By default, the Windows taskbar is only a ’single line’ high. For lightweight users, this is typically ok, but if you have lots of items in your System Tray or you like to make use of Quick Launch, then you will find yourself with not much room for open programs. A simple solution is to increase the height of your taskbar.

By increasing the height, not only do you gain more room for open programs, but you will find the System Tray and Quick Launch icons now take up only half the space (because they can now be stacked). This gives you more room to either add more items to Quick Launch or use that extra space for more open programs. Additionally, if you have the clock displayed, you will be able to see the date and/or the day of the week (depending) as well. Overall for the small amount of space you ‘lose’ on your desktop, this adjustment is well worth it.

Here is how to make the change:

1. Right-click on some empty space in your System Tray and if the ‘Lock the Taskbar’ option is checked, uncheck it.
2. Hover your mouse over the top of the taskbar and when the cursor changes to a double arrow, click and drag it until the height is where you would like it.
3. If you use Quick Launch, adjust the amount of space you allow, or add more items to it.
4. When finished, simply repeat step one except make sure you check the option to lock the taskbar.