You can put the Windows taskbar on any edge of the screen again. Windows 10 has always allowed top, left, right or bottom. Windows 11 kept the taskbar at the bottom for years, but Microsoft added a Taskbar position setting with the August 27, 2026 optional update (KB5120998) for versions 24H2 and 25H2, and it is included in the September 2026 security update. Microsoft is turning the option on gradually, so it may not appear on every PC right away. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
On Windows 11, open Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, expand Taskbar behaviors and choose Top, Left, Right or Bottom under Taskbar position. On Windows 10, right-click the taskbar, choose Taskbar settings and pick a Taskbar location on screen.
How to Move the Windows Taskbar
- Windows 11: right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Open the Taskbar position drop-down and pick Top, Left, Right or Bottom. The taskbar moves right away.
- If you only want the Start button and icons on the left, leave the position at Bottom and set Taskbar alignment to Left instead.
- Windows 10: right-click the taskbar, choose Taskbar settings, and select Top, Left, Right or Bottom under Taskbar location on screen.
- On Windows 10 you can also clear Lock the taskbar and drag it to another edge.
Taskbar Options by Version
| Option | Where it works |
|---|---|
| Top, left, right or bottom edge | Windows 10; Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 with the September 2026 update or later |
| Icons aligned left or center | Windows 11 (Windows 10 is left only) |
| Search box on the taskbar | Top or bottom only on Windows 11; side positions show a search icon |
| Smaller taskbar | Top or bottom only on Windows 11 |
| Drag to move | Windows 10 only, when the taskbar is unlocked |
| Auto-hide | Both versions |
To shrink it, see how to change taskbar icon size in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- No Taskbar position option on Windows 11: open Windows Update and install the latest updates, including the optional ones. Check your version under Settings, System, About; the setting needs 24H2 or 25H2. Because the feature rolls out in stages, it can take days or weeks to appear after updating.
- The search box turned into an icon after moving the taskbar to the side: that is expected. Microsoft says the search box and smaller taskbar work only at the top and bottom for now.
- The taskbar will not drag on Windows 10: right-click it and clear Lock the taskbar. Windows 11 does not support dragging; use the setting.
- Older registry tricks and third-party taskbar tools are no longer needed for this and can conflict with the built-in setting. Remove them if the taskbar behaves oddly.
- For multiple monitors, see how to use dual screens on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the Windows 11 taskbar at the top?
Yes, on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 with the September 2026 update or later. Set Taskbar position to Top. Our guide on moving the taskbar to the top in Windows 11 covers it in detail.
Can I move the taskbar on only one monitor?
The position setting applies to the taskbar layout as a whole. Use Show my taskbar on all displays and When using multiple displays to control which monitors show it.
How do I lock the taskbar in place?
Windows 10 has Lock the taskbar on the right-click menu. Windows 11 has no lock option because the taskbar cannot be dragged; see how to unlock the taskbar in Windows 11 for what you can change.
Does alignment still matter?
Yes. With the taskbar at the top or bottom, Taskbar alignment chooses whether icons sit on the left or in the center. To tidy Start as well, read how to customize the Windows 11 Start menu.
Summary
- Open Taskbar settings.
- Windows 11: set Taskbar position under Taskbar behaviors.
- Update Windows if the option is missing, and allow time for the rollout.
- Windows 10: choose a Taskbar location on screen or unlock and drag.
- Search box and small taskbar work only at top and bottom on Windows 11.
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.