Moving the Windows 11 taskbar isn’t as simple as it used to be in previous versions of Windows. However, with the help of a third-party tool, you can move the taskbar to your preferred position, just like in Windows 10. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Use Explorer Patcher: A third-party application called Explorer Patcher allows you to move the Windows 11 taskbar.
- Customize Taskbar Position: You can change the taskbar’s location on the primary and secondary monitors.
- Bonus Customizations: Modify additional settings to make the taskbar and start menu look more like Windows 10.
Steps to Move the Taskbar in Windows 11
If you’re looking to move your taskbar in Windows 11, follow these instructions carefully. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t offer this feature natively in Windows 11, so you’ll need to use a third-party app called Explorer Patcher.
1. Download and Install Explorer Patcher
To start, you’ll need to download and install Explorer Patcher:
- Open your web browser and go to the Explorer Patcher GitHub page.
- Scroll down until you see the “Releases” section on the right-hand side.
- Click on the Latest Release link, and under the assets section, download the
ep_setup.exefile. - Once the download is complete, click on the
ep_setup.exefile to begin installation. - Accept any User Account Control (UAC) prompts. Your screen may freeze temporarily, but this is normal. Give it a moment, and your taskbar will change to resemble the one from Windows 10.
2. Change the Taskbar Location
Now that you’ve installed Explorer Patcher, it’s time to change the taskbar location:
- Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select Properties. This will open the Explorer Patcher properties window.
- Under the Taskbar tab, you’ll see an option called Primary Taskbar Location on screen. Click on this dropdown menu and select the new position for your taskbar, such as Top.
- If you have multiple monitors, you can also adjust the Secondary Taskbar Location on screen.
- After making your selection, click on Restart File Explorer to apply the changes. Your taskbar will now move to the location you selected.
3. Bonus: Additional Taskbar and Start Menu Customizations
In addition to moving the taskbar, Explorer Patcher allows for further customizations that bring back a Windows 10-like experience:
- Hide Task View Button: If you don’t use the Task View button, you can hide it in the settings.
- Change Taskbar Icon Settings: Modify the Combine Taskbar Icons settings to make sure open items show text labels or combine them into single icons.
- Hide Control Center Button: You can hide the Control Center icon, which looks like a small gear in the system tray.
- Modify Start Menu Style: You can change the Start Menu style back to the Windows 10 look by adjusting the Start Menu Style settings.
- Align Start Menu to Screen Edge: Change the position of the Start Menu from the center of the screen to the screen edge for a more familiar layout.
After making these adjustments, click on Restart File Explorer again, and your Windows 11 setup will now look and feel a lot more like Windows 10.
Conclusion
With the help of Explorer Patcher, you can customize the taskbar location in Windows 11 and make other tweaks to improve your desktop experience. Although it’s unfortunate that Microsoft has removed this flexibility from the default settings, Explorer Patcher offers a reliable workaround. Try it out, and you’ll have your taskbar positioned exactly where you want it in no time.
FAQs
1. Can I move the Windows 11 taskbar without third-party software?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t allow you to move the taskbar natively. Using a tool like Explorer Patcher is currently the best option.
2. Is Explorer Patcher safe to use?
Explorer Patcher is a widely-used open-source tool hosted on GitHub. As with any third-party software, ensure you download it from a trusted source and understand the risks.
3. Will Explorer Patcher work with future Windows 11 updates?
While Explorer Patcher is updated regularly, there’s always a chance that future Windows updates may break compatibility. Be sure to check for updates to the tool after major Windows updates.
4. What happens if Explorer Patcher stops working?
If Explorer Patcher stops working after a Windows update, you can uninstall it to revert to the default Windows 11 taskbar settings.
5. Can I undo the changes made by Explorer Patcher?
Yes, you can restore the default Windows 11 taskbar by uninstalling Explorer Patcher or resetting its settings in the properties window.
