How To Center Taskbar Icons Windows 10
Centering your taskbar icons in Windows 10 can give your desktop a sleek and organized look. By following a few simple steps, you can make your taskbar more visually appealing and easier to navigate. All it takes is adjusting some settings and adding a transparent toolbar.
How To Center Taskbar Icons Windows 10
Centering your taskbar icons in Windows 10 involves creating a transparent toolbar and moving it to the center of your taskbar. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Create a New Toolbar
Right-click on the taskbar and hover over "Toolbars," then select "New toolbar."
In the dialog box that appears, create a new folder anywhere on your computer. You can name it something like "Empty Toolbar." This folder will be used to create the transparent toolbar.
Step 2: Select the Folder
Navigate to the new folder you created and click "Select Folder."
This action will create a new toolbar on your taskbar, which will be labeled with the folder’s name. This toolbar will be used to create space on the left side of your taskbar icons.
Step 3: Unlock the Taskbar
Right-click on the taskbar and uncheck "Lock the taskbar."
Unlocking the taskbar allows you to move the toolbars and icons freely. This is crucial for centering your icons.
Step 4: Move the New Toolbar
Click and drag the new toolbar (the one you created) to the left side of the taskbar icons.
This will push your taskbar icons toward the center of the taskbar. You can adjust the length of the toolbar to perfectly center your icons.
Step 5: Lock the Taskbar
Right-click on the taskbar again and check "Lock the taskbar" to finalize your changes.
Locking the taskbar will ensure that your icons stay in place and won’t move accidentally.
After you complete these steps, your taskbar icons should be centered, giving your Windows 10 desktop a more polished look.
Tips For Centering Taskbar Icons Windows 10
- If you want to remove the toolbar label, right-click on the new toolbar and uncheck "Show title."
- You can use more than one empty toolbar to fine-tune the centering of your taskbar icons.
- If you often switch between different screen resolutions, you may need to readjust the toolbar’s size.
- Keep the folder you created for the toolbar empty to maintain transparency.
- Consider creating a restore point before making changes, just in case you want to revert to the previous setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert to the original taskbar layout?
Right-click on the taskbar, uncheck "Lock the taskbar," and drag the new toolbar back to its original position, then lock the taskbar again.
Will centering the taskbar icons affect performance?
No, centering the taskbar icons is purely a visual change and does not impact your computer’s performance.
Can I center the taskbar icons without creating a new toolbar?
Currently, Windows 10 does not have a built-in feature to center taskbar icons without using a new toolbar.
What if the new toolbar disappears?
Ensure the taskbar is unlocked. If it still disappears, try recreating the toolbar by following the steps again.
Can I use third-party software to center my taskbar icons?
Yes, there are third-party applications available that can center your taskbar icons automatically, but they may require additional setup and can sometimes affect system performance.
Summary
- Create a new toolbar.
- Select the folder.
- Unlock the taskbar.
- Move the new toolbar.
- Lock the taskbar.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered how to center taskbar icons in Windows 10. This simple yet effective tweak can help you achieve a more organized and aesthetically pleasing desktop.
Not only does this method keep your icons centered and easy to access, it also demonstrates how Windows 10 can be customized to fit your personal style. If you’d like to explore more ways to make your desktop unique, there’s always more to learn.
Feel free to dive into other customization options or even explore third-party software for additional features. Remember, your desktop is your personal space, and making it work for you is what matters most. Happy customizing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.