How to Change the Windows Taskbar Position: 2 Easy Methods

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Easily adjust taskbar placement and alignment on Windows 11 and 10

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: July 24, 2024 Fact Checked

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Windows 11

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Windows 10

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Tips

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Warnings

Did you know that the taskbar on Windows 10 and lower can be at the top, left, or right of the screen? Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn't allow you to move the taskbar completely, but you can align the text to the left or center. Here, we will cover how to change the position of the taskbar in Windows 10, as well as instructions on how to align the taskbar to the left or center on Windows 11.

Move the Taskbar in Windows: Fast Steps

While you can't change the taskbar position in Windows 11, you can change the text and icon alignment. On Windows 10, right-click the taskbar, select "Taskbar Settings," then select the top, left, right, or bottom of your screen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Windows 11

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While you cannot move the taskbar in Windows 11, you can align the text, Windows menu, and icons to appear to the left or centered. To open Taskbar Settings, right-click an empty area on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
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The taskbar will remain at the bottom of your screen, but the icons and buttons will shift to the left or in the center based on your choice.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Windows 10

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1
Right-click a blank section of the taskbar. A menu with tools to customize the desktop will open.
- If you can't see the taskbar, this wikiHow guide will teach you how to get it back.
Towards the bottom of the menu, you will see an option to "Lock the taskbar". Make sure this option is unchecked before proceeding to the next step.^{[1]
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^{[2]
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^{[3]
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Once you select an option, the taskbar will change its position immediately.^{[4]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I move my task bar to the bottom of the screen?

Community Answer

Left click the task bar. Then click on "lock the task bar". If you couldn't move it before, it was locked. If you click it again, it will become unlocked. One way to check is that if the box is checked or unchecked. After you've done that, you move the task bar to which ever side of the screen you want.

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Question

The search, web, and Windows bar at the bottom of screen is covering the print button on the print screen. What can I do to fix this?

Community Answer

The easiest thing to do would be to drag the task bar up or to the side.

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Question

The task bar is below the level of the screen. How can I bring it into view?

Community Answer

Most of the time you have to tweak your resolution or hover your mouse cursor at the bottom of the screen to get it back.

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You can alternately click and drag the taskbar to the desired location in Windows 8 and 10.

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Warnings

Moving the taskbar may change the position of your desktop icons and shortcuts. You may need to rearrange them manually if they appear out of place.

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In the early days of Windows 11, users had workarounds like changing the values in the Registry to move the taskbar, but those methods no longer work.

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