How to Move the Taskbar in Windows 10 (and Back to the Bottom)

To move the taskbar in Windows 10, right-click an empty part of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar location on screen, choose Bottom, Top, Left, or Right. The taskbar moves right away. Windows 11 handles this in a different place, next to the setting described in how to change the taskbar size in Windows 11.

To put it back where it started, choose Bottom.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Move the taskbar in Taskbar settings

1. Right-click an empty part of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Or go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
2. Scroll to Taskbar location on screen.
3. Choose Bottom, Top, Left, or Right.

Drag the taskbar to another edge

1. Right-click an empty part of the taskbar. If Lock the taskbar has a check mark, select it to unlock.
2. Drag an empty part of the taskbar to the bottom, top, left, or right edge of the screen.
3. Right-click the taskbar again and select Lock the taskbar so it stays put.

Move it with the keyboard

There isn’t a single shortcut that moves the taskbar. You can do it all with the keyboard, though:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Type taskbar and press Enter to open Taskbar settings.
3. Press Tab until you reach Taskbar location on screen, then use the arrow keys to pick Bottom and press Enter.

Move the taskbar on two monitors

In Taskbar settings, under Multiple displays, you can show the taskbar on all displays. To choose which screen has the main taskbar, set that screen as your main display in Settings > System > Display > Make this my main display.

If the taskbar keeps moving

• It moves when you click it: turn on Lock the taskbar.
• It disappears: Automatically hide the taskbar may be on. See how to get the taskbar back on Windows 10.
• The setting is grayed out: on a work or school PC, your organization may control the taskbar.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my taskbar move to the side?

Usually because it was unlocked and got dragged by accident. Move it back and lock it.

Can I make the taskbar smaller when it’s at the side?

Yes. Turn on Use small taskbar buttons in Taskbar settings.

Can I hide the taskbar instead?

Yes. See how to hide the taskbar in Windows 10.

To make the taskbar bigger or smaller, see how to change the taskbar size in Windows 10.

To show or hide the weather on the taskbar, see how to show or hide weather on the taskbar in Windows 10.

To pin, resize, or rearrange tiles, see how to change the Start menu in Windows 10.

To keep the taskbar at the bottom but put the icons in the middle, see how to center taskbar icons in Windows 10.

Microsoft’s guide is Customize the taskbar in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

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