How to Change Desktop Icon Spacing in Windows 11/10

Back in the days of Windows 7, you could quickly change the default icon spacing for the desktop by visiting the operating system’s Appearance and Personalization settings page. This option is, however, missing in newer Windows versions.

If you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, this article will show you how to change desktop icon spacing either by tweaking the system registry or by relying on third-party desktop customization software.

Important: Make a Backup of the System Registry

Changing the desktop icon spacing in Windows 11 and Windows 10 involves editing the system registry. However, incorrectly modifying it can result in serious issues, so we recommend that you back it up before proceeding.

For comprehensive step-by-step instructions, check out this guide tobacking up and restoring the Windows registry.

Modify the Registry to Change Desktop Icon Spacing

You can modify the horizontal and vertical desktop spacing in Windows 11 and 10 by changing the values of the two relevant entries within the system registry. The steps below should help you locate and edit them.

PressWindows+Rto open theRunbox.
Typeregeditand pressEnter.
On the Registry Editor window, copy and paste

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetricsinto the Registry Editor’s address bar and pressEnter.

You should find the two registry entries that impact the default desktop icon spacing to the right of the window:

The default value is –1125for both entries, while the range can be between –480to –2730.

Note:Increasing the value decreases spacingas the values are negativewhile lowering it increases the spacing.

Make changes to one or both keys and selectOKto save your changes.

For example, the screenshot below shows the horizontal desktop icon spacing after modifying theIconSpacingregistry entry with a value of-2000.

Note:Changing the horizontal spacing also impacts the bounding areas of icons. That affects the way text appears underneath them.

Additionally, the screenshot below shows the vertical desktop icon spacing with theIconVerticalSpacingset to-2000.

Important:To update the Windows 11 or 10 desktop with the changes, you must sign out and back into your user account or restart your computer.

If you want to revert the changes, simply re-open the Registry Editor and set theIconSpacingandIconVerticalSpacingkeys to-1125.

Use Third-Party Desktop Customization Software

If you’d rather not poke around the system registry in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can use third-party desktop customization apps to modify the default desktop icon spacing.Desktop Icon SpacingandDesktopOKare two free programs that can help you with that.

Desktop Icon Spacing is lightweight and easy to use and enables changing the default desktop icon spacing on Windows.

Afterdownloading the app, just run the executable file and use the sliders next toHorizontalandVerticalto modify the icon spacing as needed. Then, check the boxes next toAll data savedandAll other windows closedand selectApply. That prompts File Explorer to restart automatically, and your changes shall reflect right away.

If you want to roll them back, open theAdvancedmenu and selectSet Default.

DesktopOK is another app that not only lets you change the default icon spacing on your Windows desktop but also offers a slew of additional options, including adjusting icon sizes, fonts, saving icon layouts by screen resolution, and so on.

After downloading DesktopOK, extract it and run the executable file. On the DesktopOK window that shows up, open theToolsmenu and selectWindows Metrics.

On the Windows Metrics window, use the sliders next toHorizontal SpacingandVertical Spacingto make the required changes to icon spacing. The changes should apply immediately. If they don’t, selectRestart Explorerto force-restart File Explorer.

Select theDefaultbutton next to the two sliders if you want to switch back to the default spacing.

Set Your Preferred Desktop Icon Spacing Easily

The instructions above should’ve helped you set the desktop spacing in Windows 11 and Windows 10 just the way you like. As a reminder, messing around the registry can cause issues, so remember to back it up before making additional changes. If you want to play it safe, use one of the two apps above instead.

What’s Next?

Now that you know how to change desktop icon spacing in Windows 10 or 11, what’s next?

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Change Desktop Icon Spacing in Windows 11/10#

Important: Make a Backup of the System Registry#

Modify the Registry to Change Desktop Icon Spacing#

Use Third-Party Desktop Customization Software#

Set Your Preferred Desktop Icon Spacing Easily#

What’s Next?#

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