How to Place the Taskbar to the Left in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 brings a fresh and modern user interface, but users often seek customization options to better suit their workflow preferences. One such customization is the ability to place the Taskbar to the left of the screen. This can enhance your work environment and improve your overall efficiency. In this guide, we will show you how to achieve this alignment in Windows 11.

Step-by-Step Process

Placing the Taskbar to the left in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, and you can achieve it through a few simple steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Open Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the blank portion of the Taskbar. A context menu will appear, and you should select Taskbar settings from the options.

Locate Taskbar Alignment: Scroll down in the Taskbar settings window until you find the Taskbar alignment option. It is typically positioned towards the bottom of the settings menu.

Change Taskbar Position: By default, the Taskbar is aligned in the center. You can change this to the left by choosing Left from the alignment dropdown menu.

Save Changes: After you've made the desired changes, simply click OK, Apply, or Save, depending on the confirmation button displayed in the settings window.

With these steps, you can now enjoy a customized Taskbar aligned to the left of your Windows 11 desktop.

Alternative Method using Command Prompt

If you are looking for an alternative approach, you can use the Command Prompt to move the Taskbar to the left. Here's a brief guide on how to do it:

Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows key S to open the search bar. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

Run Command: In the Command Prompt, type the following command:

REG ADD "HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerStuckRects3" /v "BoxedTaskbarOverride" /t REG_SZ /d "1" /F

Set Taskbar Position: To align the Taskbar to the left, use the following command:

REG ADD "HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerStuckRects3" /v "BoxedTaskbarPos" /t REG_SZ /d "3" /F

Reset Command Prompt: Close and reopen Command Prompt, and then re-run the above commands if necessary.

Remember, modifying the registry can be risky and can cause system instability if not done correctly. It is recommended that you back up your registry before making any changes.

Registry Hack Warning

While using registry hacks can be a viable alternative, it is important to note that modifying the registry is not officially supported by Microsoft. Registries are crucial for system stability, and any incorrect changes can lead to serious system issues. Therefore, proceeding with caution is advised. If you are not familiar with editing the registry, it is strongly recommended to use the built-in Taskbar settings as described earlier.

If you are still interested in exploring further, InkedFreedom provides a detailed guide on how to place the Taskbar to the left without risking your system. Visit our website for more information and guidance.