Windows 11 brings a fresh, sleek design with significant visual and usability changes—one of the most notable being the taskbar, now centered by default. The centered taskbar offers a clean, modern aesthetic that resembles familiar interfaces like macOS or Chrome OS. In this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, you will discover how to master Windows 11’s centered taskbar, enhancing your productivity and user experience.
What Is the Centered Taskbar in Windows 11?
Windows 11 moved the Start Menu and taskbar icons to the center of your screen by default. Microsoft implemented this sleek new look to improve accessibility, usability, and visual design. However, if you prefer the classic left-aligned approach, you can easily revert to that view as well.
Below, you’ll learn how to use, customize, and fully personalize this attractive change within Windows 11.
How to Use the Windows 11 Centered Taskbar (Basic Features):
Windows 11’s taskbar offers intuitive controls and accessible features right at your fingertips. Here’s a quick overview:
-
Start Menu:
- Click the windows icon in the center taskbar to open your apps, documents, settings, and suggested files.
- Use the search bar to quickly find apps and files on your PC or on the web.
-
Pinned Apps:
- Your favorite apps appear right beside the Start button for quick and easy access.
- The taskbar allows you to pin or unpin applications conveniently with a right-click.
- System Tray and Notifications:
- On the right, you’ll find icons like Wi-Fi, battery status, volume, clock, and much more.
- Clicking the System Tray or Notification Center (bottom-right corner) brings up quick actions and notifications.
How to Customize Your Centered Taskbar in Windows 11
Windows provides multiple built-in customization options to make your taskbar functional for your needs:
1. Aligning Taskbar Icons (Center or Left):
If you prefer your icons on the left edge of the taskbar, follow these steps:
- Right-click on your taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" (or go to Start → Settings → Personalization → Taskbar).
- In settings, click "Taskbar behaviors".
- In the dropdown under "Taskbar alignment", select either:
- Center (default)
- Left
2. Showing or Hiding Taskbar Items:
Personalize your taskbar items easily:
- Right-click the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".
- In the settings section, turn on or off specific items (Search, Task View, Widgets, Chat icon, etc.).
3. Automatically Hiding the Taskbar:
Want more screen real estate?
- Go to Taskbar Settings again, then click "Taskbar behaviors".
- Check the box for "Automatically hide the taskbar". Now your taskbar will appear only when you move your mouse to the taskbar area.
4. Pinning or Unpinning Apps to the Taskbar:
- To pin apps, right-click an app in your Start menu, and select "Pin to taskbar".
- To unpin, right-click an icon on the taskbar and select "Unpin from taskbar".
Using the Taskbar for Productivity
Windows 11 not only looks great; it also enhances productivity:
-
Snap Layouts:
Quickly manage multiple windows directly from your taskbar. Hover over and right-click an app icon to access different options. - Quick View & Thumbnails:
Hovering your mouse cursor over an app’s icon previews all open windows of that application.
Common FAQ on Windows 11 Centered Taskbar:
Can I resize the Windows 11 taskbar?
Currently, Windows 11 doesn’t support taskbar resizing as Windows 10 did. However, feature updates are continually rolling out, so check regularly for new customization options made available by Microsoft.
Can I move the taskbar on top or sides?
Unlike previous Windows versions, Windows 11 taskbar currently cannot be moved to top or sides. It is limited to the bottom of your screen.
Does the centered taskbar use more resources or battery power?
No, the centered taskbar doesn’t consume additional battery life or resources than the regular left-aligned taskbar.
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Wrapping Up
Windows 11 comes with significant visual changes, and coming to grips with the new centered taskbar is one of the easiest ways to enhance your user experience. Follow these tips and tricks provided in this article, customize the taskbar according to your habits, and increase your productivity in no time.
Happy exploring your new, modern Windows 11 environment!
