How to Customize Windows 11 Taskbar Settings
Windows 11 taskbar settings let you adjust how the bar at the bottom of your screen looks and behaves.
The taskbar is that bar across your screen holding your apps, the Start button, and notifications. It’s a key part of how you use Windows.
You can easily move the taskbar icons back to the left side, where they were in Windows 10, instead of the default centered look in Windows 11. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference for many.
Beyond alignment, you can also tell the taskbar to hide itself automatically when you’re not using it, saving screen space. You can even pick which small icons, like for sound or battery life, appear on the taskbar.
Adjust taskbar alignment by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, then select Left or Center for Taskbar alignment. You can also hide or show taskbar items like Search and Widgets from this same menu.
Taskbar Alignment: Left vs. Center
By default, Windows 11 centers your taskbar icons. If you prefer the classic look, you can move them to the left.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Taskbar.
- Click Taskbar behaviors.
- Find Taskbar alignment and choose Left or Center.
Managing Taskbar Behaviors and Buttons
Control how your Windows 11 taskbar buttons behave, like whether they group together or show labels, directly from the settings. To adjust these Windows 11 taskbar settings, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. From there, select Taskbar behaviors to change how your icons combine or display labels.
- Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Select Taskbar behaviors.
- Always: Icons are grouped together to save space.
- When taskbar is full: Icons group only when you have many apps open.
- Never: Each window shows its own label, making it easy to see every open app.
System Tray and Notification Area
The system tray, found on the bottom right, shows your clock and background apps running in Windows 11.
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Click Other system tray icons to toggle specific apps on or off.
- Use the System tray icons menu to hide or show the volume, network, or input indicators.
Widgets and Search Customization
You can hide the Search, Widgets, or Chat buttons if you do not use them. This frees up space on your taskbar.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Under Taskbar items, toggle the switches for Search, Widgets, and Chat to Off.
Advanced Registry Tweaks
For deeper customization of your Windows 11 taskbar settings beyond what the regular menus offer, you can use the Registry Editor. This advanced tool lets you make specific changes, but requires administrator access and careful handling. To begin, press ⊞ Win+R, type ‘regedit’, and hit Enter. This opens the Registry Editor for making these Windows 11 taskbar settings.
You can force specific behaviors using the Registry Editor. Press ⊞ Win+R on your keyboard, type ‘regedit’ to open the Registry Editor (a tool for making advanced system changes), and press Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named `TaskbarSi`. Set its value to 0, 1, or 2 to control button grouping.
Summary
Customizing Windows 11 taskbar settings helps you make your computer feel like your own.
How do I move the taskbar to the top or sides in 🪟 Windows 11?
Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 11 does not natively support moving the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. The taskbar is locked to the bottom position by design to ensure the stability of the new interface and the Start menu layout.
Can I change the size of the taskbar in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 lacks a direct slider for taskbar height. Instead, adjust the overall system scaling under Settings > Display > Scale. This percentage change affects the taskbar and all other on-screen elements.
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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.
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