Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the left might seem like a small change, but it can greatly impact your workflow and productivity. In just a few simple steps, you can reposition your taskbar to suit your preferences better. Let’s dive into how you can accomplish this task efficiently and effortlessly.
How to Move Windows 11 Taskbar to Left
Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the left will make it look more like the classic Windows layout. This can be especially useful if you’re more comfortable with that setup or if you want to maximize your screen space. Follow these steps to reposition your taskbar:
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
First, you need to right-click on the taskbar itself to open the taskbar settings menu.
When you right-click on the taskbar, a menu will appear with several options. This is where you’ll access the taskbar settings.
Step 2: Click on Taskbar Settings
On the menu that pops up, find and click on the option labeled “Taskbar settings.”
This will open the Settings window, specifically focusing on the taskbar configurations. Here you will find various settings related to the taskbar’s appearance and behavior.
Step 3: Scroll Down to Taskbar Behaviors
In the taskbar settings window, scroll down until you find a section called “Taskbar behaviors.”
The “Taskbar behaviors” section contains options for customizing how your taskbar functions, including its alignment on the screen.
Step 4: Change Taskbar Alignment to Left
In the “Taskbar behaviors” section, locate the dropdown menu next to “Taskbar alignment.” Click on it and select “Left.”
By choosing “Left,” you’re telling Windows to align your taskbar icons to the left side of the screen, similar to how it was in previous versions of Windows.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
Once you’ve selected “Left,” the taskbar icons will automatically move to the left side of the screen. You can now close the Settings window.
After confirming this change, your taskbar will be aligned to the left, making it easier to access your pinned apps and open windows.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 11 taskbar will be positioned to the left side of the screen, resembling the classic Windows layout. This can improve your efficiency and make the desktop more familiar, especially if you’re transitioning from an older version of Windows.
Tips for Moving Windows 11 Taskbar to Left
Resetting to Default: If you ever want to revert the taskbar back to its original centered position, you can follow the same steps and select “Center” in the “Taskbar alignment” dropdown menu.
Customizing Icons: While you’re in the taskbar settings, take a moment to customize which system icons appear on the taskbar, as this can further improve your workflow.
Hiding the Taskbar: You can also choose to automatically hide the taskbar when it’s not in use by toggling the “Automatically hide the taskbar” option in the same settings window.
Taskbar Size: If you find the taskbar too large or too small, you can change its size under the “Taskbar behaviors” section by selecting the “Taskbar size” dropdown.
Shortcut Keys: Familiarize yourself with Windows shortcut keys like
Win + Tto quickly navigate the taskbar items, improving your productivity even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the taskbar to the default position?
To reset the taskbar to its default centered position, follow the same steps but select “Center” instead of “Left” in the “Taskbar alignment” dropdown menu.
Can I move the taskbar to the top or right side?
Currently, Windows 11 does not support moving the taskbar to the top or right side of the screen. It can only be aligned to the left or center.
Will moving the taskbar delete my pinned apps?
No, moving the taskbar to the left will not delete your pinned apps. They will remain pinned and just shift to the left side.
Can I change the taskbar color?
Yes, you can customize the taskbar color by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors, and then selecting your desired color.
Is it possible to make the taskbar transparent?
Yes, you can enable transparency effects by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and toggling the “Transparency effects” option.
Summary
- Right-click on the Taskbar.
- Click on Taskbar Settings.
- Scroll Down to Taskbar Behaviors.
- Change Taskbar Alignment to Left.
- Confirm the Change.
Conclusion
Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the left is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your desktop experience. By following the simple steps outlined, you can quickly make this adjustment and enjoy a more familiar or functional layout. Remember, customization is key to making your computer work best for you, so don’t hesitate to tweak other settings while you’re at it.
Feel free to explore additional personalization options in the Settings menu to further enhance your user experience. If you run into any issues or have other questions, there are plenty of online resources and communities ready to help.
By taking control of these small but impactful settings, you’re making your digital workspace truly your own. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.