Windows 11 Taskbar Customization: Move It Left for Better Workflow

Are you interested to customize your Windows experience? One of the simplest but most impactful changes you can make is to move the entire taskbar to the left side of the screen in Windows 11.

Whether you’re a long-time Windows user accustomed to this layout or simply looking for a more efficient workspace, this guide will walk you through quick and easy steps to reposition your taskbar.

Moreover, not only will this give your desktop a fresh look, but it can also improve your productivity by aligning with your workflow preferences.

Here is a quick step guide to change taskbar location to left in Windows 11:

• First, open Settings in Windows 11.

• Next, click Personalization.

• Then, select Taskbar button.

• After that, under Taskbar Behaviors, choose the Left option to align icons to the left side in the taskbar alignment settings

Furthermore, by moving the taskbar to the left, you not only revitalize the appearance of your desktop but also potentially unlock several benefits.

Additionally, this change can lead to faster access to frequently used apps, less eye movement while browsing, and a more organized virtual environment that aligns with the natural reading patterns of many users.

This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you step-by-step through the process of repositioning your taskbar, ensuring a hassle-free transition.

How to move taskbar to left in Windows 11 ?

Customizing your workspace in Windows 11 can make a big difference to your daily computing experience. If you’re looking to change things up, follow below mentioned steps to move taskbar location on screen to left corner in Windows 11:

Using Task bar settings

• Open Taskbar Settings: Firstly, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings menu from the context menu.

• Access Taskbar Behaviors: Secondly, in the “Taskbar Settings” window, scroll down to find the “Taskbar Behaviors” section.

• Change the taskbar alignment: Finally, click taskbar alignment dropdown menu next to “Taskbar Alignment” and select “Left.” Your taskbar icons will immediately move to the left side of your screen.

Note: Additionally, remember that the Registry edit method may not work on the latest versions of Windows 11, so using Taskbar Settings menu is the safest and most reliable approach.

Also Check: How to map a network in Windows 11 ?

How to move Windows 11 taskbar to left using Windows Registry ?

As we discussed above that registry edit method will not work in latest Windows 11 because modifying the registry is generally not recommended for everyday tasks in Windows, and Microsoft often removes support for these registry hacks in newer and latest versions.

Watch the video first and then follow the steps mentioned below, including adjusting taskbar appearance, to move the taskbar to the left in Windows 11.

However, you can use registry trick with older versions of Windows 11. If you have an older version of the Windows 11 OS, then follow the steps mentioned below to move the taskbar to the left.

• Firstly, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Secondly, type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.

• Then, navigate to the following route: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

• After that, look for the value named TaskbarAl in the list on the right.

• Subsequently, right click on TaskbarAl and select Modify.

• Furthermore, in the Value information box, enter the hexadecimal value 0 for a left-aligned taskbar.

• After that, click OK to save your changes.

• Finally, restart your PC to apply the changes.

Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can cause system problems if done incorrectly. It is recommended that you create a registry backup before making any changes to the Registry.

Also Check: How to factory reset Windows 11 ?

How to move taskbar vertical in windows 11 ?

Unfortunately, there’s no built-in way to move the taskbar vertically in Windows 11 as of April 3, 2024. Here’s the breakdown:

Official Methods: Microsoft currently doesn’t offer an option to move the taskbar vertically through Settings or other official means.

Registry Hacks: Modifying the registry for this purpose might not work in recent Windows 11 versions. It’s generally not recommended due to potential security risks and system instability.

Alternatives

Third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher or Start11 to customize the position of the taskbar items. These tools can allow you to position the taskbar style on the top or sides of the screen, effectively allowing for vertical alignment. Remember to proceed with caution and at your own risk when using third-party software to modify system settings.

Also Check: How to install Realtek Audio driver for Windows 11 ?

Why can’t I move the taskbar to the left using the registry editor on Windows 11 ?

There are two main reasons why moving the taskbar to the left using the registry editor does not work in Windows 11:

Design change

Firstly, Microsoft intentionally removed the ability to move the taskbar to the left or other locations in Windows 11. This is a design decision and they redesigned the taskbar for the bottom position.

Security and functionality

Secondly, editing the registry can be risky. IDoing this could cause unexpected issues and make your computer less stable. Consequently, by removing functionality through the registry, Microsoft aims to create a more secure and stable user experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Previous versions of Windows: Initially, in previous versions of Windows, modifying the registry allowed users to move the taskbar.

Windows 11 change: However,Microsoft decided to optimize the taskbar experience in Windows 11, removing the left location option or other locations.

Focus on stability: As a result, by removing the registry hack option, Microsoft reduces the risk of users accidentally causing problems with their system.

Alternatives

While you can’t move the taskbar to the left in Windows 11, there are still ways to customize it:

Taskbar settings: You can adjust the size, auto-hide behavior, and alignment (center or left) of the icons within the taskbar.

Conclusion

While it is no longer possible to move the taskbar to the left side in the latest versions of Windows 11 due to design changes and security considerations, you can still customize your workspace to your preferences.

Firstly, take advantage of Taskbar Settings to adjust the size, auto-hide behavior, and alignment of icons within the taskbar.

Additionally, although the registry hack method may work on older versions of Windows 11, it is advisable to stick to the safer Taskbar Settings option.

Finally, embrace the new taskbar design and explore alternative customizations to create an efficient, visually appealing computing environment tailored to your workflow.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)