How to Move the Taskbar on Windows 11

When Microsoft redesigned Windows 11, it moved the taskbar to the bottom of the screen by default — and unlike older versions of Windows, there’s no built-in option to drag it elsewhere. For users who prefer the classic look with the taskbar at the top or on the sides, that limitation can be frustrating.

The good news is that with a few tweaks, you can move the taskbar on Windows 11 to the top (and partially to the sides with some tools). In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it safely using both registry edits and third-party utilities.

Method 1: Move the Taskbar to the Top Using Registry Editor

While Windows 11 doesn’t have an official setting to move the taskbar, you can adjust it manually using the Registry Editor.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.

Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Settings Key

In Registry Editor, go to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3

Step 3: Modify the Taskbar Position Value

1. In the right pane, double-click the Settings binary value.
2. A small window will open showing hexadecimal data.
3. Find the second row, fifth column value (it’s usually set to 03 by default).
   • 03 = Taskbar at the bottom (default)
   • 01 = Taskbar at the top
4. Change the value from 03 to 01.
5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Step 4: Restart Windows Explorer

To apply the changes:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Scroll down and select Windows Explorer.
3. Click Restart in the bottom-right corner.

Your taskbar will now appear at the top of the screen.

Method 2: Move the Taskbar Using a Third-Party Tool

If you’d rather not edit the registry manually, several tools can move and customize the taskbar for you.

Option 1: Taskbar11

Taskbar11 is a free, lightweight app that lets you reposition the taskbar with one click.

1. Download Taskbar11 from its GitHub page.
2. Launch the app — no installation required.
3. Under Taskbar Position, select Top.
4. Click Save and restart Explorer.

Taskbar11 also lets you adjust the icon alignment, size, and transparency.

Option 2: StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher

For users who want even more customization, these tools restore classic Windows behavior.

• StartAllBack (paid, with free trial) lets you move the taskbar to any side — top, left, right, or bottom.
• ExplorerPatcher (free) offers deep customization, including restoring the old Windows 10-style taskbar.

You can download either tool from their official websites or GitHub repositories.

Method 3: Move Icons to the Left (If You Prefer Classic Alignment)

If you only want the icons to move, not the entire taskbar, you can easily align them to the left:

1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Expand Taskbar behaviors.
3. Under Taskbar alignment, select Left.

This gives your desktop a more traditional Windows 10 look without using registry edits.

Step 4: Restore the Taskbar to Default

If you want to undo the changes and move the taskbar back to its default position:

1. Open the Registry Editor again.
2. Go back to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3
3. Change the value from 01 back to 03.
4. Restart Windows Explorer.

Your taskbar will return to the bottom of the screen.

Wrapping Up

While Windows 11 doesn’t officially let you move the taskbar, a simple registry tweak or a third-party tool gives you full control over its position. Whether you prefer having it at the top for easier access or want a layout that feels more like older versions of Windows, these methods get the job done.

Just remember — since this isn’t a built-in feature, future Windows updates might reset or override your settings. If that happens, you can repeat these steps or use tools like Taskbar11 or StartAllBack to quickly restore your preferred layout.