Windows tip: Finally place the taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right again
Since the update to Windows 11 26H2, the taskbar can once again be placed on any edge of the screen. Here you can find out how to do it and what you need to keep in mind.
Since the launch of Windows 11, the taskbar has been pinned to the bottom of the screen. Those who were used to having it at the top, left, or right were out of luck. With 26H2, that is now a thing of the past. The update, which has been rolling out in waves since September 29, 2026, brings back the three missing positions. In addition, a more compact version of the taskbar with reduced height and smaller icons has recently been introduced.
It is possible that the update is not yet available on your PC. If you don't want to wait, you can enable the option «Get the latest updates as soon as they're available» under «Settings > Windows Update». With a bit of luck, it will appear after you click «Check for updates». However, if your laptop or PC is managed by your employer, you might be out of luck.
How to position the taskbar
You can find the option under «Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment». There, you can choose between Bottom, Top, Left, and Right. Windows applies the change immediately.
By the way, the taskbar cannot be dragged with the mouse. That was different back in the Windows 10 days: back then, you just had to unlock the taskbar and could then simply drag it to the desired edge.
Important: With multiple monitors, the setting currently applies to all screens simultaneously. An individual position per monitor is not yet possible.
The smaller taskbar
In the same menu, you will find the option «Taskbar size». This allows you to reduce both the icons and the height of the bar. This is particularly practical on small displays.
There is one limitation you should be aware of: the smaller taskbar only works if the bar is at the top or bottom. If set to Left or Right, the option can be selected, but it does not change anything. It arrived with a cumulative update prior to 26H2.
What else changes when moving it
If you move the taskbar to the side, the desktop icons will also shift. This is not a bug, but is due to the change in available screen space. If you move the bar back to the bottom, the icons return to their original positions. With the Top position, the layout remains unchanged.
I personally keep my taskbar on the right. It waits there until I need it and doesn't intrude into my field of vision. I once read that our eyes scan screen content starting from the top left anyway. On the right, the bar lies outside this pattern. Depending on the screen format, the taskbar can also be more practical at the top when juggling windows. Now, everyone can decide for themselves.
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