Can I change taskbar location to right side in Windows11?

Question

Can I change taskbar location to right side in Windows11?

Kaoru 360

After I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, I found I can't change taskbar location like when I use Windows 10.
I search for a while, and some people say it has been remove, is it true?
If yes, I hope I can change it in Windows 11 in the near future.

Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
TJ 290 Reputation points

2024-03-08T13:28:19.17+00:00

@Microsoft,

10 years using the task bar on the left. Why do you make me be anti-windows and not recommend anyone to upgrade to windows 11?
Popa Bogdan 230 Reputation points

2024-03-08T13:37:07.4133333+00:00

since my first pc with Windows 95, I had the bar on the left of the screen... now after almost 20 years of using a PC ... we are restricted to being ourselves!!!

Note: I've upgraded to Windows 11 by mistake :( and Classic Shell is not working :((
Kay bee 165 Reputation points

2024-03-13T03:36:58.3+00:00

Microsoft loves to add to the agony. Hate the 11 upgrade. My org forced us to upgrade and so many of us are regretting this change. I just hope that my org revert the changes. It is the next level of insanity that MSFT took away the taskbar orientation.
VuCa Tran 40 Reputation points

2024-03-15T22:22:53.3566667+00:00

I cant find the path this guide show me and also I like my taskbar to be on top of the window not bottom..... stupid window upgraded me and now I cant revert back....
Dr_MSP India 50 Reputation points

2024-04-15T02:59:38.7466667+00:00

Microsoft seems to have no user interest in focus. It is my mistake to upgrade to Windows 11. I lost so many useful features of Windows 9 and 10.
Dr_MSP India 50 Reputation points

2024-04-15T03:06:36.1166667+00:00

I fully agree with you. There are millions of users who feel sorry and cheated in upgrading to Win 11, wherein so many good features of win 9 and 10 are compromised.
Jennifer M 70 Reputation points

2024-05-06T18:57:10.5+00:00

Of all the things to take away, they picked this?! Work is forcing me to use 11 but I will NEVER downgrade to 11 on my personal machines.Who was it hurting for me to be able to put my taskbar on the side? Please advise. Lol
LAURENT Thomas 120 Reputation points

2024-06-05T09:02:20.8533333+00:00

My organisation forced me to update to Windows 11.

This is a clear productivity issue for me.
Casey Malinao 65 Reputation points

2024-07-18T08:55:32.3833333+00:00

Apparently Microsoft doesn't listen or give a rat's ass to the individual consumer/customers and just do whatever they want because, major companies still buys their OS.
Mate, Orsolya 35 Reputation points

2024-07-22T06:20:41.2166667+00:00

I downgraded back to win10 as soon as I realized that I cannot use the start menu from the right side of the screen. I don't want wrist pain again!!!
Alper Cevdet Sürmeli 30 Reputation points

2024-07-25T11:29:13.4666667+00:00

are You okay, Microsoft????? change toolbar position!!!! ARE YOU OKAY!??!!?? CHANGE TOOLBAR POSITION!!!!!!!!!!

No, Microsoft is not ok. I like your choice of words.

I also used the taskbar on the right edge. My company upgraded to Windows 11 and now I am forced to use taskbar on the bottom. It's like someone would suddenly force me to put my stuff on a different shelf. Was it not extra effort to remove something existing from Windows 10? Don't get me wrong, Windows 10 is already bad, but Windows 11 is worse.

If they don't change this, I might just use something else on my private computer. I think, the time has finally come that we normal people also start considering different Operating Systems, not only Windows because we are used to it. Windows is not getting any better from here in terms of User Interface. And, I am sure other Operating Systems can be as safe as Windows or even safer.
Vicky W 10 Reputation points

2024-09-20T21:44:48.41+00:00

This makes me so angry, and makes me wonder why I pay for O365. I appreciate Office is a different product from Windows but removing such a basic functionality as this makes me want to abandon the whole MS ecosystem and move to other FREE alternatives that offer more!! FFS

WHAT ARE YOU DOING MICROSOFT!
Дмитрий Югин 20 Reputation points

2024-10-06T09:58:00.3933333+00:00

Thanks Microsoft, good job, now I 100% move to macOS
Brenda Ryder 70 Reputation points

2024-10-20T16:51:58.38+00:00

I finally had no choice to download Windows 11 and I am beyond irate!

