By default, Windows comes with a defined size of the icons of the desktop. But you can resize them in both ways: increase or decrease the size. Often, you need to decrease the size because Windows shows large icons.
Windows 7
Method 1: Using Desktop
1 Right click on Desktop
When you are on the Desktop, right click, then choose View, then select one of the available sizes: large, medium or small icons.

2 The result
As you can see, this is a fast way to change the size of the Desktop’s icons with a few clicks.

Method 2: Using mouse scroll
This method is better because you can choose a custom size for icons.
1 Select icons
Select all icons with your mouse. Left click and keep it pressed, then select all icons.

2 Release the left click
Then release the left click button of your mouse. The icons should remain selected, like in this image.

3 Resize icons
Then keep pressed the Ctrl key on your keyboard and in the same time scroll with the mouse wheel: up to increase the size and down to make the icons smaller.

The smallest size for icons using this method.

Method 3: Through Control Panel
This method is not very convenient because requires logoff/login in order to apply changes.
1 Go to Control Panel
2 Go to Appearance
Click on Appearance and Personalization.

3 Click on Display
4 Change the size
Then change the size of the icons by choosing one of the options: smaller (100% – the default one), medium (125% size) or larger (150% size).

5 Click Apply
Then click Apply.
You need to logoff and login in order to apply these changes.
You need to logoff and login in order to apply these changes.

Windows 8
Method 1: Mouse scroll
1 Hold Ctrl + mouse scroll
Click once anywhere on your desktop, then hold the Ctrl key and scroll with the mouse. Scroll forward to increase the size or scroll backward to make the icons smaller.


Method 2: Select a View mode
1 Right click on Desktop
Right click on your Desktop, then choose View.

2 Choose the new size
Choose between large, medium and small icons.
