The taskbar moves by dragging it to whichever edge you want

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of your Windows screen that holds your Start button, open programs, and the clock. You can drag it to the top, left side, or right side of your screen instead. The process takes about ten seconds and you can undo it just as fast if you change your mind.

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the taskbar is locked in place by default, which means you have to unlock it first. Once unlocked, you straightforward click and drag the taskbar to any edge. On older versions of Windows or on a Mac, the steps are slightly different — we cover those below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 taskbars are locked by default, so you must right-click the taskbar and uncheck "Lock the taskbar" before you can move it.
  • Once unlocked, click and hold on an empty area of the taskbar, then drag it to the top, left, or right edge of your screen.
  • If the taskbar does not move, make sure you are dragging from an empty space, not from a button or icon.
  • You can lock the taskbar again after moving it to prevent accidental shifts.

How to unlock and move the taskbar on Windows 10 or 11

Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar — somewhere that does not have a button or icon. A menu will appear. Look for the option that says "Lock the taskbar" and click it to uncheck it. The taskbar is now unlocked.

Now click and hold on that same empty area of the taskbar. While holding the mouse button down, drag the taskbar toward the edge where you want it to go. If you want it at the top, drag upward. For the left side, drag left. For the right side, drag right. Release the mouse button when the taskbar is where you want it.

The taskbar will snap into place along that edge. If you want to move it again, straightforward repeat the process. When you are happy with the position, right-click the taskbar again and check "Lock the taskbar" to prevent it from moving accidentally.

What to do if the taskbar will not move

The most common reason the taskbar will not move is that you are dragging from a button or icon instead of from empty space. The taskbar has your Start button, search box, open programs, and system icons all crowded together. Try dragging from the small gap between the Start button and the search box, or from the far right edge near the clock.

If you still cannot move it, the taskbar may be locked. Right-click it again and make sure "Lock the taskbar" is unchecked. On some computers, you may also need to check a setting called "Automatically hide the taskbar" — if that is turned on, try turning it off temporarily while you move the taskbar, then turn it back on.

Moving the taskbar on Windows 7 or earlier

Windows 7 and earlier versions do not lock the taskbar by default, so you can usually move it without unlocking anything. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and look for an option called "Lock the Taskbar." If it is checked, uncheck it.

Then click and drag the taskbar to the edge where you want it, just as you would on Windows 10 or 11. The process is the same — the only difference is that older Windows versions do not lock the taskbar automatically.

Moving the dock on a Mac

On a Mac, the taskbar equivalent is called the Dock. It usually sits at the bottom of the screen. To move it, click the Apple menu in the top left corner, then select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on newer Macs). Click "Dock" or "Dock & Menu Bar."

You will see an option for "Position on screen" with choices for Bottom, Left, or Right. Click the position you want. The Dock will move when ready. Unlike Windows, you do not need to unlock anything first — the setting is straightforward.

Why you might want to move the taskbar

Some people move the taskbar to the left or right side to make better use of screen space, especially on wide monitors. Others move it to the top to match the layout of older operating systems they are used to. A few people hide it entirely and only show it when they move the mouse to that edge.

There is no right or wrong position — it is purely about what feels natural to you. If you move it and do not like the change, you can always move it back in the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move the taskbar to multiple monitors?

On Windows, the taskbar appears on your main monitor by default. You cannot split it across multiple monitors, but you can move it to whichever monitor you use most. Some people use third-party tools to add a second taskbar to their other monitors, but that requires downloading software.

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 else stays exactly the same. It is purely a visual change.

What if I accidentally moved the taskbar and cannot find it?

The taskbar is still there — it may just be hidden or very small. Move your mouse to the edges of your screen slowly, starting with the top. When you hover over the taskbar, it should appear. Once you see it, right-click and unlock it, then drag it back to the bottom.

Can I resize the taskbar after moving it?

Yes. Once the taskbar is unlocked, you can drag its inner edge to make it taller or wider. On the bottom, drag the top edge of the taskbar upward. On the side, drag the inner edge toward the center of the screen. Lock it again when you are done.