Move the Windows 11 Taskbar to the Left

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated December 20, 2021)

1

With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced some new changes. One of the most significant and most noticeable changes is how the Taskbar behaves. Previous iterations of the Windows operating system have the Start menu displayed to the left of the Taskbar. With the Start menu to the left, Windows 10 would display app icons to the right, starting next to the Start menu. Windows 11 has moved the Start menu to the center of the Taskbar, with app icons still placed to the right of the Start menu.

For many, this new look is acceptable. For others, this new updated look is not so welcome. If you prefer to have the Start menu back to the left, Windows 11 has a simple way to make this change.

  1. Right-click any empty space in the Taskbar. A small pop-up appears with a single option: Taskbar Settings.
  2. Click on Taskbar Settings. This opens the Taskbar portion of the Personalization section of the Settings window.
  3. Under Taskbar Behaviors, click on the drop-down list next to Taskbar Alignment.
  4. Choose either Center or Left, depending on your preference.
  5. Close the Settings window. Your change takes effect immediately.

With this simple change, you can modify the Taskbar from its new default centered setting to the previous style, left-aligned.

 This tip (12709) applies to Windows 11.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Finding Large Files

Large files can quickly take up valuable space on your hard drive. In this tip you discover how to easily search for ...

Discover More

Monitoring Data Usage

With Windows 10 you can easily see how your data is being used. Even if you are not on a metered data plan, it can be ...

Discover More

Listing Folder and Directory Content Using Command Prompt

Using Command Prompt to generate file listing the contents of a directory is quick and easy. Here's how to do it.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding the Notification Area

The Notification Area is located at the right side of the taskbar. It represents an active area of information for ...

Discover More

Understanding the Start Menu

When you want to start using Windows for real, you'll typically need to go through the Start menu to do it. This tip ...

Discover More

Adding a Toolbar to the Taskbar

Normally the taskbar is used to display icons for currently running programs on your system. Here's how you can go beyond ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four minus 0?

2021-12-22 16:18:04

Hawkmeister

Evidently there are registry hacks that can be applied which do work to MOVE the taskbar to the TOP of the screen.

BUT one can't move the taskbar to the left or right side of the screen, as users have been able to do since iirc windows xp.

For me, given the aspect ration of newer monitors, I'd like more useable VERTICAL space, so I like/prefer to have the taskbar to one side of the screen. I'll concede that Windows 11 is prettier, and has streamlined a lot of functionality (File Explorer etec) I'll not be adopting Windows 11 on *any* of my systems until I can dock the taskbar to the side.

- And most of my systems don't support TPM 2.0 so the point is moot.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.