How to Move the Taskbar

Last Updated: October 26, 2021

By default, the taskbar on Windows 10 computers (also known as the Dock on Mac) is located across the bottom of your screen and the Windows 11 taskbar is located in the center. However, it can be relocated based on your personal preference, like the left side (which is out of the way and easy to access when all the other apps are in the center). This wikiHow article will teach you how to move the taskbar or dock on your computer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Windows 10 and Windows 11

1
Right-click an empty space in the taskbar. A menu will appear at your cursor.
2
Click Taskbar settings. It's at the bottom of the menu next to a gear icon.

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3
Click the dropdown under "Taskbar location on screen." Doing so will drop down a list of options for you to choose from.
4
Click to select Top, Bottom, Left, or Right. The taskbar will show (even if it's hidden) to preview what it'd look like in the selected position.
- If you're using Windows 11, you can either move it to the Center or Left.
5
Close the window. You don't have to save your changes since any changes are automatically saved when you move the taskbar.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Windows 8

1
Right-click anywhere on an empty space in the taskbar and select Properties. This will open the "Taskbar Properties" menu.
2
Click on the dropdown menu next to “Taskbar location on screen.” A menu will drop down, displaying all the options for your taskbar.
3
Select “Bottom,” “Left,” “Right,” or “Top” and click OK. This will save your changes and move your taskbar to the area you chose.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Windows Vista and XP

1
Right-click anywhere on an empty space in the taskbar to verify that it's unlocked. To make sure that the taskbar is unlocked, click “Lock the taskbar” to remove the checkmark and unlock the taskbar.
2
Click on an empty space in the taskbar, then drag and drop it to the desired location on your desktop. For example, if you want the taskbar positioned on the right side of your screen, click on the taskbar, move the pointer to the right side of your screen, then release the mouse button to drop the taskbar into place.
3
Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar, then place a checkmark next to “Lock the taskbar.” The taskbar will now stay in its new position.

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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Mac OS High Sierra and Later

1
Open System Preferences. You can do this by clicking the apple logo and clicking System Preferences from the menu that drops down.
2
Click Dock & Menu Bar. This may also say "Dock" instead of "Dock & Menu Bar." It's usually in the first grouping of menu options.
3
Select Left, Bottom, or Right next to “Position on screen.” When you select a location, the circle next to it will fill to indicate that it is selected.
- You can also modify the size of the Dock as well as the magnification of items in the Dock by adjusting the slider buttons for each of these features. Read through the other features and check or uncheck the boxes to further customize your Dock.
4
Close the Dock Preferences window. The Dock will now be located in its new position.^{[2]
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