Windows 11 brought a fresh look to the Windows user interface, including a streamlined taskbar with centralized icons reminiscent of MacBook interfaces.
While Microsoft removed some customization options from previous Windows versions, you can still personalize the taskbar alignment and appearance in Windows 11.
This comprehensive guide shows you how to change the taskbar alignment, make the taskbar transparent using third-party tools, and explore workarounds to reposition the taskbar on your screen.
Changing Taskbar Alignment in Windows 11
1. Right-Click the Taskbar to Reveal Settings
Out of the box, Windows 11 aligns your taskbar icons in the center along the bottom edge of your screen. If you prefer a different layout, start by giving that taskbar a firm right-click.
Among the options revealed in the pop-up menu, you’ll find “Taskbar settings” – go ahead and select it.
2. Navigate to the Taskbar Behaviors Panel
Clicking “Taskbar settings” will whisk you away to the dedicated Personalization section for the taskbar. Here, scroll down until you spot the “Taskbar behaviors” category.
If it’s collapsed, give the adjacent arrow a quick click to expand the full set of options.
3. Customize Your Taskbar Alignment
Under “Taskbar behaviors,” you’ll see your current “Taskbar alignment” setting displayed. Don’t like what you see? No problem! Click the arrow beside it to cycle through the available alignments.
You can choose between the centered default or the classic left-aligned layout reminiscent of earlier Windows versions. Select whichever orientation suits your workflow best.
4. Admire Your New Taskbar Style
As soon as you select your preferred alignment, the taskbar will instantly rearrange its icons to reflect your new setting. No need to save or apply changes – Windows 11 handles that seamlessly.
Once you’re satisfied with the fresh look, you can close out of the Settings window. Your personalized taskbar alignment will persist until you decide to change it again later.
Making the Windows 11 Taskbar Transparent
While Windows 11 lacks built-in options for transparency, you can use TaskBarX – a free open-source customization tool that allows you to make the taskbar semi-transparent or fully transparent.
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TaskBarX integrates with Rainmeter, a robust desktop customization platform that lets you add widgets (“skins”) displaying information, utility modules, and eye-candy visualizers.
A few important notes about using TaskBarX for transparency:
- TaskBarX primarily targets Windows 10 – functionality may be limited on Windows 11
- Some features, like icon rearrangement broke after the February 2023 Windows 11 update
- Install TaskBarX as a Rainmeter module (requires Rainmeter)
- Rainmeter provides many customization skins beyond just the taskbar
Once set up, you can easily adjust the level of taskbar transparency to your liking using the TaskBarX options. A transparent taskbar creates a clean, unobtrusive look.
Moving the Windows 11 Taskbar to the Top, Left, or Right
One of the biggest customization limitations in Windows 11 is the inability to reposition the taskbar to the top, left or right edges of the screen. This was a standard option in Windows 10 and earlier versions, but Microsoft removed it in the name of design simplicity for Windows 11.
Earlier Windows 11 versions allowed a registry hack workaround to move the taskbar, but this no longer works reliably in updates after 2022. Microsoft seems committed to keeping the taskbar locked to the bottom of the screen in Windows 11.
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However, third-party apps like Explorer Patcher can restore this functionality by reverting to a Windows 10-style taskbar with repositioning options in Windows 11. Exercise caution when installing untrusted third-party apps by only using reputable sources.
Other Taskbar Customizations in Windows 11
Beyond alignment, transparency and positioning, Windows 11 provides some additional taskbar settings you can tweak:
- Show/hide specific icons (Widgets, Task View, etc.)
- Combine taskbar buttons/hide labels to save space
- Turn on/off app badges for consistent “red dot” notifications
To access these options, right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings, and explore the various options under “Taskbar behaviors” and other sections.
While Windows 11 offers fewer built-in taskbar personalization options compared to previous versions, third-party utilities like TaskBarX (for transparency) and Explorer Patcher (for repositioning) allow power users to regain customization capabilities.
With some adjustments, you can tailor the taskbar experience to your desired look and workflow in Windows 11.
