Where the taskbar goes and how to move it

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of your Windows screen that shows your open programs, the clock, and the system tray. You can move it to the top, left side, or right side of your screen instead. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11, but both let you drag it to a new position in under a minute.

The taskbar stays where you put it until you move it again, so this is a one-time change. Some people move it to the side to get more vertical space on their monitor, or to the top to match how they used an older computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click the taskbar and uncheck "Lock the taskbar" before you can move it to a new location.
  • Once unlocked, you can drag the taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right edge of your screen.
  • If the taskbar will not move, check that it is actually unlocked and that you are dragging from an empty area, not from a program icon.
  • After you move it, you can lock it again to prevent accidental dragging.

Unlocking the taskbar on Windows 10 or 11

The taskbar is locked by default, which means it cannot be moved or resized. To unlock it, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar — anywhere that does not have a program icon or the clock. A menu will appear with several options.

Look for the option that says "Lock the taskbar." If there is a checkmark next to it, click it once to remove the checkmark. The taskbar is now unlocked. If there is no checkmark, the taskbar is already unlocked and you can skip to the next section.

Dragging the taskbar to a new location

Now that the taskbar is unlocked, you can move it. Click and hold on an empty area of the taskbar — the same kind of spot where you right-clicked to unlock it — and drag it toward the edge of the screen where you want it to go. You can move it to the top, left side, right side, or back to the bottom.

As you drag, you will see the taskbar follow your mouse. Release the mouse button when the taskbar is positioned where you want it. It will snap into place along that edge of the screen. If you change your mind, you can drag it back to the bottom or to any other edge.

Locking the taskbar again

Once the taskbar is in the position you want, it is a good idea to lock it again. This prevents you from accidentally dragging it while you are working. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar again and click "Lock the taskbar" to add the checkmark back.

The taskbar will now stay in place. You will have to unlock it again if you ever want to move it in the future.

What to do if the taskbar will not move

If you try to drag the taskbar and nothing happens, the most common reason is that it is still locked. Right-click on the taskbar again and make sure "Lock the taskbar" does not have a checkmark next to it. If it does, click it to unlock.

Another reason the taskbar might not move is that you are dragging from the wrong spot. Do not try to drag from a program icon, the search box, or the clock — drag from a blank area between icons instead. If there is no blank area, try dragging from the very edge of the taskbar itself.

On some computers, the taskbar is set to auto-hide, which can make it harder to grab. If you see the taskbar only when you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen, right-click it and look for "Taskbar settings." You can turn off auto-hide there if you want the taskbar to always be visible.

Moving the taskbar on older versions of Windows

If you are using Windows 7 or an earlier version, the process is the same: right-click the taskbar, uncheck "Lock the Taskbar," and then drag it to a new edge. The menu options may look slightly different, but the steps work the same way.

If you are using a Mac, the dock (which is similar to the taskbar) can be moved to the left or right side, but not to the top. Right-click the dock, select "Dock Preferences," and choose a new position from the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the taskbar smaller or larger after I move it?

Yes. Once the taskbar is unlocked, you can also resize it by dragging the edge closest to the center of your screen. Drag inward to make it smaller or outward to make it larger. Lock it again when you are done.

Will moving the taskbar affect my programs or files?

No. Moving the taskbar only changes where the bar appears on your screen. Your programs, files, and everything else on your computer stays exactly the same.

What if I move the taskbar to the side and it looks too narrow?

Unlock the taskbar, then drag the inner edge (the edge closest to the center of your screen) outward to make it wider. This gives you more room for program icons and the clock.

Can I move the taskbar on a laptop?

Yes, the steps are the same on a laptop as on a desktop computer. Unlock the taskbar and drag it to the edge you want.