How to Show Windows 11 Taskbar on All Monitors
Using more than one screen helps you do more work at once. By default, Windows 11 may only show the taskbar on your main screen. Enabling the Windows 11 taskbar multiple monitors feature keeps your apps and start menu close by. You do not have to move your mouse to the main screen to switch tasks. This makes your workflow faster and more organized.
What happens when done?
Once you finish these steps, the taskbar will appear on every monitor you have connected. You can pin apps to specific screens, see which programs are open, and access the system tray from any display. This creates a consistent experience across your entire workspace.
Steps to enable the taskbar on all monitors
You can change these settings in the Windows 11 Settings app. No admin rights are needed.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click Personalization on the left menu.
- Select Taskbar from the list.
- Click Taskbar behaviors to open the menu.
- Check the box for Show my taskbar on all displays.
Advanced Configuration: Registry Editor
Warning: This step requires admin privileges. Modifying the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry first.
You can force this setting using the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Look for the value named MMTaskbarEnabled.
- Double-click it and set the value to 1 to enable it.
Troubleshooting: Why is the option greyed out?
If the Show my taskbar on all displays option is greyed out, your computer might not detect your secondary monitor correctly. First, press Windows key + P and ensure your display mode is set to Extend. If it is set to Duplicate, Windows will only show one taskbar. Also, ensure your graphics drivers are up to date via the Device Manager.
Summary
Configuring your Windows 11 taskbar multiple monitors setup is a great way to boost productivity. By using the standard settings menu, you can easily extend your taskbar across all screens. If you run into issues, check your display mode settings or use the registry editor for advanced control. For more details, visit the official Microsoft support documentation.” }
Does Windows 11 allow different taskbar settings for each monitor?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to control how apps appear on your taskbar. You can choose to show all open windows on all taskbars or only show windows on the taskbar where the app is currently open. You can find these options under the Taskbar behaviors section in the Personalization settings menu.
How do I pin apps to the taskbar on a specific monitor?
Windows 11 taskbar icons are generally mirrored across all displays. You cannot pin an app to only one specific monitor taskbar natively. However, you can manage which apps appear on the taskbar by adjusting the Taskbar behaviors settings to show only the apps currently open on that specific display.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
Hello,
This does not work if you have selected “Automatically hide the taskbar”. I prefer to have the task bar hidden whilst I work, but with my extended display, I cannot “unhide” my taskbar now, I have to return to the Main display to access the task bar.
Thank you,
Zaira
Same. this method did not work on my end so I decided to leave the auto hide task bar option unchecked
i can’t choose this option on my pc.
How do we have the System tray on both monitors or move it to a secondary monitor
I had that option on, and the past few days the bottom of my documents hide under the task bar only on my second display. I loose the function then to scroll etc. So I had to turn it off. It worked fine for the past few months my computer upgraded to 11, but now it’s been a huge issue.
Any tips or fixes?
Thank you,
This. Windows 11 is just broken here. Do you also have the issue when you maximize the window on the second display, the whole taskbar disappears? I’ve been trying to find a solution for days now. Win10 didn’t have this issue.