#1 - I have had my taskbar on the right side for years as it works best for me and now I can't change it??? What is wrong with you people at Microsoft???!!!!

#2 - Now have to use the old Ctrl-Alt-Del to change users!!! What happened to hovering your pointer over the start button??? You people are nuts. Regressing instead of progressing!
DB 25 Reputation points

2024-10-25T04:44:26.5733333+00:00

This is horrible for professionals. I cant work with limited space to know what windows i have open. I need the taskbar on the left. Another west coast DEI offering.
Steve 20 Reputation points

2024-11-13T08:08:26.14+00:00

The screen is much wider than higher, for this reason I've always put my taskbar on the right, to have more real estate on the height perspective... why to remove this possibility??
Jayprakash Periyannan 10 Reputation points

2024-12-05T05:29:07.0833333+00:00

Last 15+years I am using Windows and I have my taskbar on the right side as I am very much comfortable and best for me. Now in Windows 11 I cannot change it. This is unusual for me. What's wrong?
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-09T00:31:42.04+00:00

Please stop downgrading Windows 11.

Kindly stop removing useful functionality such as allowing customisable taskbars. Not everyone uses windows in the same way because everyone uses a computer for different purposes and functionality.

The whole point of Windows every since Windows 3 or further back was to provide users with a UI that's the default but also allow customisations. This is the SOUL of windows and that is getting Ripped out by whoever is running the show now.

God Help us all. Honestly.
Kaur, Harman 5 Reputation points

2024-12-11T03:28:12.7766667+00:00

Windows 11 aesthetics are nice but originality is gone
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-11T05:11:29.0833333+00:00

Yep, microsoft is getting worse. Bring back Bill Gates or someone who understands the users and F this pathethic excuse for a CEO off already.
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-11T05:14:04.51+00:00

Satya Nadella, please quit from Microsoft. We do not want you and your Windows 11. It SUUUUUUCKS ballz
Josh Gores 10 Reputation points

2024-12-12T00:47:48.3233333+00:00

Install Explorer Patcher version ending with 4317.67.1 or newer from:

https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases

Press CTRL-Shift ESC to open task manager.

Scroll all of the way down to bottom.

Right Click "Windows Explorer" and click "Restart".

Now right click taskbar and click "properties".

A new windows opens.

Notice on the left side is Taskbar in bold and underlined.

To the right of that, click on "Taskbar style *:Windows 10"

There should be 3 choices:

Windows 11 (default)

Windows 10

Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)

Click the bottom one, "Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)"

In the very bottom left corner, click on "Restart File Explorer (*)"

You should now be able to right click the taskbar and unlock it.

Then drag the taskbar to the left or right side.

Then right click the taskbar and lock it.
Matej B 15 Reputation points

2025-01-23T15:20:19.84+00:00

Microsoft thinks people don't use this feature, but maybe advanced/professional users who need this feature also don't share their stats with Microsoft. Thus the stats can be biased. Does anyone know how deep in Microsoft's backlog this basic feature currently is?
Todor Popov 130 Reputation points

2025-02-20T12:15:36.3033333+00:00
Dear Microsoft Team,

I am writing to express my deep frustration with the fact that, in Windows 11, the taskbar cannot be moved to the right side of the screen in a fully vertical orientation. This is not a minor inconvenience—it is a critical usability flaw that significantly impacts my workflow and productivity.

For years, Windows has allowed users to customize their taskbar placement—a fundamental feature that enabled people to work the way that best suits them. As a long-time user who depends on a right-side, vertically stacked taskbar, this forced restriction in Windows 11 is not just disappointing, it is outrageous.

