How to Put the Taskbar on the Left in Windows 11

The Windows taskbar has a very clear purpose. The Start button opens the main menu that leads to any location on your computer. The taskbar also features the System Tray bar with all the shortcuts to your most frequently used apps.

If you’ve recently upgraded from Windows 10 to 11, you’ve noticed that the taskbar’s default position is at the bottom but with the central alignment.

This is a deviation from all previous versions of Windows and might not be something you like or want to use. However, the good news is that Windows 11 gives the option to align the taskbar to the left.

How to Move Taskbar to Left in Windows 11

If you’re not happy with the default placement of the Windows 11 taskbar, you can easily move it to the left side. It’s an incredibly straightforward process. All you need to do is follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the empty space on the taskbar.
   
2. Select “Taskbar settings” from the menu (it’s the only option on the menu.)
   
3. A new window will launch. Scroll down to the “Taskbar behaviors” section.
   
4. Expand the section and select the “Taskbar alignment” option.
   
5. Select “Left” from the menu.
   

Your taskbar will automatically move from the center to the left.

Note that you can adjust the toolbar placement by going through the “Settings” from the Start menu. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Start menu and select “Settings.”
   
2. Select “Personalization” from the left-side pane.
   
3. Click “Taskbar screen.”
   
4. Select “Taskbar behaviors,” followed by “Taskbar alignment.”
   
5. Choose “Left” and exit “Settings.”
   

Again, the taskbar will move instantly, and you can continue using it as usual. Keep in mind that you can always reverse this setting by choosing “Center” instead of “Left” from the “Taskbar behaviors.”

How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11

Even if you’ve put the taskbar where you want it to be, you might not want to use it all the time. If you only want to see the taskbar when you have to click on it, it’s best to hide it.

The taskbar will still be there but stay “invisible.” It will pop up from the bottom of the screen when you hover the cursor over it or press the Win key on your keyboard.

This can be a convenient solution if you’re using a smaller screen laptop and need all the desktop space you can get.

Here’s how you can hide the taskbar in Windows 11:

1. Navigate the cursor to the empty space on the taskbar and right-click.
   
2. Select “Taskbar settings.”
   
3. Under “Taskbar behavior,” check the “Automatically hide the taskbar” box.
   

Your desktop space will expand as the taskbar becomes hidden. If you decide that this feature is no longer necessary, simply uncheck the “Automatically hide the taskbar” box.

How to Pin Taskbar Apps in Windows 11

A well-organized desktop offers many benefits. Aside from having an easier time finding what you’re looking for, it can positively impact overall productivity.

Choosing which Windows 11 apps to pin to the taskbar can save time and make you more efficient. Here’s how to pin an app to your taskbar in Windows 11:

1. Click the Start button and select the “All Apps” option.
   
2. Right-click on the app you want to pin.
   
3. Select “Pin to taskbar” from the menu.
   

Alternatively, you can right-click on the app desktop shortcut and select “Pin to taskbar.” Either way. The pinned app will appear on the taskbar instantly, and you can quickly launch it.

Additional FAQs

Can you move the taskbar to the right in Windows 11?

The quick answer is no, you can’t. Again, this might be somewhat confusing to new Windows 11 users, especially if they’ve been using Windows 10.

The developers have overhauled the taskbar in the latest Windows version. In the process, they have removed the option to move the Windows taskbar at the top of the screen or place it horizontally to the left or right side.

In Windows 11, the taskbar can be at the bottom of the screen. You can only change the alignment from center to left and vice versa.

Can you rearrange pinned taskbar apps in Windows 11?

Yes, you can. While the Windows 11 taskbar changes are substantial, this straightforward option has remained. You can click and drag any app from the taskbar and rearrange it to your preference.

Can you change the color of the taskbar in Windows 11?

Indeed, you can. These options are located in the “Personalization” section in the main “Settings” menu. From there, follow these two steps:

1. Scroll down until you find the “Colors” tile and select the “Accent color” option.

2. Check the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” box.

By doing this, your taskbar will adjust to the color of your Windows 11 theme.

Managing Windows 11 Taskbar With Ease

Moving the taskbar on the left side in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. There are only two taskbar alignment options, at least for now.

However, you can utilize other taskbar settings and ensure it works to your advantage. Choosing which apps to pin to the taskbar and how to arrange them is an important endeavor for every Windows user.

But also, you can hide the taskbar if you need more desktop space and change its color for more customization.

If any option was available, where would you place the Windows 11 taskbar? Let us know in the comments section below.