The taskbar is one of the most frequently used parts of Windows 11. It gives you quick access to the Start menu, pinned apps, running programs, system notifications, and essential controls such as Wi-Fi, sound, battery, and the clock. Microsoft redesigned the taskbar in Windows 11 with centered icons, a simplified layout, and a cleaner appearance. While some customization options from previous Windows versions have changed, Windows 11 still provides several ways to personalize the taskbar to suit your preferences.
Whether you want to move the Start button alignment, pin your favorite apps, hide unwanted icons, change taskbar behaviors, or customize the notification area, Windows 11 includes built-in settings to help you create a more productive workspace. You can also use advanced options to manage multiple displays, control system tray icons, and improve the overall desktop experience.
This guide explains the best ways to customize the taskbar in Windows 11 using built-in settings and features.
Why Customize the Taskbar?
Personalizing the taskbar can improve both productivity and convenience.
Some benefits include:
- Quickly access frequently used apps.
- Reduce taskbar clutter.
- Personalize the desktop appearance.
- Improve workflow.
- Hide unnecessary system icons.
- Customize multiple monitor behavior.
- Manage notification icons.
- Make navigation faster and more efficient.
The right taskbar setup depends on how you use your computer, whether for work, gaming, studying, or everyday tasks.
Method 1: Open Taskbar Settings
Most taskbar customization options are available in the Settings app.
To open Taskbar settings:
- Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
Alternatively:
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click Taskbar.
This page contains all the primary options for customizing the taskbar.
Method 2: Change Taskbar Alignment
Windows 11 centers taskbar icons by default, but you can move them to the left.
To change the alignment:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Locate Taskbar alignment.
- Choose either:
- Center
- Left
Many users who upgraded from Windows 10 prefer the left alignment because it feels more familiar, while others enjoy the modern centered layout introduced in Windows 11.
Method 3: Pin or Unpin Apps
Pinning applications keeps your favorite programs within easy reach.
To pin an app:
- Open the Start menu.
- Search for the application.
- Right-click it.
- Select Pin to taskbar.
To unpin an app:
- Right-click its taskbar icon.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
Pinned apps remain on the taskbar even when they aren’t running, making them easy to launch with a single click.
Method 4: Show or Hide Taskbar Items
Windows 11 allows you to control which built-in buttons appear on the taskbar.
To manage them:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Under Taskbar items, turn the following options on or off as needed:
- Search
- Task View
- Widgets
- Copilot (if available)
- Chat (on supported versions)
Hiding buttons you don’t use creates a cleaner taskbar and frees up additional space.
Method 5: Customize the System Tray Icons
The notification area contains background applications and system services.
To customize it:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Expand Other system tray icons.
- Turn individual app icons on or off.
Windows automatically hides less frequently used icons, but you can choose which ones always remain visible.
Keeping only important icons visible makes the system tray easier to manage.
Method 6: Customize the Taskbar Corner Icons
Taskbar corner icons include essential system controls.
To manage them:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar corner icons.
- Enable or disable supported features such as:
- Pen menu
- Touch keyboard
- Virtual touchpad
The available options depend on your hardware and Windows edition.
For example, the Touch Keyboard button is especially useful on touchscreen devices.
Method 7: Change Taskbar Behaviors
Windows 11 offers several options that control how the taskbar behaves.
To access them:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
You can customize options such as:
- Automatically hide the taskbar.
- Show badges on taskbar apps.
- Show flashing notifications.
- Display the taskbar on multiple monitors.
- Show the desktop when selecting the far corner of the taskbar.
These settings allow you to tailor the taskbar to match your workflow and screen setup.
Method 8: Customize the Taskbar on Multiple Monitors
If you use more than one display, Windows 11 lets you choose how the taskbar appears.
To configure it:
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Enable Show my taskbar on all displays if desired.
You can also choose whether open app buttons appear on:
- All taskbars
- The main taskbar only
- The taskbar where the window is open
These options make it easier to manage applications across multiple monitors.
Method 9: Change the Taskbar Color
Although this doesn’t directly modify the taskbar layout, changing its color helps personalize the desktop.
To customize the taskbar color:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Colors.
- Choose Dark mode or Custom mode.
- Enable Show accent color on Start and taskbar.
- Select your preferred accent color.
The taskbar adopts the selected color, giving your desktop a more personalized appearance.
Method 10: Lock in Your Preferred Layout
Once you’ve customized the taskbar, take a few moments to review your settings.
Consider:
- Keeping only frequently used apps pinned.
- Removing unnecessary icons.
- Choosing the alignment you prefer.
- Enabling automatic hiding if you need more screen space.
- Organizing apps into a logical order.
You can rearrange pinned apps simply by dragging them to a new position on the taskbar. Keeping your most-used applications together helps improve productivity and makes launching programs faster.
Conclusion
Windows 11 provides a variety of built-in options for customizing the taskbar, allowing you to create a desktop experience that matches your workflow and personal preferences. From changing the taskbar alignment and pinning favorite apps to managing system tray icons, adjusting taskbar behaviors, and personalizing colors, these settings help you organize your workspace more efficiently.
For most users, the Taskbar settings page is the central location for making these changes. Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist layout or quick access to many applications and system tools, taking a few minutes to customize the taskbar can make navigating Windows 11 faster, more convenient, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top or sides of the screen?
No. Windows 11 officially supports only the bottom taskbar. Moving it to the top or sides isn’t available through built-in settings.
2. How do I move the Start button to the left?
Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, then change Taskbar alignment to Left.
3. Can I remove Widgets and Search from the taskbar?
Yes. Open Taskbar settings and turn off the corresponding options under Taskbar items.
4. Can I make the taskbar automatically hide?
Yes. Open Taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors, and enable Automatically hide the taskbar.
