How to thoroughly customize the taskbar in Windows 11: Complete guide and advanced tips

Last update: 09/05/2025
Author Isaac
  • The taskbar Windows 11 It can be fully tailored to your needs, from icons and alignment to size and placement, allowing for a more productive and personalized environment.
  • You can modify both the visual appearance (color, transparency) and the elements displayed, eliminating unnecessary shortcuts and optimizing space.
  • For advanced users and businesses, Windows 11 incorporates official methods with XML files and registry settings, facilitating mass and specific customization based on regions or profiles.

customize Windows 11 taskbar

Customize the taskbar in Windows 11 It is one of the best ways to give a touch own to your PC and increase your productivity daily. If you've ever wondered how to adapt this element to your tastes or needs, we'll tell you here detail. From changing its position to hiding icons or making it transparent, you'll discover everything you can modify to take advantage of it.

Windows 11 has revamped the taskbar compared to previous versions. and, although his customization It's different, it's still posible do it yours! You can modify icons, colors, size, and functionality. Below is a complete guide, step by step, to take advantage of all the Possibilities from the taskbar and get an efficient, tidy and efficient desktop aesthetically attractive.

Pin and unpin apps to the taskbar

One of the first steps to customize your Windows 11 taskbar consists anchor the applications you use the most, guaranteeing access with a single click. There are several ways to achieve this:

  • From an open application: Open the program you want to pin, right-click its icon in the taskbar, and select Pin to taskbar. So, even if you close the app, the shortcut will remain.
  • Desktop applications: Locate the shortcut, right-click, select Show more options and in the additional menu, press Pin to taskbar.
  • From the start menu: Press the Windows button, choose All applications, locate the one you are interested in, right click, select More & AFTER Pin to taskbar.

To unpin an app, simply right-click on its icon in the bar and choose Unpin from the taskbar. This way, you will always have what you need at hand. essential, eliminating everything that you don't use to leave room for the really useful.

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Arrange and move icons to your liking

The order of the icons is also customizable. to fit into your daily routines. Just drag and drop the icons for relocate them in the position you prefer. This way, you can place First of all the apps most important and leave aside those that you use less frequently.

Windows 11, by default, places icons in the center of the taskbar., but you can change their position as it suits you.

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Change the alignment of icons

If you prefer the classic Windows look With the icons aligned to the left, the system allows you to easily modify the alignment. To do so:

  • Right click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.
  • En Taskbar alignmentchoose between Centro (default) or Left.

This way you'll have the home button and everything else where you like it most., similar to the Windows 10 style.

Remove, show, or hide default items

Windows 11 includes shortcuts to items like search, task view, widgets, and chat.. To customize which elements are displayed:

  • Accede to Configuration by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting that option.
  • In the block Taskbar items, turn switches on or off depending on whether you want to show or hide search, task view, widgets, and chat.

This allows for a much cleaner taskbar, showing only what you actually use..

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Automatically hide the taskbar

Does it bother you that the bar is always visible? You can set Windows 11 to automatically hide when you're not using it:

  • Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • En Taskbar behaviorscheck the box Automatically hide the taskbar.
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The bar will only appear when you move the mouse to the bottom or side where it is located.. This allows you to enjoy a desktop much cleaner and more spacious.

Change the location of the taskbar

Unlike Windows 10, in Windows 11 it is not so easy to move the taskbar. to the sides or the top. Microsoft has restricted the customization options, but There is an advanced way through the Windows registry to move it.:

  1. press Windows + R, writes regedit and open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3.
  3. double click on Settings, locate the second row of values ​​and modify the fifth value of 03 (lower) than 01 (superior).
  4. Save changes and restart the Windows Explorer from the Task Manager (Control+Shift+Esc), selecting File Browser y Finish homework.

After these steps, the bar will appear at the topCurrently, there is no official or stable way to shift it to the left or right without external tools.

Make the taskbar transparent and change its color

Do you want the bar to match your wallpaper or be more striking? From Windows 11 settings you can change both the color and transparency of the taskbar:

  • Opens Configuration and access Personalization. > Colours.
  • Active Transparency effects to achieve a semi-transparent bar.
  • In the section Accent colors, you can select the tone you like best and decide whether it applies to Start and the taskbar.
  • If you select Personalized y Dark As a Windows mode, you will have access to a wider palette to apply the color you prefer.

Keep in mind that harmony with your wallpaper improves the overall aesthetics of the desktop.Plus, transparency allows you to achieve a more modern interface that doesn't completely obscure the background.

Manage system tray icons (overflow)

In the right corner of the taskbar appear the system icons and apps that run in the background. Windows 11 lets you choose which ones to display here so as not to clutter up the space:

  • Opens Taskbar settings.
  • Accede to Taskbar corner overflow.
  • Toggle the switch for each app to determine whether you want its icon to be permanently visible or only accessible from the drop-down menu.
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This way, it is possible to have at hand what you use daily and hide irrelevant processes., providing order and visual cleanliness.

Disable the 'Show Desktop' button and other features

Windows 11 includes elements such as the 'Show Desktop' button on the taskbar., located on the right. If it's annoying or unnecessary, you can remove it:

  • Sign in Taskbar settings.
  • En Taskbar behaviors, uncheck the box Select the far corner of the taskbar to display the desktop.

It is also possible to decide whether to show notifications of unread messages and even if the bar should appear on all screens, very useful for those who use multiple monitors.

Customize the size of the taskbar

Do you prefer larger or smaller icons? You can change the size of the taskbar through the registry. This can be useful if you want to make better use of space or see large icons better:

  1. Opens regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
  2. Add a new DWORD (32-bit) value called TaskbarIf.
  3. Assign one of these values: 0 (little), 1 (medium, default), 2 (big).
  4. Save the changes and restart Windows Explorer.

This way you can adapt the bar according to your monitor or accessibility preferences..

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