If you’re using Windows 11, one of the first differences you’ll notice is that the taskbar options (Start Menu, Search and App icons) are all centred. It’s definitely a bit different from decades of everything being on the left. If this has been bugging you, then I have good news for you! In this guide, I’ll show you how to quickly and easily move your Windows 11 taskbar back to the left where it feels more familiar.
Why Would You Want to Move the Taskbar?
After decades of having the Start button and taskbar icons anchored in the bottom left side of the screen, Windows 11’s centred approach can feel ‘wrong’. Many users report that muscle memory makes them click the wrong spot repeatedly – especially as there’s now ‘headlines’ placed there – causing frustration during everyday computer use.
Fortunately, Microsoft has included an option to change to the classic left-aligned layout, recognising that user preference plays an important role in productivity and comfort.
Step-by-Step: Moving Your Windows 11 Taskbar to the Left
The process to change the taskbar alignment is surprisingly straightforward:
- Access the Taskbar Settings: Right-click on any empty area of your taskbar. This could be to the right of your application icons or to the left of the Start button—it doesn’t matter where, as long as it’s an empty space.
- Open Personalisation Settings: From the context menu that appears, select “Taskbar settings”. This will open the Personalisation section of your Windows Settings.
- Find Taskbar Behaviours: Scroll down the settings page until you locate the “Taskbar behaviours” option. Click on this section to expand it.
- Change the Alignment: In the expanded list, you’ll notice the first option is “Taskbar alignment”, which is set to “Centre” by default. Simply click and change this to “Left”.
- Enjoy the Results: The change takes effect immediately! You’ll see your Start button and all taskbar icons shift to the left side of your screen, just like in previous versions of Windows.
If you decide later that you’d prefer to try the centred taskbar again, simply follow the same steps and switch the alignment back to “Centre”.
Why This Matters
Personalisation is a crucial aspect of creating a comfortable computing environment. Microsoft’s design decisions with Windows 11 was aimed to create a more modern look. Fortunately they also included options for us to make changes, including returning parts to Windows 10.
This small change can make a significant difference in your daily workflow, especially if you’ve been using Windows for many years and find yourself constantly clicking in the wrong spot on your screen. 😁
Additional Customisation Tips
While adjusting your taskbar alignment, you might also want to explore other personalisation options in the same settings menu. You can:
- Hide or show certain system icons
- Choose which apps appear in your taskbar corner
- Enable or disable taskbar notifications
- Adjust how the taskbar behaves on multiple displays
These small tweaks can help make Windows 11 feel more personalised and suited to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 brings many changes, but thankfully, Microsoft has provided options to customise the experience. Moving the taskbar to the left is one of the quickest ways to make the new operating system feel more familiar and comfortable.
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful. If you’re interested in more Windows 11 tips and tutorials, be sure to check out my other blog posts and YouTube videos where I share weekly computer tips to make your digital life a little bit easier.
Written with the help of Claude AI from an original transcription.
YouTube Videos
Windows 10 or 11? 4 Easy Ways to Check Which Version You Have
Easy Fix: Bring Back Classic Windows Taskbar Layout on Windows 11
Quick Tip: Accessing All Right-Click Menu Options in Windows 11 (May 13)
Other Windows 11 Posts
Quick Tips to Identity Windows 10 vs Windows 11
How to Move Windows 11 Taskbar to the Left: A Simple Guide (current post)
Access Hidden Options in the Windows 11 Right Click Menu (May 14)
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