I should not have to “get used to” an arbitrary design decision that actively makes my work harder. I rely on a right-side vertical taskbar to:

Optimize screen real estate, especially on widescreen monitors.

Improve accessibility and efficiency by keeping icons and information in a familiar, natural place.

Reduce unnecessary mouse movement, enhancing speed and ergonomics.

By removing this option, Microsoft is disregarding years of user preference and workflow adaptation. This is a step backward in customization and flexibility—one of the defining strengths of Windows.

I demand that Microsoft immediately prioritize restoring the ability to move the taskbar to the right in a fully vertical layout. This should not be a difficult technical implementation—it was already a core feature in previous versions of Windows.

I sincerely hope Microsoft listens to actual users rather than forcing unnecessary restrictions upon them. Please take this complaint seriously and address this regression in functionality as soon as possible.

Looking forward to a response and, more importantly, a solution.

Best regards,
Todor
TC 55 Reputation points

2025-02-20T23:10:28.28+00:00

Agree, Satya Nadella has not kept his eye on the ball and poorly handballed this crucial development to an idiotic muppet. Both of whom should clearly be sacked by the way after years of ineptitude.
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Lak Fu 20 Reputation points

2025-03-28T08:20:07.91+00:00

That stupid taskbar is the reason I stopped upgrading to Windows 11. Even the terrible Windows 8 doesn't disgust me as much.

6 answers

Your answer

Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
TJ 290 Reputation points

2024-03-08T13:28:19.17+00:00

@Microsoft,

10 years using the task bar on the left. Why do you make me be anti-windows and not recommend anyone to upgrade to windows 11?
Popa Bogdan 230 Reputation points

2024-03-08T13:37:07.4133333+00:00

since my first pc with Windows 95, I had the bar on the left of the screen... now after almost 20 years of using a PC ... we are restricted to being ourselves!!!

Note: I've upgraded to Windows 11 by mistake :( and Classic Shell is not working :((
Kay bee 165 Reputation points

2024-03-13T03:36:58.3+00:00

Microsoft loves to add to the agony. Hate the 11 upgrade. My org forced us to upgrade and so many of us are regretting this change. I just hope that my org revert the changes. It is the next level of insanity that MSFT took away the taskbar orientation.
VuCa Tran 40 Reputation points

2024-03-15T22:22:53.3566667+00:00

I cant find the path this guide show me and also I like my taskbar to be on top of the window not bottom..... stupid window upgraded me and now I cant revert back....
Dr_MSP India 50 Reputation points

2024-04-15T02:59:38.7466667+00:00

Microsoft seems to have no user interest in focus. It is my mistake to upgrade to Windows 11. I lost so many useful features of Windows 9 and 10.
Dr_MSP India 50 Reputation points

2024-04-15T03:06:36.1166667+00:00

I fully agree with you. There are millions of users who feel sorry and cheated in upgrading to Win 11, wherein so many good features of win 9 and 10 are compromised.
Jennifer M 70 Reputation points

2024-05-06T18:57:10.5+00:00

Of all the things to take away, they picked this?! Work is forcing me to use 11 but I will NEVER downgrade to 11 on my personal machines.Who was it hurting for me to be able to put my taskbar on the side? Please advise. Lol
LAURENT Thomas 120 Reputation points

2024-06-05T09:02:20.8533333+00:00

My organisation forced me to update to Windows 11.

This is a clear productivity issue for me.
Casey Malinao 65 Reputation points

2024-07-18T08:55:32.3833333+00:00

Apparently Microsoft doesn't listen or give a rat's ass to the individual consumer/customers and just do whatever they want because, major companies still buys their OS.
Mate, Orsolya 35 Reputation points

2024-07-22T06:20:41.2166667+00:00

I downgraded back to win10 as soon as I realized that I cannot use the start menu from the right side of the screen. I don't want wrist pain again!!!
Alper Cevdet Sürmeli 30 Reputation points

2024-07-25T11:29:13.4666667+00:00

are You okay, Microsoft????? change toolbar position!!!! ARE YOU OKAY!??!!?? CHANGE TOOLBAR POSITION!!!!!!!!!!

