Windows 11 looks modern and clean, but one change that surprised many users is the taskbar position. In Windows 10, you could move the taskbar to the top, left, or right easily. But in Windows 11, Microsoft removed that built-in feature, and by default, the taskbar stays locked at the bottom of the screen.
Because of this, many users ask the same question: can you move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top or sides?
The short answer is: yes, but not with the normal Settings option (unless you only want left alignment). You can still move the taskbar using registry tricks or trusted third-party tools, but you need to know what works and what doesn’t, especially after recent Windows 11 updates.
In this guide, I will explain all working ways to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top or sides, what limitations you should expect, and the safest options for most users.
Can You Move the Taskbar in Windows 11 Without Any Tricks?
Windows 11 does allow one taskbar change officially:
You can move taskbar icons from center to left.
But Windows 11 does not officially allow:
Moving taskbar to the top
Moving taskbar to the left side
Moving taskbar to the right side
So if you want the taskbar on top or sides, you must use methods outside standard Settings.
Method 1: Change Taskbar Alignment to Left (Official and Safe)
If your goal is to make Windows feel more like Windows 10, you may only need left alignment instead of moving the entire bar.
Steps:
Right-click the taskbar
Click Taskbar settings
Scroll down and open Taskbar behaviors
Find Taskbar alignment
Select Left
This doesn’t move the taskbar itself, but it changes the icon position and gives a more classic look.
Method 2: Move Taskbar to the Top Using Registry Editor (Older Builds Only)
Many people still try the Registry method because it worked on some early Windows 11 versions. This method moves the taskbar to the top, but it has two important warnings:
It may not work on newer Windows 11 builds
Even if it works, it can cause UI bugs or broken taskbar behavior
You should use this method only if you understand the risks and are comfortable restoring settings.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R
Type regedit
Press Enter
Click Yes to allow it
Step 2: Go to the Taskbar Registry Location
Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3
Step 3: Modify the Settings Binary Value
Inside this folder, find Settings
Right-click and choose Modify
You will see a box with multiple values. You must find a specific row and change one number:
Look for the row that starts with 00000008
On that row, find the value 03
Change it to 01 for Top taskbar
Taskbar position values usually mean:
01 = Top
02 = Right
03 = Bottom (default)
00 = Left
Step 4: Restart Windows Explorer
After changing the value, restart Explorer:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer
Right-click it
Click Restart
If your system supports this change, your taskbar will move to the top after restart.
Important Note About This Method
On many updated Windows 11 versions, this may not work properly. In some cases:
Start menu may open in the wrong place
Taskbar icons may appear broken
Search or widgets may behave strangely
Taskbar may return to bottom after restart
If you face these problems, you should revert the change back to default.
Method 3: Move Taskbar to Top/Sides Using ExplorerPatcher (Most Popular Third-Party Option)
If the registry method doesn’t work for your Windows version, third-party tools are the most reliable choice. One of the most well-known tools is ExplorerPatcher.
It can help you:
Move taskbar to top
Move taskbar to left or right
Restore Windows 10 style taskbar
Adjust taskbar behavior and features
However, you must be careful because Windows updates can break third-party taskbar tools. If Microsoft releases a major update, you may need to update the tool again.
Why This Tool Works Better
Unlike the registry tweak, ExplorerPatcher modifies taskbar behavior more deeply, which can restore features Microsoft removed.
Safety Tip
Only download such tools from their official source. Avoid random websites because fake versions may contain malware.
If your taskbar breaks after using it, you can uninstall the tool to return Windows to normal.
Method 4: Move Taskbar with StartAllBack (Easiest Paid Option)
StartAllBack is another popular option. It is not free, but many users prefer it because it is simple, polished, and works well for taskbar customization.
With StartAllBack, you can:
Move taskbar to top
Change taskbar size
Restore classic taskbar design
Fix Windows 11 UI limitations
This is a good option if you don’t want to manually edit the registry and want an easy interface.
Method 5: Use Taskbar Replacement Apps (Alternative Approach)
Some users choose full taskbar replacement apps. These tools don’t just move the taskbar, they replace it with something new.
This can give you:
More taskbar control
Different layout styles
More customization
But taskbar replacement apps can also cause stability problems and may not be compatible with every Windows 11 update.
If your goal is just moving the taskbar, ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack are better options.
What Happens If You Move the Taskbar to the Sides in Windows 11?
Many users want the taskbar on the left or right side, especially for widescreen monitors. But Windows 11 was designed mainly for a horizontal taskbar, and vertical taskbars can be problematic.
Some limitations you may experience:
Taskbar icons may not align properly
System tray may look strange
Taskbar spacing might be incorrect
Some taskbar features may not work smoothly
Animations may not behave properly
That’s why the top taskbar is usually more stable than left/right, depending on the tool you use.
How to Revert Taskbar Back to Bottom (If Something Breaks)
If you moved the taskbar and now it looks buggy, you can revert easily.
Revert Registry Method
Go back to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3
Open the Settings value again
Change 01 back to 03
Restart Explorer
Revert Third-Party Tool Method
If you used ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack:
Open the app settings
Set taskbar position back to Bottom
Or uninstall the app to restore default behavior
Most third-party tools offer a recovery option if the taskbar becomes unusable.
Should You Move the Taskbar in Windows 11?
Moving the taskbar can improve your comfort, especially if you:
Prefer the top bar like old Windows versions
Have a very large monitor
Want easier access to pinned apps
Want a more productivity-friendly layout
But you should also consider these risks:
Major Windows updates may reset customizations
Third-party tools can cause temporary bugs
UI design in Windows 11 is optimized for bottom taskbar
If you want the safest experience, keep taskbar at bottom and only change alignment to left. If you want full customization, third-party tools are the best path.
Best Recommendation for Most Users
If you want the cleanest solution with minimum risk:
Use Taskbar alignment: Left (official method)
If you absolutely want taskbar at the top:
Try the registry tweak first (only if it works on your build)
If not, use ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack
This combination gives you the best chance of success without breaking important features.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 does not officially support moving the taskbar to the top or sides through Settings like Windows 10 did. However, it is still possible by using the registry trick or using trusted third-party customization tools. The registry method works on some older builds but may fail on newer updates. Third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack are more reliable, but they may need updates after major Windows releases.
If you want a safer option, simply align the taskbar icons to the left, which is officially supported and improves usability without risk.
