how do i adjust my icon spacing on windows 11

James Potter 0 Reputation points
2025-12-29T16:00:04.75+00:00

I have not been able to use negative numbers in windows metrics for spacing pruposes

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Desktop
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  1. DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-29T16:34:27.0866667+00:00

    The default values for IconSpacing and VerticalIconSpacing is -1128 are you unable to set those values in the registry?

    1

    Click your Start Button, type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor

    Click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on

    Paste this into the Address Bar at the top and hit Enter

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

    Please provide a screenshot of that registry editor window.

    2

    Please highlight all icons on your Desktop and provide a screenshot of the icons on your Desktop indicating the problem you are experiencing with the icon spacing.

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  2. AI answer

    2025-12-29T16:01:06.7466667+00:00

    To adjust icon spacing on Windows 11, you can modify the icon spacing settings through the system settings or the registry. However, it's important to note that using negative numbers for spacing is not supported in Windows metrics. Here’s how you can adjust the icon spacing:

    1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.
    2. In the Scale and layout section, you can change the size of text, apps, and other items, which can affect how icons are displayed.
    3. For more specific adjustments, you can edit the registry:
      • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
      • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
      • Look for IconSpacing (horizontal spacing) and IconVerticalSpacing (vertical spacing). You can change these values to adjust the spacing, but ensure they are positive integers.
    4. After making changes, you may need to log out and log back in or restart your computer for the adjustments to take effect.

    Always be cautious when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can impact system performance. It's advisable to back up the registry before making any modifications.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  3. Horace Wiggins 535 Reputation points
    2026-09-30T13:54:43.4866667+00:00

    After I right click on my desktop and select View, I can select what I want my icons to do. See example images below.

    User's image

    This example image shows how mine are spaced.

    User's image

    Hope this helps you.

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