Windows 11 introduces a new centered taskbar, which includes icons grouped in the middle of the screen and not on the left as before. If this sounds strange to you, you’ll be interested in how to move taskbar icons to where they used to be with Windows 10.
But why do it? For muscle memory. By now, you’re probably used to moving your cursor to the lower left corner and clicking the Start menu icon to open an app.
With the design of Windows 11, you can’t do it subconsciously. In fact, as more and more icons appear on your taskbar in Windows 11, the Start menu will move more and more to the left.
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This means that you will need to consciously look for the Start icon, and not just move the mouse to that corner. It’s the PC equivalent of reaching for the TV remote control.
Fortunately, there is a quick fix. And when you move the taskbar icons to the left, you will see that the Start menu opens on the left as well.
1. Right click on the Windows 11 taskbar, in the empty space where there is no icon. You will see an option: “Taskbar settings”.
2. Clicking on it will open the Generic Windows 11 Settings menu, specifically “Personalization”> “Taskbar”. Scroll down and click on “Taskbar Behaviors”.
3. Under the first section, “Taskbar Alignment,” click the only other option: “Left.” This will automatically move all taskbar icons to the left, similar to Windows 10.
And that’s all you have to do.
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t allow you to do some things that you might do in Windows 10, like physically moving the taskbar up, down, or to the sides of the screen. You also can’t make it wider or narrower.
Now we encourage you to try other “Settings” options to further customize the Windows 11 taskbar.
Original article published in PCWorld US.
