How to Customize Taskbar in Windows 11

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Windows 11 introduces a very new experience compared to previous versions of Windows, and one of the components that has received a significant refresh is the taskbar. The taskbar in Windows 11 allows for some customization, allowing users to tailor it to fit their personal preferences and needs. This article will give you detailed information on how to customize your taskbar in Windows 11. We'll cover various aspects that you can change, from layout changes to functionality enhancements, allowing you to create a workspace that's uniquely your own.

Understanding the Windows 11 taskbar

The taskbar is a strip at the bottom (or sometimes on the side) of your screen where you can view the Start menu, see open and pinned applications, and access system resources such as the date and time. In Windows 11, the taskbar is characterized by a centered alignment of icons, a new design language that prioritizes simplicity and clarity, and integrated experiences that flow from app launches to productivity activities.

Basic taskbar customization

Center and left-align taskbar icons

By default, Windows 11 centers the icons on the taskbar, which is a change from the traditional left-aligned icons in earlier versions of Windows. To change this alignment:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar Settings from the context menu.
3. In the Settings window, scroll down to find the section titled Taskbar Behavior.
4. Click the dropdown menu under Taskbar alignment and select Left or Center as per your preference.

Pinning and unpinning applications

Pinning apps to the taskbar gives you quick access to your most used apps. Here's how you can pin apps:

1. Open the application you want to pin to the taskbar.
2. When the application is open, right-click its icon in the taskbar.
3. Select Pin to taskbar.

To unpin an app, simply right-click on the pinned app on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar.

Taskbar icon size

Although Windows 11 doesn't offer as many size options natively as its predecessors, you can adjust the icon size with a few changes in the Windows Registry. This should be done carefully:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
4. Right-click in the right pane, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it TaskbarSi.
6. Double-click on it, enter a value (0 for small, 1 for medium, add a higher numeric number for large), and click OK.
7. Restart your computer to see the changes.

Advanced taskbar settings

Show or hide taskbar items

Windows 11 allows users to decide which system icons will appear on the taskbar such as Search, Task View, Widgets, and Chat. To select these:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Under The Taskbar Items section, there are toggle switches on or off depending on your preferences for Search, Task View, Widgets, and Chat.

Adjusting taskbar corner icons and overflow

The Corner and Overflow options let you manage the small icons that appear next to the date and time in the corner of the taskbar:

1. Access the taskbar settings by right-clicking on the taskbar.
2. Scroll to find the section titled Taskbar Corner Overflow.
3. Here, you can choose which icons will appear in the overflow area by turning them off or on.

Extending the functionality of the taskbar

Automatically hide the taskbar

If you need more screen space, it's worth selecting a hidden taskbar, which only appears when you move your cursor over it:

1. Open the taskbar settings.
2. Scroll down to the Taskbar Behavior section.
3. Check the box labeled Automatically hide the taskbar.

Taskbar color and theme

The default theme of the taskbar matches your overall Windows theme, but you can modify it:

1. Open Settings and go to Personalization.
2. Select a color from the list on the left.
3. Enable Show accent color on Start and taskbar to use a specific color.
4. Select your favorite color under Choose your accent color.

Organize taskbar buttons

Taskbar buttons traditionally group similar open windows together. While Windows 11 does not natively support button combination policies, this behavior can be influenced through third-party applications or registry editing.

Customizing the taskbar through third-party tools

There are third-party applications like Start11 or TaskbarX that allow even further customization of the Windows 11 taskbar. Such tools, often developed by users looking for features removed from native Windows, can bring back things like button combinations or add aesthetic options. As with any software, download them from reputable sources and fully understand their functionality.

Restoring the default taskbar settings

At times, after a lot of customization, you may want to go back to the default taskbar setup. Although there is no single button to restore default settings in Windows 11, each setting can be brought back using the methods mentioned above. Remove custom additions, reset alignment or adjust features manually.

Conclusion

Customizing the taskbar in Windows 11 can greatly improve your user experience, make it easier to access your favorite apps, and add a personal touch to your system. Although the customization options in Windows 11 have changed slightly compared to older versions, the methods described offer a variety of modifications. Whether you're aligning items or incorporating new functionalities, the taskbar remains a vital component of the Windows user interface, and with careful personalization, it can serve as a powerhouse of productivity at your fingertips.

Continue to explore and experiment with your taskbar settings to discover the most efficient setup that meets your needs. Over time, the flexibility and convenience provided by these customizations can change your computer usage habits, leading to a more intuitive and enjoyable experience.

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