One of the biggest design changes in Windows 11 is the centered taskbar icons. While it gives a fresh look, many users prefer the classic left-aligned taskbar they’ve used in older versions of Windows. If you’re one of them, the good news is—you can still move the taskbar to the left.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to move the taskbar icons to the left in Windows 11, and also explain what options are available for full taskbar customization.
Why Move the Taskbar to the Left?
Here’s why users often switch back to the left-aligned taskbar:
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Familiarity: Matches the classic Windows look.
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Productivity: Easier to locate apps if you’re used to the left-aligned layout.
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Multi-screen users: Keeps consistency across multiple monitors.
Method 1: Move Taskbar Icons to the Left via Settings
Windows 11 makes it simple to left-align the icons without needing third-party tools.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
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In the left sidebar, click Personalization.
Step 3: Go to Taskbar Settings
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Scroll down and click Taskbar.
Step 4: Open Taskbar Behaviors
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Scroll down again and click Taskbar behaviors to expand the menu.
Step 5: Change Alignment
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Under Taskbar alignment, select Left instead of Center.
👉 Your taskbar icons will immediately shift to the left.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
If you want more control or if Settings doesn’t work, you can tweak the Registry.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when editing the Registry. Wrong changes can cause system issues.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Path
Step 3: Modify Taskbar Alignment
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Find the entry TaskbarAl (if it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD 32-bit Value).
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Set its value to:
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0 = Left
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1 = Center
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Step 4: Restart Explorer
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and choose Restart.
Can You Move the Entire Taskbar (Top/Side) in Windows 11?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 currently only supports bottom alignment of the taskbar. Unlike Windows 10, you cannot officially move it to the top, left, or right of the screen.
However, advanced tweaks or third-party apps like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher allow full repositioning.
Third-Party Tools for More Taskbar Control
If you want even more customization:
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StartAllBack – Lets you move the taskbar to the top, left, or right, and restores many Windows 10 features.
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ExplorerPatcher – Free tool to tweak taskbar and restore classic UI elements.
Benefits of Moving the Taskbar Left
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Restores the classic workflow.
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Makes navigation easier for long-time Windows users.
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Reduces accidental clicks by keeping apps in a fixed spot.
Final Thoughts
Moving the taskbar to the left in Windows 11 is quick and easy through Settings, and it helps bring back the classic Windows feel. While Microsoft doesn’t officially allow moving the taskbar to other sides of the screen, third-party apps can give you that flexibility.
So, if you prefer speed, familiarity, and a more traditional layout—shifting your taskbar icons left is a great choice.
FAQs
Q1: Can I move the taskbar to the top in Windows 11?
Not by default. You’ll need third-party tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher.
Q2: Does moving the taskbar affect performance?
No, it’s just a visual change and won’t slow down your PC.
Q3: Can I make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11?
Yes, but it requires Registry tweaks or third-party apps.
Q4: Will Microsoft allow full taskbar movement in future updates?
There are no official announcements yet, but user demand might bring it back.
Q5: Is it safe to use third-party apps for taskbar customization?
Yes, if you download from trusted sources. Always scan for malware before installing.