Where the taskbar goes and how to move it
The taskbar in Windows 11 starts at the bottom of your screen by default, but you can move it to the left, right, or top edge. The process takes about 30 seconds and requires only your mouse — no settings menu or command line needed. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar itself, and a menu appears with the option to change its position.
Moving the taskbar is useful if you want more vertical screen space for documents or spreadsheets, or if you prefer your open programs listed along the side instead of the bottom. Some people move it because their monitor is very wide and they want the taskbar to use less horizontal space. The taskbar will resize itself to fit whichever edge you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" to access the position option.
- The taskbar can be positioned on the left, right, top, or bottom of your screen, and it will automatically adjust its size to fit.
- If you cannot right-click the taskbar, you may have clicked on a pinned app or the search box instead — try clicking further to the right or left on the empty gray area.
- Moving the taskbar does not affect your files, programs, or any other Windows settings.
Step-by-step: moving the taskbar with right-click
Start by locating an empty area of the taskbar. The taskbar is the horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen that shows your open programs, the Start button, and the system clock. Avoid clicking on the Start button, the search box, or any app icons — you need to click on the gray empty space between or around them.
Right-click on that empty space. A small menu will appear with several options. Look for "Taskbar settings" near the top of the menu and click it. This opens the Settings app to the taskbar section.
In the Settings window, find the option labeled "Taskbar alignment" or "Taskbar position." Depending on your Windows 11 build, this may say "Taskbar behaviors" or appear under a "Taskbar" heading. Click the dropdown menu next to it and select your preferred position: Left, Right, Top, or Bottom.
The taskbar will move when ready. Your screen may flicker briefly as Windows adjusts the layout. Close the Settings window when you are done — the change is saved automatically.
What to do if right-click does not work
If right-clicking the taskbar does not show a menu, you likely clicked on a pinned app icon or the search box instead of empty space. The taskbar contains several interactive elements, and only the gray background area will respond to a right-click.
Try clicking further to the right, past all the app icons, or further to the left, near the far edge of the screen. The area between the Start button and the first app icon, or between the last app icon and the system clock, usually works. If you still see no menu, try right-clicking on a different part of the taskbar.
If the taskbar is locked, you may not be able to move it through the right-click menu. Look in Taskbar settings for an option called "Lock the taskbar" and make sure it is toggled off. Once unlocked, the right-click menu should appear.
Moving the taskbar through Settings instead
If you prefer not to right-click, you can reach the same setting through the Windows Settings app. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type "Taskbar settings," then press Enter. The Settings app will open directly to the taskbar section.
Scroll down until you see the position option — it may be labeled "Taskbar alignment," "Taskbar position," or "Taskbar behaviors" depending on your Windows 11 version. Click the dropdown and choose Left, Right, Top, or Bottom. The change takes effect when ready.
This method is useful if you prefer using the keyboard, or if you are having trouble finding the right-click menu on the taskbar itself.
How the taskbar changes shape when you move it
When you move the taskbar to the left or right side of your screen, it becomes a vertical bar instead of a horizontal one. The Start button, search box, and app icons will stack vertically, and the system clock will appear at the top or bottom of the bar depending on which side you chose.
If your screen is very tall, a vertical taskbar can take up less usable space than a horizontal one at the bottom. However, some programs may not display correctly with a vertical taskbar, or may show their windows in unexpected positions. If you notice problems with a specific program, try moving the taskbar back to the bottom and see if the issue goes away.
The taskbar will resize itself automatically to fit its new position. You do not need to adjust its size manually — Windows handles this for you.
Undoing the change and moving it back
If you move the taskbar and decide you prefer it in its original location, the process to move it back is identical. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," find the position option, and choose "Bottom." The taskbar will return to the bottom of your screen when ready.
There is no "undo" button for this change, but since moving the taskbar takes only seconds, you can experiment with different positions without any penalty. Many people try a side position for a few days and then move it back once they realize how much they use the horizontal space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide the taskbar when I am not using it?
Yes. In Taskbar settings, look for an option called "Automatically hide the taskbar" and toggle it on. The taskbar will disappear when you are working and reappear when you move your mouse to the edge of the screen where it is located. This works regardless of which edge the taskbar is on.
Will moving the taskbar affect my open programs or files?
No. Moving the taskbar only changes where the taskbar appears on your screen. Your open programs, files, and all other Windows settings remain exactly as they were. You can move the taskbar back and forth as many times as you want without any consequences.
What if the taskbar is stuck and will not move?
The taskbar may be locked. Open Taskbar settings and look for an option called "Lock the taskbar." If it is toggled on, turn it off. Once unlocked, you should be able to move the taskbar using either the right-click menu or the Settings app.
Does moving the taskbar to the side save screen space?
It depends on your monitor. A vertical taskbar on the left or right uses less vertical space, which can be helpful if you work with tall documents or spreadsheets. However, it uses more horizontal space, which may be a problem on a narrow screen. Try it for a few days to see if it works for your setup.
Can I move the taskbar to multiple monitors?
The taskbar appears on your primary monitor by default. In Taskbar settings, you can choose to show the taskbar on all connected monitors or only on the primary one. The position setting applies to whichever monitor displays the taskbar, so you can have it on the bottom of one monitor and the side of another if you configure it that way.