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How to Customize the Windows Taskbar

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open taskbar settings

    Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and choose "Taskbar settings."

  2. Pin and unpin apps

    Pin the apps you use often to the taskbar, and remove the icons you don't need.

  3. Change the icon alignment

    Switch the taskbar icons between centered and left-aligned, whichever layout feels more natural to you.

  4. Turn taskbar items on or off

    Turn the search box, Task View button, widgets, and other items on or off depending on what you actually use.

  5. Why is this useful?

    Instead of living with the default layout, trimming it down to only what you actually use gives you a cleaner, more personal workspace.

Build a workspace that fits how you actually work

Instead of sticking with the default layout, keeping only the features you regularly use and clearing away the rest creates a cleaner, more efficient taskbar.

Alignment is a matter of habit, not right or wrong

Centered icons feel more modern and balanced, while left-aligned icons keep muscle memory intact if you're used to older versions of Windows -- try both for a day and keep whichever one you reach for without thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen?

On the current version of Windows, the taskbar can only stay at the bottom of the screen; older versions allowed moving it to any edge.

I accidentally unpinned an app -- can I pin it again?

Find the app in the start menu or search, right-click it, and choose "Pin to taskbar" again.