How to Move the Start Button in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 brought a fresh, modern design, but one of the biggest changes that caught users’ attention is the centered Start button on the taskbar. While many love this new macOS-like look, others prefer the traditional left-aligned Start button that has been around for decades in Windows.

The good news? Windows 11 gives you the flexibility to move the Start button easily without third-party tools. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to move the Start button in Windows 11 using different methods, including Settings, Registry tweaks, and third-party customization apps.

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📝 Quick Answer

• Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.

• Under Taskbar alignment, select Left to move the Start button back to its classic position.

• You can also use Registry Editor or third-party apps for advanced customization.

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Why Move the Start Button in Windows 11?

• Familiarity: Many users are used to the left-aligned Start button from previous Windows versions.

• Productivity: Left alignment can reduce mouse travel, especially on large screens.

• Aesthetics: Some simply prefer the classic Windows look.

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Method 1: Move Start Button via Settings (Easiest Way)

This is the recommended and simplest way to move the Start button in Windows 11.

Steps:

1. Open Settings

   • Press Windows + I.

2. Go to Personalization

   • In the left panel, click Personalization.

3. Select Taskbar

   • Scroll down and click on Taskbar.

4. Expand Taskbar behaviors

   • Click to expand the Taskbar behaviors section.

5. Change Taskbar alignment

   • Under Taskbar alignment, select Left instead of Center.

✅ Your Start button will instantly move to the left side of the screen, just like in Windows 10.

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Method 2: Move Start Button Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you want more control (or Settings doesn’t work properly), you can adjust the Windows Registry.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back it up first.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to this path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced


3. Find or create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named TaskbarAl.

4. Set its value to:

   • 0 = Left alignment

   • 1 = Center alignment

5. Close Registry Editor and restart Explorer (or reboot).

✅ The Start button will move according to your chosen setting.

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Method 3: Use Third-Party Customization Tools

If you want extra control over the Start menu and taskbar, you can use third-party apps.

Popular Tools:

• StartAllBack – Lets you move, style, and even restore classic Start menus.

• ExplorerPatcher – Free and open-source tool for taskbar tweaks.

• Start11 (by Stardock) – Paid app with deep customization features.

These apps allow:

• Moving Start button

• Resizing taskbar

• Adding transparency effects

• Restoring Windows 10 or Windows 7-style Start menus

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Troubleshooting: Start Button Not Moving in Windows 11

If the Start button doesn’t move after changing settings:

• ✅ Restart your computer.

• ✅ Check for Windows Updates (some older builds had bugs).

• ✅ Make sure you’re logged in with an admin account.

• ✅ If using Registry Editor, confirm the TaskbarAl value is correctly set.

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Comparison: Center vs Left Alignment

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Conclusion

Moving the Start button in Windows 11 is simple and customizable. Most users can do it directly through Settings → Taskbar behaviors, but if you want more advanced control, Registry edits and third-party apps are available.

Whether you stick with the modern centered look or prefer the classic left-aligned style, Windows 11 ensures you can set up your desktop the way you like.

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FAQs: Move Start Button in Windows 11

1. Can I move the Start button to the top or side of the screen?
Not officially with Windows Settings, but some third-party apps like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher allow this.

2. Will moving the Start button affect performance?
No. It’s just a UI change and doesn’t impact system speed.

3. Does every edition of Windows 11 allow Start button movement?
Yes — Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions all support this.

4. Can I move individual taskbar icons separately?
No, only the overall taskbar alignment can be changed without third-party tools.

5. What’s the default Start button position in Windows 11?
By default, Windows 11 places it centered.

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