon size. It should also open a font settings area.

4. Set your desired size for your icons. The default size should be 32. For smaller icons, decrease this number. Small changes in size can be seen by changing this number only one or two digits.

5. Click "OK" at the bottom of the window and close the Advanced Display settings window. Click "Apply" on the Display Settings window to see your changes applied without closing the Display Settings window. Repeat steps 2 through 4 if the desired size has not been reached.

6. Click "OK" at the bottom of the Display Settings Window when completed. Rearrange icons if necessary or desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the font as well as the size for better legibility of text below your icons.
• This process will rearrange your icons, so note their placements if you want them back where they were.