Customizing the Windows 11 taskbar is pretty easy and lets you make your computer feel more like "yours." By following a few simple steps, you can change its size, position, color, and even the apps that appear there. Read on to learn exactly how to do it.
How to Customize Windows 11 Taskbar
Customizing the Windows 11 taskbar will let you tweak its appearance and functionality to better suit your needs. Follow these steps to make the taskbar work and look just right for you.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select "Settings" from the list.
The Settings app is your gateway to all the customization you need. It’s a treasure trove of options to make Windows 11 uniquely yours.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on “Personalization” in the left-hand menu.
This section is where you can change the look and feel of your Windows experience, including the taskbar.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
Click on the “Taskbar” option within the Personalization menu.
Here, you’ll find all the taskbar settings in one convenient place. Get ready to dig into the details.
Step 4: Taskbar Alignment
Under Taskbar settings, look for “Taskbar alignment” and choose either "Left" or "Center."
The alignment option lets you decide whether your taskbar icons are centered (default) or aligned to the left, just like in older versions of Windows.
Step 5: Taskbar Behavior
Scroll down to “Taskbar behaviors” and expand the option. Here, you can adjust various settings like automatically hiding the taskbar or showing badges on taskbar buttons.
These settings give you more control over how the taskbar behaves, making it more functional for your specific needs.
Step 6: Pin/Unpin Apps
Right-click on any app in the taskbar to pin or unpin it.
Pinning apps you use most often keeps them a click away, making your workflow smoother.
Step 7: Change Taskbar Size
To change the size of the taskbar, you’ll need to use a registry hack. Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type "regedit" and hit Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it "TaskbarSi". Set its value to 0, 1, or 2 for small, medium, or large icons, respectively.
This step is a bit more advanced but useful if you need a taskbar that takes up less or more space.
Step 8: Change Taskbar Color
Go back to Settings > Personalization, and click on “Colors.” Scroll down to “Show accent color on Start and taskbar,” and turn it on. Choose your desired color.
Adding an accent color makes your taskbar stand out and align with your overall theme.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will look and function according to your preferences. These changes make your workspace more personal and efficient.
Tips for Customizing Windows 11 Taskbar
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Backup Your Registry: Before making registry changes, always back up your registry to avoid potential issues.
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Use Dark Mode: If you find the taskbar glaring, switching to Dark Mode can make it easier on the eyes.
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Taskbar Shortcuts: Use taskbar shortcuts like Win + T to cycle through apps quickly.
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Disable Widgets and Chat: If you don’t use Widgets or Chat, turn them off in the Taskbar settings to declutter.
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Third-Party Tools: Consider using third-party tools for more advanced customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Customizing the Windows 11 Taskbar
How do I make the taskbar transparent?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors, and turn on "Transparency effects."
Can I move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen?
Currently, Windows 11 only allows taskbar alignment to left or center.
How do I hide the taskbar?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and check "Automatically hide the taskbar."
Can I add a search bar to the taskbar?
No, Windows 11 uses a search icon instead of a full search bar.
How do I resize taskbar icons?
You can resize taskbar icons by changing the taskbar size using a registry hack as described above.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Personalization
- Select Taskbar
- Taskbar Alignment
- Taskbar Behavior
- Pin/Unpin Apps
- Change Taskbar Size
- Change Taskbar Color
Conclusion
Customizing the Windows 11 taskbar lets you make your computer’s interface truly your own. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can tweak various aspects of the taskbar to better suit your needs and preferences. Remember, your computer should work for you, not the other way around.
Once you’ve customized your taskbar, you’ll find your workflow becomes smoother, more efficient, and maybe even a little bit more enjoyable. Whether you’re opting for a sleek, minimal look or a colorful, feature-packed bar, the choice is yours.
For further reading, you might explore additional Windows 11 customization options or delve into third-party tools that offer even more personalization. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you. Happy customizing!