The taskbar moves to any side of your screen, but the process depends on which version of Windows you have
The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of your Windows screen that holds your Start button, open programs, and the clock. By default it sits at the bottom, but Windows lets you move it to the top, left side, or right side of your screen instead. The steps are slightly different in Windows 10 versus Windows 11, and some workplace computers lock the taskbar in place so you cannot move it at all.
If you can move it, the process takes about 30 seconds and requires no downloads or special tools — just your mouse and the taskbar itself.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click the taskbar itself (not a program icon on it) and look for "Lock the taskbar" — if it has a checkmark, you must uncheck it first before moving.
- Once unlocked, click and drag the taskbar from its current edge to whichever edge you want: top, bottom, left, or right.
- If you cannot right-click the taskbar or see no lock option, your computer administrator has locked it and you cannot move it without their permission.
- The taskbar will snap into place on the new edge and stay there until you move it again or lock it.
How to unlock the taskbar in Windows 10
Before you can move the taskbar, you need to unlock it. In Windows 10, right-click directly on an empty area of the taskbar — not on a program icon, but on the gray or dark space between icons or to the right of the clock. A menu will pop up with several options.
Look for the option that says "Lock the taskbar." If there is a checkmark next to it, the taskbar is currently locked. Click on "Lock the taskbar" to remove the checkmark and unlock it. If there is no checkmark, the taskbar is already unlocked and you can skip to the next section.
If you right-click and see no menu at all, or the menu does not include a lock option, your computer has been set up by a workplace or school administrator who has disabled taskbar movement. You will not be able to move it without contacting that administrator.
How to unlock the taskbar in Windows 11
Windows 11 hides the lock option in a slightly different place. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, and a small menu will appear. At the bottom of that menu, click "Taskbar settings."
A settings window will open. Look for the toggle or switch labeled "Lock the taskbar." If it is turned on (the switch will be blue or highlighted), click it to turn it off. Once it is off, close the settings window and return to your desktop.
If you do not see a "Lock the taskbar" option in the settings, or if the settings window does not open when you right-click, your administrator has restricted taskbar changes and you cannot move it.
Moving the taskbar to a new location
Once the taskbar is unlocked, moving it is straightforward. Click and hold your mouse button on an empty area of the taskbar — the same kind of empty space you right-clicked before. Do not click on a program icon or the Start button; click on the gray or dark background of the taskbar itself.
While holding the mouse button down, drag the taskbar toward the edge where you want it to go. You can move it to the top of the screen, the left side, the right side, or back to the bottom. As you drag, you will see the taskbar follow your mouse. When it reaches the edge you want, release the mouse button and the taskbar will snap into place.
The taskbar will now stay on that edge until you move it again. All your program icons, the Start button, and the clock will move with it and arrange themselves along the new edge.
What to do if the taskbar will not move
If you unlocked the taskbar but it still will not move when you try to drag it, try these steps in order. First, make sure you are clicking on the taskbar itself and not on a program icon — the cursor should be over empty space. Second, try right-clicking the taskbar again and double-checking that the lock option is truly unchecked or turned off.
Third, restart your computer. Sometimes Windows needs a restart to explore the unlock change fully. After restarting, try dragging the taskbar again.
If the taskbar still will not move after these steps, your computer administrator has likely used a more restrictive setting that prevents movement even when the basic lock is off. Contact your IT support or administrator to ask whether taskbar movement is allowed on your computer.
Locking the taskbar again after you move it
Once you have moved the taskbar to where you want it, you can lock it in place so it does not accidentally move. This is optional — locking just prevents accidental dragging. Right-click the taskbar again and select "Lock the taskbar" in Windows 10, or go to Taskbar settings and turn the lock back on in Windows 11.
When the taskbar is locked, you will not be able to move it again without unlocking it first. Locking does not affect any other taskbar features — your programs and notifications will work exactly the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the taskbar smaller or larger when I move it to the side?
Yes, but only if it is unlocked. When the taskbar is on the left or right side, you can position your cursor on the inner edge of the taskbar (the edge closest to your desktop) and drag it left or right to make it wider or narrower. This works the same way as resizing any window edge.
Will moving the taskbar affect my programs or files?
No. Moving the taskbar only changes where the taskbar appears on your screen. Your programs, files, and everything else on your computer will work exactly the same. You can move it back to the bottom anytime.
What if I drag the taskbar but it snaps back to the bottom?
This usually means the taskbar is still locked, even though you thought you unlocked it. Right-click again and verify the lock is truly off. If it still snaps back, restart your computer and try again after the restart.
Can I have two taskbars on my screen?
No. Windows only allows one taskbar per monitor. If you have multiple monitors, each monitor gets its own taskbar, but you cannot create a second taskbar on the same monitor.