Accidentally moved your taskbar to the side or top of your screen in Windows 11 and looking to get it back to the bottom? Don’t worry, it’s a simple fix. You can easily restore your taskbar to the bottom of the screen by accessing the taskbar settings and adjusting its position.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Restore Taskbar to Bottom of Screen in Windows 11
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish what we’re aiming for here. By the end of this tutorial, your taskbar will be back at the bottom of your Windows 11 screen, just where it should be.
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
Begin by right-clicking on an empty space on your taskbar.
When you right-click on the taskbar, a menu will pop up. This menu contains several options, but for our purposes, we’re interested in the "Taskbar settings" option.
Step 2: Select ‘Taskbar settings’
Click on ‘Taskbar settings’ from the menu.
This will open a new window called "Taskbar settings." Here, you’ll find all the options you need to customize your taskbar, including its position on the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down to ‘Taskbar behaviors’
In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down until you see the section titled "Taskbar behaviors."
"Taskbar behaviors" is where you’ll find the setting to adjust the alignment of your taskbar.
Step 4: Click on the drop-down menu next to ‘Taskbar alignment’
Find the drop-down menu next to the label "Taskbar alignment" and click on it.
The drop-down menu will reveal the different positions where you can place your taskbar: Left, Center, or Right. However, we’re looking for the option that allows us to move it vertically.
Step 5: Select ‘Bottom’ from the menu
From the drop-down menu, select the "Bottom" option.
Once you click "Bottom," your taskbar will instantly move to the bottom of your screen. That’s it! You’ve successfully restored your taskbar to its default position.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will be back at the bottom of your screen. You can now customize it further or simply enjoy having it back in its familiar place.
Tips: Restoring Taskbar to Bottom of Screen in Windows 11
- If you’re using a tablet or a touch device, you might need to switch to desktop mode to follow these steps.
- Remember that the taskbar can be locked to prevent accidental moves. If you can’t move your taskbar, check if it’s locked and unlock it.
- Customizing your taskbar can improve your productivity, so don’t hesitate to explore other settings in the Taskbar behaviors section.
- If the taskbar doesn’t move to the bottom after selecting the correct option, try restarting your computer.
- Keep your Windows updated to avoid any glitches with the taskbar settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my taskbar to the sides or top of my screen?
Yes, you can move your taskbar to the left, right, or top of your screen by selecting the corresponding option in the Taskbar alignment drop-down menu.
What do I do if my taskbar won’t move?
If your taskbar won’t move, make sure it’s not locked. You can check this by right-clicking on the taskbar and seeing if the option "Lock the taskbar" is checked. If it is, click on it to unlock the taskbar.
How can I lock my taskbar to prevent it from moving again?
After you’ve moved your taskbar to the desired position, you can lock it by right-clicking on it and selecting "Lock the taskbar."
Can I hide my taskbar when it’s not in use?
Yes, in the Taskbar behaviors section, you can toggle the option "Automatically hide the taskbar" to hide it when it’s not in use.
Will these steps work on previous versions of Windows?
The steps provided are specific to Windows 11. Previous versions of Windows might have different steps to move the taskbar.
Summary
- Right-click on the Taskbar
- Select ‘Taskbar settings’
- Scroll down to ‘Taskbar behaviors’
- Click on the drop-down menu next to ‘Taskbar alignment’
- Select ‘Bottom’ from the menu
Conclusion
Restoring the taskbar to the bottom of the screen in Windows 11 is a breeze, and now you know exactly how to do it. This seemingly tiny adjustment can make a world of difference in your daily computer use, bringing back that sense of familiarity and ease of access to your beloved icons and apps. Whether you’re a tech newbie or an old hand, it’s always useful to know how to personalize your working environment, and the taskbar is no exception. Why not take a moment to explore other customization options available in Windows 11? With your taskbar back in place, you’re already one step closer to crafting a seamless and productive digital workspace. And remember, when it comes to personalizing your computer, the sky’s the limit!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.