No, Microsoft is not ok. I like your choice of words.

I also used the taskbar on the right edge. My company upgraded to Windows 11 and now I am forced to use taskbar on the bottom. It's like someone would suddenly force me to put my stuff on a different shelf. Was it not extra effort to remove something existing from Windows 10? Don't get me wrong, Windows 10 is already bad, but Windows 11 is worse.

If they don't change this, I might just use something else on my private computer. I think, the time has finally come that we normal people also start considering different Operating Systems, not only Windows because we are used to it. Windows is not getting any better from here in terms of User Interface. And, I am sure other Operating Systems can be as safe as Windows or even safer.
Vicky W 10 Reputation points

2024-09-20T21:44:48.41+00:00

This makes me so angry, and makes me wonder why I pay for O365. I appreciate Office is a different product from Windows but removing such a basic functionality as this makes me want to abandon the whole MS ecosystem and move to other FREE alternatives that offer more!! FFS

WHAT ARE YOU DOING MICROSOFT!
Дмитрий Югин 20 Reputation points

2024-10-06T09:58:00.3933333+00:00

Thanks Microsoft, good job, now I 100% move to macOS
Brenda Ryder 70 Reputation points

2024-10-20T16:51:58.38+00:00

I finally had no choice to download Windows 11 and I am beyond irate!

#1 - I have had my taskbar on the right side for years as it works best for me and now I can't change it??? What is wrong with you people at Microsoft???!!!!

#2 - Now have to use the old Ctrl-Alt-Del to change users!!! What happened to hovering your pointer over the start button??? You people are nuts. Regressing instead of progressing!
DB 25 Reputation points

2024-10-25T04:44:26.5733333+00:00

This is horrible for professionals. I cant work with limited space to know what windows i have open. I need the taskbar on the left. Another west coast DEI offering.
Steve 20 Reputation points

2024-11-13T08:08:26.14+00:00

The screen is much wider than higher, for this reason I've always put my taskbar on the right, to have more real estate on the height perspective... why to remove this possibility??
Jayprakash Periyannan 10 Reputation points

2024-12-05T05:29:07.0833333+00:00

Last 15+years I am using Windows and I have my taskbar on the right side as I am very much comfortable and best for me. Now in Windows 11 I cannot change it. This is unusual for me. What's wrong?
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-09T00:31:42.04+00:00

Please stop downgrading Windows 11.

Kindly stop removing useful functionality such as allowing customisable taskbars. Not everyone uses windows in the same way because everyone uses a computer for different purposes and functionality.

The whole point of Windows every since Windows 3 or further back was to provide users with a UI that's the default but also allow customisations. This is the SOUL of windows and that is getting Ripped out by whoever is running the show now.

God Help us all. Honestly.
Kaur, Harman 5 Reputation points

2024-12-11T03:28:12.7766667+00:00

Windows 11 aesthetics are nice but originality is gone
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-11T05:11:29.0833333+00:00

Yep, microsoft is getting worse. Bring back Bill Gates or someone who understands the users and F this pathethic excuse for a CEO off already.
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-11T05:14:04.51+00:00

Satya Nadella, please quit from Microsoft. We do not want you and your Windows 11. It SUUUUUUCKS ballz
Josh Gores 10 Reputation points

2024-12-12T00:47:48.3233333+00:00

Install Explorer Patcher version ending with 4317.67.1 or newer from:

https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases

Press CTRL-Shift ESC to open task manager.

Scroll all of the way down to bottom.

Right Click "Windows Explorer" and click "Restart".

Now right click taskbar and click "properties".

A new windows opens.

Notice on the left side is Taskbar in bold and underlined.

