Moving the taskbar back to the bottom of your screen in Windows is a simple process. Right-click an empty space on the taskbar, ensure “Lock the taskbar” is deselected, click and drag the taskbar to the bottom of the screen, then right-click and reselect “Lock the taskbar.” That’s all there is to it!
Once you’ve moved the taskbar to the bottom, it will stay there until you decide to move it again. This can help your workflow feel more natural if you’re used to having the taskbar at the bottom, and it can declutter your desktop space.
Introduction
Ah, the taskbar. That long, horizontal bar that sits snugly at the bottom of your screen—or at least, it’s supposed to. But what do you do when it decides to abscond to the side, or even the top of your display, throwing off your entire computing groove? Fret not, dear reader, for this is a fixable problem. Whether it was a misclick, a curious cat walking across the keyboard, or a mischievous sibling pranking you, the taskbar can end up in places you didn’t intend.
This article is for those of you who prefer the classic look of the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, where it’s been since the early days of Windows. It’s for anyone who’s opened their laptop and thought, “Wait a minute, something’s not right here.” It’s a simple tweak, but for those who spend hours staring at a computer screen, it can make a world of difference. So, let’s get that taskbar back to where it belongs!
Step by Step Tutorial to Move the Taskbar Back to the Bottom of the Screen in Windows
Before we dive into the steps, it’s worth noting that this process will give your desktop its familiar look back and may help improve your navigation and productivity.
Step 1: Right-Click the Taskbar
Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
When you right-click on the taskbar, a menu will appear. This is where you can access the taskbar settings.
Step 2: Ensure “Lock the taskbar” is Deselected
In the menu that appears, ensure that “Lock the taskbar” is deselected.
If “Lock the taskbar” is selected, you won’t be able to move it. It needs to be deselected so that you can freely move the taskbar to the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Click and Drag the Taskbar to the Bottom of the Screen
Click and hold the taskbar, then drag it to the bottom of your screen.
As you click and drag, you should see the taskbar move. If it’s not moving, make sure that you’ve correctly deselected “Lock the taskbar” in the previous step.
Step 4: Right-Click and Select “Lock the taskbar”
Once the taskbar is at the bottom, right-click it again and select “Lock the taskbar.”
Re-locking the taskbar ensures that it stays in place and doesn’t accidentally get moved again.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Familiarity | Moving the taskbar back to the bottom can make your computer feel more familiar and easier to navigate. |
| Screen Real Estate | It can free up vertical space on the screen, which is especially beneficial for widescreen monitors. |
| Workflow | It can improve your workflow by placing the taskbar in a more intuitive and accessible location. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accidental Clicks | You might accidentally click on taskbar items when using programs in full-screen mode. |
| Limited Space | The horizontal space on the bottom may limit the number of icons and programs you can pin to the taskbar. |
| Aesthetic Preference | Some users might prefer the look of the taskbar on the side or top of the screen. |
Additional Information
While the steps above are pretty straightforward, sometimes things might not go as planned. If you find that the taskbar isn’t dragging to the bottom, make sure you’re not in Tablet Mode, as the taskbar can behave differently in that setting. Additionally, if you’re using multiple displays, you might need to move the taskbar on the main display first before being able to adjust it on secondary ones.
Remember, the taskbar is a powerful tool in Windows. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Customizing it to your liking by pinning your most used apps, adjusting the size of the icons, and even auto-hiding it can streamline your workflow and provide a more personalized experience. So, while you’re down there moving the taskbar around, take a moment to fine-tune it to your liking!
Summary
- Right-click the taskbar and ensure “Lock the taskbar” is deselected.
- Click and drag the taskbar to the bottom of the screen.
- Right-click the taskbar and select “Lock the taskbar” to keep it in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the taskbar won’t move?
Ensure that “Lock the taskbar” is deselected and that you’re not in Tablet Mode. Also, check if you’re trying to move the taskbar on the main display.
Can I move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen?
Yes, you can. Follow the same steps, but drag the taskbar to the side or top of the screen instead.
Will moving the taskbar affect my open windows?
No, it won’t. Your open windows will adjust to the new position of the taskbar automatically.
Can I resize the taskbar?
Yes, you can make the taskbar thicker or thinner by clicking and dragging its edge when “Lock the taskbar” is deselected.
What if I change my mind?
You can always repeat the process to move the taskbar to a new position if you decide you don’t like it at the bottom.
Conclusion
Moving the taskbar back to the bottom of the screen in Windows is an easy adjustment that can have a significant impact on your computing experience. Not only does it bring back a sense of familiarity, but it also contributes to a more efficient workflow. Remember, customization is key to making your computer truly yours, so don’t be afraid to experiment with the taskbar’s position and settings to find what works best for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or a newcomer, mastering the taskbar is a small but mighty step in your tech-savvy journey.
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.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.