How to Customize Windows 11 Taskbar Settings
You can customize your Windows 11 taskbar settings to improve workflow and personalize your PC. The taskbar is the horizontal bar typically located at the bottom of your screen, providing quick access to applications, the Start menu, and system notifications.
This guide shows you how to change its appearance and behavior, like aligning icons to the left or center, or even hiding it automatically. For instance, Windows 11 defaults to centering taskbar icons, a change from Windows 10’s left alignment.
Tailoring these settings helps you find what you need faster and reduces visual clutter, making your computing experience more efficient and enjoyable.
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
You can control how apps appear on your taskbar. This is great for keeping your workspace organized.
- 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 (or notification area) is on the bottom right. It shows your clock, volume, and background apps. You can choose which icons appear here to keep your taskbar tidy.
- 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
Note: This step requires admin privileges. Be careful, as changing registry files can affect your system.
You can force specific behaviors using the Registry Editor. Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named TaskbarGlomLevel. Set the value to 0, 1, or 2 to control button grouping.
Summary
Customizing your Windows 11 taskbar settings allows you to create a personalized desktop environment. By adjusting alignment, hiding unnecessary icons, and managing how buttons group, you can improve your workflow. Use the Settings app for standard changes or the Registry for advanced control. Always remember to back up your system before editing the registry.” }
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 does not have a simple slider to change taskbar height. However, you can change the overall system scaling in Settings under System > Display > Scale. Changing this percentage will adjust the size of the taskbar and all other UI elements on your screen.
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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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