Locking and Unlocking the Taskbar

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 18, 2019)

Most of the time, you'll work on your computer with the Taskbar locked. When it is locked, it cannot be moved or resized by mistake. There are times, however, when you want to unlock it—obviously to move or resize it.

Start by right-clicking an empty spot on the Taskbar. On the resulting Context menu, you can either select or de-select the Lock the Taskbar option. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Locking and unlocking the taskbar.

If a check mark appears next to the Lock the Taskbar option, then the Taskbar is currently locked. If the check mark is missing, then the Taskbar is unlocked.

 This tip (12554) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding Regional Settings

Microsoft Windows is "globally friendly." By this I mean that regardless of where you are in the world, you can easily ...

Discover More

Using Flip 3D

Flip 3D is an Aero feature that allows you to cycle through your active windows in three dimensions. Because they are ...

Discover More

Displaying the Home Button in Microsoft Edge

By default, Microsoft Edge does not display a Home button on its toolbar. If you like having the Home button visible, ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adding the Day of the Week to the Taskbar Clock

Sometimes it is helpful to know the day of the week. How do you get the taskbar clock to show the day of the week?

Discover More

Launching Your Favorite Apps Using the Windows Key

You can use a lesser-known shortcut to launch your favorite apps. Using the Windows key along with a number key can open ...

Discover More

Moving the Taskbar to a Different Edge of the Screen

The Taskbar is normally displayed along the bottom edge of the screen. Windows gives you the flexibility to decide where ...

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 eight more than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.