Right-click an empty area of the desktop → go to View → select Small icons . This gives you three fixed sizes (Small, Medium, Large).
Here’s a concise review of the most common methods to make desktop icons smaller on Windows and macOS. On Windows (10 & 11) Method 1: Ctrl + Scroll Wheel (Easiest) Hold Ctrl on your keyboard and scroll down with your mouse wheel. Icons shrink instantly. This is the fastest method and works in real time. how to make icons on your desktop smaller
Right-click desktop → Display settings → Scale – but this affects all UI elements, not just icons. Not recommended if you only want smaller icons. On macOS Method 1: Ctrl + Scroll Wheel Click on the desktop to make Finder active, then hold Control and scroll down with your mouse wheel or trackpad (two-finger swipe down). Right-click an empty area of the desktop →