How to Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar (Step-by-Step Guide)

Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar

The Windows 11 taskbar looks cleaner than older versions, but many people still want to change how it behaves.

Maybe you want to:

  • move the taskbar icons to the left
  • hide widgets or chat-style buttons
  • show or hide system tray icons
  • make the taskbar feel less cluttered

The good news is that Windows 11 already includes several built-in taskbar customization options, and Microsoft has continued refining taskbar behavior across Windows 11 updates.

1. Open Taskbar Settings

Almost everything starts here.

Steps

  1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar
  2. Click Taskbar settings

You can also open it this way:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Personalization -> Taskbar
Windows 11 taskbar settings page under Personalization

2. Move Taskbar Icons to the Left

If you prefer the older Windows look, this is usually the first thing to change.

Steps

  1. Open Taskbar settings
  2. Expand Taskbar behaviors
  3. Find Taskbar alignment
  4. Change it from Center to Left
Taskbar alignment option in Windows 11 settings

This does not move the whole taskbar to another side of the screen, but it does move the Start button and app icons to the left.

3. Hide Taskbar Items You Do Not Use

Windows 11 lets you turn off certain built-in taskbar items for a cleaner layout.

Steps

  1. In Taskbar settings, look for Taskbar items
  2. Turn off anything you do not want to see

Depending on your version, this may include things like:

  • Search
  • Task view
  • Widgets
  • Chat or similar built-in buttons

Microsoft has changed taskbar-related options across Windows 11 releases, including Search behavior and taskbar controls, so the exact list can vary slightly by version.

Taskbar items section in Windows 11 showing built-in taskbar toggles

4. Show or Hide System Tray Icons

Some icons live on the right side of the taskbar near the clock.

Steps

  1. In Taskbar settings, open System tray icons or the related tray section
  2. Turn icons on or off based on what you want visible

This is useful if you want quick access to apps like:

  • cloud storage tools
  • security software
  • audio controls
  • input tools

5. Adjust the Corner Icons

Windows 11 also lets you control some built-in corner icons.

Steps

  1. Stay in Taskbar settings
  2. Open the section for taskbar corner icons or similar options
  3. Turn items on or off

This can help reduce visual clutter if you prefer a simpler taskbar.

6. Change Taskbar Behavior Settings

The Taskbar behaviors section is worth checking because it includes several useful options.

Steps

  1. Open Taskbar settings
  2. Expand Taskbar behaviors
  3. Review the available options

Depending on your setup, you may see settings for:

  • automatically hiding the taskbar
  • showing badges on taskbar apps
  • showing the taskbar on multiple displays
  • combining taskbar buttons and labels

Microsoft has documented expanded taskbar behavior options in Windows 11 updates, including separate controls for button combination and labels.

Taskbar behaviors settings in Windows 11

7. Customize Taskbar Buttons on Multiple Monitors

If you use more than one display, taskbar settings become more important.

Steps

  1. Open Taskbar settings
  2. Expand Taskbar behaviors
  3. Look for multi-monitor taskbar options
  4. Choose how taskbar apps appear across displays

This is especially useful if you want a cleaner second screen.

8. Pin or Unpin Apps for Faster Access

Taskbar customization is not only about hiding things. It is also about keeping the apps you use most easy to reach.

Steps

  1. Open the Start menu
  2. Find the app you want
  3. Right-click it
  4. Choose Pin to taskbar

To remove an app:

  1. Right-click the pinned icon
  2. Select Unpin from taskbar

This is one of the simplest ways to make Windows 11 feel more personal.

Extra Tip

Do not try random registry tweaks just to force old taskbar behavior unless you truly need them.

For most users, the built-in settings are enough, and they are much safer than unofficial hacks.

Conclusion

If you want to customize the Windows 11 taskbar, the easiest approach is to use the built-in taskbar settings to:

  • move icons to the left
  • hide unnecessary taskbar items
  • control tray icons
  • adjust taskbar behavior
  • pin the apps you actually use

These small changes can make Windows 11 feel cleaner and easier to use every day.

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