To the right of that, click on "Taskbar style *:Windows 10"

There should be 3 choices:

Windows 11 (default)

Windows 10

Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)

Click the bottom one, "Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)"

In the very bottom left corner, click on "Restart File Explorer (*)"

You should now be able to right click the taskbar and unlock it.

Then drag the taskbar to the left or right side.

Then right click the taskbar and lock it.
Matej B 15 Reputation points

2025-01-23T15:20:19.84+00:00

Microsoft thinks people don't use this feature, but maybe advanced/professional users who need this feature also don't share their stats with Microsoft. Thus the stats can be biased. Does anyone know how deep in Microsoft's backlog this basic feature currently is?
Todor Popov 130 Reputation points

2025-02-20T12:15:36.3033333+00:00

Dear Microsoft Team,

I am writing to express my deep frustration with the fact that, in Windows 11, the taskbar cannot be moved to the right side of the screen in a fully vertical orientation. This is not a minor inconvenience—it is a critical usability flaw that significantly impacts my workflow and productivity.

For years, Windows has allowed users to customize their taskbar placement—a fundamental feature that enabled people to work the way that best suits them. As a long-time user who depends on a right-side, vertically stacked taskbar, this forced restriction in Windows 11 is not just disappointing, it is outrageous.

I should not have to “get used to” an arbitrary design decision that actively makes my work harder. I rely on a right-side vertical taskbar to:

Optimize screen real estate, especially on widescreen monitors.

Improve accessibility and efficiency by keeping icons and information in a familiar, natural place.

Reduce unnecessary mouse movement, enhancing speed and ergonomics.

By removing this option, Microsoft is disregarding years of user preference and workflow adaptation. This is a step backward in customization and flexibility—one of the defining strengths of Windows.

I demand that Microsoft immediately prioritize restoring the ability to move the taskbar to the right in a fully vertical layout. This should not be a difficult technical implementation—it was already a core feature in previous versions of Windows.

I sincerely hope Microsoft listens to actual users rather than forcing unnecessary restrictions upon them. Please take this complaint seriously and address this regression in functionality as soon as possible.

Looking forward to a response and, more importantly, a solution.

Best regards,
Todor
TC 55 Reputation points

2025-02-20T23:10:28.28+00:00

Agree, Satya Nadella has not kept his eye on the ball and poorly handballed this crucial development to an idiotic muppet. Both of whom should clearly be sacked by the way after years of ineptitude.
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Lak Fu 20 Reputation points

2025-03-28T08:20:07.91+00:00

That stupid taskbar is the reason I stopped upgrading to Windows 11. Even the terrible Windows 8 doesn't disgust me as much.

Answer 1

VasimTamboli 5,215

Its true that Microsoft official wont allow you to change task bar positioning but i can understand how difficult is to work on remote desktop connection with bottom task bar.

Backup your registry first, (Export)

Here's one of the unofficial methods:

Backup your Registry: Before making any changes to the Registry, it's crucial to create a backup to ensure you can revert to the original state in case of any issues.

Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and press Enter.

Navigate to the relevant Registry key: Go to the following path in the Registry Editor:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3

Modify the Taskbar Alignment Value: Double-click on the "FE" (0x00) value and change the hexadecimal value to "0x02". This will align the taskbar to the right side of the screen.
Restart Explorer: To apply the changes, you need to restart Explorer. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager". In the Task Manager, find "Windows Explorer" in the Processes tab, right-click on it, and select "Restart".

Here is a blog for your reference and detailed steps

https://tipsmake.com/steps-to-change-taskbar-position-on-windows-11

please let me know if it works.

