Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the left is a simple process. All you need to do is right-click on the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and then choose the Taskbar behaviors section. From there, you can select "Left" from the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu, and voila! Your taskbar will now be on the left side of your screen.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Move Windows 11 Taskbar to Left
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to move your taskbar to the left. Maybe you’re left-handed, or perhaps you want to mimic the layout of another operating system you’re used to. Whatever the reason, here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
Right-click anywhere on an empty spot on your taskbar. This will open up a menu with various options.
When you right-click on the taskbar, make sure you’re not clicking on any icons or open application previews. You want to click on a blank space so that you get the correct menu options.
Step 2: Select Taskbar Settings
From the menu that appears, click on "Taskbar settings." This will open up the settings window, where you can modify different aspects of your taskbar.
The Taskbar settings option is usually located towards the bottom of the menu. If you don’t see it, make sure you’ve right-clicked on an empty spot on the taskbar.
Step 3: Choose Taskbar Behaviors section
In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down until you find the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
The Taskbar behaviors section contains several options that allow you to customize how your taskbar works and looks.
Step 4: Select "Left" from the Taskbar Alignment dropdown menu
In the Taskbar behaviors section, click on the dropdown menu next to "Taskbar alignment" and select "Left."
By choosing "Left," you’re instructing Windows 11 to move your taskbar from its default bottom position to the left side of your screen.
After you’ve completed these steps, your taskbar will now appear on the left side of your screen. This change will be immediate, and you can start using your taskbar from its new position right away.
Tips on How to Move Windows 11 Taskbar to Left
- If you’re not a fan of the left-aligned taskbar, you can always move it back to the bottom by following the same steps and selecting "Bottom" instead of "Left."
- Remember that moving your taskbar can affect how you interact with your system, so give it some time to get used to the new position.
- If you use multiple monitors, you might want to move the taskbar to the left on all of them for consistency.
- Consider the size of your taskbar icons and the taskbar itself, as moving it to the side might make it look different.
- Experiment with different taskbar alignments to find the one that works best for you and your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the taskbar to the right side of the screen?
Yes, you can move the taskbar to the right side by selecting "Right" from the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu instead of "Left."
Will moving the taskbar affect my open applications?
No, moving the taskbar will not affect your open applications. They will adjust to the new taskbar position automatically.
Can I move the taskbar to the top of the screen?
Yes, you can also move the taskbar to the top of the screen by selecting "Top" from the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu.
What if I don’t see the "Taskbar settings" option when I right-click?
Make sure you’re right-clicking on an empty spot on the taskbar. If you’re clicking on an icon or a preview, you won’t see the correct menu.
Can I customize the taskbar further after moving it to the left?
Absolutely! You can change the size of the taskbar, the color, and even decide whether you want it to hide automatically when not in use.
Summary
- Right-click on the Taskbar
- Select Taskbar Settings
- Choose Taskbar Behaviors section
- Select "Left" from the Taskbar Alignment dropdown menu
Conclusion
Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the left might seem like a small change, but it can significantly impact how you navigate and interact with your desktop. Whether you’re looking to switch things up or optimize your workflow, adjusting the taskbar’s position is a simple and effective way to tailor your computing experience to your needs.
Remember, the beauty of Windows 11 is in its customizability. Don’t be afraid to play around with different taskbar settings until you find the perfect setup. And if you ever find yourself wanting to revert to the original layout or try something new, the steps outlined above can be easily followed to make those changes.
So go ahead, give your taskbar a new home on the left side of your screen, and see how it transforms your user experience. Happy customizing!
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.