Windows 11 · Windows
Customize the Windows 11 taskbar
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Use Taskbar settings to control pinned apps, Search, alignment, badges, auto-hide and system-tray icons within Windows 11's supported options.
Check the supported taskbar option before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for the supported taskbar option. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Use the supported controls for the supported taskbar option
Follow the specific control path in the next steps and change only the setting or component that matches the observed problem. Do not combine resets, driver changes, account changes, or third-party tools before checking the documented route.
Open Taskbar settings
Right-click an empty taskbar area and select Taskbar settings.
Choose taskbar items
Turn Search and other available taskbar items on or off.
Set taskbar behavior
Expand Taskbar behaviors to choose alignment, badges, auto-hide and desktop-corner behavior.
Manage pins and tray icons
Right-click apps to pin or unpin them and choose which supported system-tray icons remain visible.
Verify the result for the supported taskbar option
The taskbar retains the chosen supported layout after Explorer restart and sign-in with required system and accessibility controls available. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with the supported taskbar option
If an organization manages the setting, one monitor differs, a pinned shortcut is stale, or the requested legacy layout is no longer supported, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the supported taskbar option is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.