Kaoru 360 Reputation points

2023-11-26T06:22:39.11+00:00

I still can't change it. After I restart "Windows Explorer", the value will revert to the default value.
VasimTamboli 5,215 Reputation points

2023-11-26T19:05:47.65+00:00

Once you change registry value then deny write access to registry. you can try advance permission as well
Popa Bogdan 230 Reputation points

2024-03-06T14:52:48.99+00:00

Still not working :((

Think i've restricted my access to that register, how I do undo it?
VasimTamboli 5,215 Reputation points

2024-03-06T16:34:38.5966667+00:00

Just click on Allow from same screen
David Pérez 10 Reputation points

2024-03-17T02:34:53.1033333+00:00

I am like Kaoru, I can't do anything to change it. I want to put it on right side (|02| I think) but when I restart the explorer the value becomes |03| again....
Dr_MSP India 50 Reputation points

2024-04-15T03:03:07.96+00:00

Thank you so much for your precious advice and guidance. But can a common user do this? Is there a risk of making windows inoperative if some mistake is made in the registry? I find this Microsoft company a big cheater for customers just because of its monopoly.
Mate, Orsolya 35 Reputation points

2024-07-22T06:21:46.82+00:00

this is no longer awailable; Microsoft switch this option off; so we must suffer
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Michael Strickler 0 Reputation points

2025-02-21T01:40:50.92+00:00

I dont think this solution works anymore. The value below my FE was already 03 (which another link said was the correct value for the right side), but even after changing it to 02 and restarting the explorer it still is on the bottom. Could this solution have changed?
Smith, Andy 0 Reputation points

2025-03-19T16:52:13.2366667+00:00

The TipsMake link says to change a different value, from 03 to 02. I tried that as well as your tip here, and nothing happened.

Answer 2

Ross M 46

They disabled it in the newest build but there is a workaround.

Go to https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher

Go to releases on the right and download the latest exe. Run it and your taskbar will look different. Right click the taskbar and select "Lock the taskbar" to unlock it. Then drag and drop the taskbar to the edge you want. Then relock it. Done

MimeSlap 0 Reputation points

2024-06-05T20:03:48.6966667+00:00

Worked great! Thanks!
TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-09T00:47:07.0833333+00:00

Brilliant. Works great for me. Take my money. F U Microsoft!
Nathan Yan 0 Reputation points

2025-01-17T06:22:01.39+00:00

Awesome! It works for me and saves me time. Thanks so much.

Answer 3

SAIBAL ROY 10

Sure. You can follow this link: https://pureinfotech.com/move-taskbar-top-side-windows-11/.

The registry setting change did not work for me after multiple attempts. However, the ExplorerPatcher tool worked like magic. Be sure to restart the file explorer couple of minutes after changing the settings in Taskbar Properties.

TC 55 Reputation points

2024-12-09T00:47:31.5133333+00:00

Brilliant. Works great for me. Take my money. F U Microsoft!

Answer 4

Vishnu Tiwary 0

Found the feature to align taskbar to left.. its available under personalization > taskbar option.

follow below to guide for detailed instruction.

https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-move-your-taskbar-in-Windows-11

Zoli 41 Reputation points

2024-09-03T08:44:27.74+00:00

You don't even understand the question...
This is not about aligning inside the taskbar, but the location of the whole taskbar. Which is clearly the best on the left or right side, considering modern wiiide monitors, which have lot of space on the side, and no space vertically.
Mikheil Sukhiashvili 10 Reputation points

2024-10-30T17:18:28.8166667+00:00

This is about entire task bar docking, not alignment of icons inside it.

Answer 5

Till 0

As others pointed out, in Windows 11 it is currently not possible to move the taskbar to the side. There are hacky solutions like ExplorerPatcher that I would not recommend to use on a productive system.

I developed a separate application to overcome the worst pain. I called it "Freedom Taskbar" (guess why...). It works very well for my daily office work. You can find it here together with additional information:

https://github.com/till-f/FreedomTaskbar

Ross M 46 Reputation points

2025-05-10T10:54:17.6866667+00:00

so this keeps old taskbar, but adds a new basic taskbar to the right only showing apps. Its basic, but some people might want it. I prefer ExplorerPatcher but yeah I agree using it at work might not be a great idea. I dont know what security issues it could cause, if its using old MS code that had CVE's then it could be exploited.

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Can I change taskbar location to right side in Windows11?

6 answers

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