Ways to Customize the Taskbar in Windows 11

Ways to Customize the Taskbar in Windows 11

The taskbar in Windows 11 is one of the most noticeable changes compared to previous versions of Windows. Microsoft redesigned it with a centered layout, streamlined icons, and a more modern appearance. While many users enjoy the refreshed look, others prefer more customization options to make it fit their personal workflow. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows several ways to change and personalize the taskbar, from repositioning icons to adjusting size and behavior.

In this guide, we will explore how you can change and customize the Windows 11 taskbar step by step.

Taskbar Alignment: Center or Left

By default, Windows 11 centers taskbar icons, similar to macOS or ChromeOS. If you prefer the traditional look with icons aligned to the left, you can easily adjust this:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors.

3. Find the option Taskbar alignment and choose Left instead of Center.

This simple change can restore a familiar look for longtime Windows users.

Pin and Unpin Apps from the Taskbar

Customizing which apps appear on the taskbar makes your workflow faster:

• Pin an app: Open the app, right-click its icon in the taskbar, and select Pin to taskbar.

• Unpin an app: Right-click the app’s taskbar icon and choose Unpin from taskbar.

Pinned apps remain on the taskbar even after you close them, giving you quick access whenever you need them.

Resize the Taskbar

Windows 11 doesn’t provide a direct setting for resizing the taskbar, but you can adjust it using the Registry Editor:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. Right-click in the right pane and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named TaskbarSi.

4. Assign one of these values:

   • 0 = Small taskbar

   • 1 = Medium taskbar (default)

   • 2 = Large taskbar

5. Restart Windows Explorer or your PC for changes to take effect.

This tweak allows you to make the taskbar icons smaller to save space or larger for easier clicking.

Move the Taskbar to a Different Screen (for Multi-Monitor Setups)

If you use more than one monitor, you can adjust where the taskbar appears:

1. Open Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.

3. Under Show my taskbar on all displays, check the box if you want it visible everywhere.

4. You can also choose whether taskbar buttons appear on the main taskbar, all taskbars, or only the taskbar where the window is open.

This helps maintain a clean and organized workflow across multiple monitors.

Change Taskbar Color and Transparency

Personalization options in Windows 11 allow you to modify the taskbar’s color and transparency:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Personalization > Colors.

3. Enable Transparency effects for a glass-like look.

4. Scroll down to Show accent color on Start and taskbar and toggle it on.

You can choose an accent color that matches your wallpaper or theme for a cohesive look.

Hide or Show System Icons

Windows 11 taskbar includes system icons like the clock, volume, and network. You can choose which ones appear:

1. Open Taskbar settings.

2. Under Taskbar corner icons, toggle system icons such as Pen menu, Touch keyboard, or Virtual touchpad.

3. Under Taskbar corner overflow, decide which icons appear directly on the taskbar and which stay hidden in the overflow menu.

This keeps your taskbar uncluttered and focused only on the icons you need.

Automatically Hide the Taskbar

For a cleaner desktop or more screen space, you can set the taskbar to hide automatically:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors.

3. Check Automatically hide the taskbar.

The taskbar will disappear when not in use and reappear when you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen.

Add or Remove Widgets

Windows 11 introduced a Widgets button on the taskbar, offering quick access to weather, news, and calendar updates. If you don’t use it, you can remove it:

1. Open Taskbar settings.

2. Under Taskbar items, toggle Widgets on or off.

You can do the same for other items like Search, Task view, and Chat.

Restore Classic Start Menu and Taskbar Features

Some users prefer the classic Windows 10 style taskbar and Start menu. While Windows 11 does not natively support full rollback, third-party apps like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher can restore classic features. These tools allow you to:

• Move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen.

• Bring back the classic right-click menu.

• Revert to a Windows 10-like Start menu.

Although these require third-party software, they provide deeper customization options than Windows 11 alone.

Troubleshooting Taskbar Issues

Sometimes, taskbar customizations may not work as expected. Common fixes include:

• Restarting Windows Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart.

• Checking for updates: Ensure your system is updated, as Microsoft frequently releases fixes for taskbar-related bugs.

• Resetting personalization settings: If customizations cause issues, you can reset colors, alignment, or size settings back to default.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 taskbar is both modern and functional, but it also offers plenty of customization options to suit your preferences. Whether you want to realign icons, resize the taskbar, change colors, or hide unused features, Windows provides built-in settings and advanced tweaks for personalization. For even more flexibility, third-party tools can help restore classic functionality.

By learning how to change the Windows 11 taskbar, you can create a setup that feels comfortable, efficient, and visually appealing—perfectly tailored to the way you use your PC every day.