The taskbar moves to any side of your screen, or you can hide it entirely
The taskbar — the bar at the bottom of your screen with the Start button, clock, and open programs — can sit on the bottom, top, left side, or right side of your screen. You move it by unlocking it first, then dragging it to a new location. The steps are the same whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, and the whole process takes about 30 seconds.
Some people move the taskbar because they want more vertical space on their screen, or because they prefer it at the top like older versions of Windows. Others hide it completely to maximize screen real estate. All of these are settings you control — nothing requires permission or changes how your programs work.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click the taskbar and uncheck "Lock the taskbar" before you can move it to a new location.
- Once unlocked, drag the taskbar by its empty space to the top, left, right, or bottom edge of your screen.
- You can hide the taskbar entirely by right-clicking it, opening Taskbar settings, and turning on "Automatically hide the taskbar".
- If the taskbar is locked again, you cannot drag it — unlock it first by right-clicking and unchecking the lock option.
How to unlock and move the taskbar
Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar — anywhere that does not have a button or icon. A menu will appear. Look for "Lock the taskbar" at the bottom of the menu. If there is a checkmark next to it, click on it to remove the checkmark. This unlocks the taskbar so you can move it.
Once it is unlocked, click and hold on the empty space of the taskbar and drag it toward the edge of your screen where you want it to go. You can drag it to the top, left side, right side, or back to the bottom. As you drag, you will see the taskbar move with your mouse. Release the mouse button when it is in the position you want.
After you move it, you can lock it again by right-clicking the taskbar and clicking "Lock the taskbar" to add the checkmark back. Locking it prevents accidental dragging if you bump it with your mouse.
What happens when you move the taskbar to different edges
Moving the taskbar to the top puts the Start button and clock at the top of your screen instead of the bottom. This gives you more vertical space at the bottom, which some people prefer for their work. The taskbar works exactly the same way — all your buttons and programs are still there, just in a different location.
Moving it to the left or right side makes it vertical instead of horizontal. This uses horizontal space instead of vertical space. If you have a very wide monitor, moving the taskbar to the side can free up room in the middle of your screen. The taskbar will be narrower when it is vertical, so some text and icons may be harder to read.
No matter which edge you choose, your programs and files work the same way. Moving the taskbar is purely about how your screen is organized — it does not change how Windows runs or what you can do.
Hiding the taskbar to get more screen space
If you want the taskbar to disappear when you are not using it, you can hide it automatically. Right-click the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings". In Windows 11, this opens the Settings app. Look for the option that says "Automatically hide the taskbar" and turn it on.
When this is on, the taskbar slides out of view when you are working. Move your mouse to the edge of the screen where the taskbar is, and it will reappear. This gives you the most screen space for your work while keeping the taskbar available whenever you need it.
You can turn this setting off at any time by going back to Taskbar settings and switching it off. The taskbar will then stay visible all the time again.
Troubleshooting: taskbar won't move
If you try to drag the taskbar and it will not move, it is almost certainly locked. Right-click on the taskbar and check whether "Lock the taskbar" has a checkmark next to it. If it does, click it to remove the checkmark. Then try dragging again.
If you still cannot move it after unlocking, try clicking and dragging from a different empty area of the taskbar. Avoid dragging from areas where buttons or icons are — you need to grab the empty space. If the taskbar still will not move, restart your computer and try again.
Resizing the taskbar when it is on the side
When the taskbar is on the left or right edge of your screen, you can make it wider or narrower. Unlock the taskbar first, then move your mouse to the inner edge of the taskbar — the edge closest to the middle of your screen. Your cursor will change to a resize arrow. Click and drag to make the taskbar wider or narrower.
When the taskbar is at the top or bottom, you can make it taller or shorter the same way. Move your mouse to the inner edge and drag when you see the resize arrow. This lets you control how much space the taskbar takes up on your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the taskbar on a laptop?
Yes, the steps are exactly the same on a laptop. Unlock the taskbar by right-clicking and unchecking the lock, then drag it to a new edge. You may find a side position more useful on a laptop screen since they are often narrower than desktop monitors.
Will moving the taskbar affect my programs or files?
No. Moving the taskbar only changes where it appears on your screen. Your programs, files, and everything you have saved remain exactly as they are. It is purely a visual change.
What if I accidentally moved the taskbar and want it back at the bottom?
Unlock the taskbar, drag it back to the bottom edge of your screen, and lock it again. If you cannot remember how to unlock it, right-click the taskbar and look for "Lock the taskbar" — if there is a checkmark, click it to unlock.
Does hiding the taskbar save battery on a laptop?
Hiding the taskbar does not meaningfully save battery. The taskbar uses very little power whether it is visible or hidden. Hide it only if you want more screen space for your work.
Can I move just part of the taskbar, like the clock?
No. The taskbar moves as one piece. You cannot separate the clock, Start button, or notification area — they all move together to whichever edge you choose.