How to center taskbar icons in windows 10

Abhishek Kumar Mishra/MakeUseOf

Summary

You can customize your Windows 10 taskbar by centering your icons for an aesthetic look with or without third-party software.
Easily access Taskbar settings by right-clicking on the taskbar.
If you want to customize your taskbar further, consider using Taskbar X or Start 11.

Windows 10 doesn’t have a centered Taskbar icon layout like Windows 11. However, you can center all the icons except the Start and Search bar to achieve the same look.

Center Taskbar Icons by Changing Taskbar Settings

By default, Windows 10 icons are left-aligned. You can change some basic Taskbar settings to move your icons to the center. Here’s how to do it:

Right-click the Taskbar. Select Taskbar settings, then uncheck Lock the taskbar option.
Go to the Taskbar location on screen section. Set the Taskbar location to Bottom.

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Under Combine taskbar icons, select Always, hide labels.
Right-click on the taskbar again, select Toolbars, and click Links to toggle on.

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Two vertical lines will appear. Drag the right vertical line adjacent to Links to the left past the taskbar icons and the left vertical line.
Taskbar icons will now appear on the right side of the taskbar. Drag the vertical line next to the icons to move the icons to an ideal center position on your taskbar.

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Once the icons are centered, right-click on the taskbar and select Lock the taskbar from the pop-up menu.

Center Taskbar Icons With TaskbarX

If you want a simpler way, you can use TaskbarX to customize your Windows 10 taskbar. It offers rich customization options like styling options, multiple Taskbars, and animations. It is also free to use.

Another advantage is you can hide the Start button and the system tray icons with it. In the previous method, you could only hide the search bar, but the rest of the Taskbar items remained there.

First, download the portable version of TaskbarX. Extract the ZIP archive to a new folder and open it. Run Taskbar.exe and it will automatically center your app icons.

The Windows 10 desktop with centered app icons on the Taskbar using TaskbarX app

Still, this is as close as you can get to the Windows 11 Taskbar layout with the free app. The Start menu and search box remain on the left side, and there’s no way to change them in TaskbarX.

If you really crave the completely centered design found in Windows 11, Stardock’s Start11 app offers several customization options, though the app does require you to purchase it.

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In the realm of personal computing, customization is an essential aspect of user experience. For many users, the Windows 10 taskbar serves as a central hub for accessing applications and managing system notifications. While Microsoft provides a variety of options for personalization, the alignment of taskbar icons—specifically centering them—has become a popular topic among users looking to create a more modern and aesthetically pleasing interface. In this article, we will explore various methods to center taskbar icons in Windows 10, providing step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting tips, and a discussion of alternatives.

Understanding the Taskbar Icons

Before delving into the methods for centering taskbar icons, it’s essential to understand what the taskbar is and how it operates. The Windows taskbar is typically located at the bottom of your screen and serves several purposes:

Start Menu Access: The taskbar enables quick access to the Start menu, where users can find installed programs.
System Tray: It shows system notifications, clock, battery life, and other essential information through the notification area, often referred to as the system tray.
Pinned and Running Applications: It allows the user to pin favored applications for easy access and shows running applications for quick switching.

Historically, Windows taskbar icons align to the left. However, centered icons can provide a contemporary touch that many users prefer. Below, we will discuss the various methods to achieve a centered alignment of taskbar icons.

Method 1: Using Taskbar Settings (Windows 10 Version 1903 and Later)

Windows 10 introduced a feature allowing users to center taskbar icons natively starting from the 1903 update. Here’s how to center your taskbar icons through the taskbar settings:

Right-click on the Taskbar: Start by performing a right-click on any empty area of the taskbar. This will evoke a contextual menu.
Access Taskbar Settings: Click on “Taskbar settings.” This action will open the Settings app directly to the taskbar configuration options.
Turn on “Use small taskbar buttons” (Optional): Depending on your aesthetic choice, you might want to check or uncheck “Use small taskbar buttons.” If you wish for a cleaner, less cluttered look, opting for this can help.
Switch to Taskbar Alignment: Locate the section labeled “Taskbar behaviors.” Within this section, there is a dropdown menu for “Taskbar alignment.” Click on this menu.
Select Center Alignment: Choose “Center” from the dropdown options. Once you select this, your taskbar icons will shift to the center of the taskbar.
Exit Settings: Simply close the Settings window. You should see the changes take effect immediately.

This method is straightforward and ideal for users running Windows 10 version 1903 or later.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

If you’re using a version of Windows 10 prior to 1903 or seek more extensive customization options, third-party applications can provide a solution. One popular application that many users turn to for this purpose is TaskbarX.

Step-by-step Installation of TaskbarX:

Download TaskbarX: Start by downloading TaskbarX from the official GitHub repository or through the Microsoft Store (if available).
Install TaskbarX: Follow the installation instructions pertinent to your version. If downloaded from GitHub, you may need to unzip the files and run the executable.
Launching TaskbarX Configurator: Once installed, launch the TaskbarX Configurator. This application provides a user-friendly interface that enables you to manage the positioning of your taskbar icons easily.
Set Icon Position: Within the TaskbarX Configurator, find the option related to taskbar icon alignment. You will be able to toggle the settings to center the icons.
Configure Additional Settings: TaskbarX allows for additional functionalities like opacity, blur effects, and transparency. Configure these as per your liking for further enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Apply Changes: Once satisfied with your settings, click on “Apply” to make the changes take effect immediately.

Using TaskbarX grants users robust control over their taskbar aesthetics, enabling not only centered icons but also other visual enhancements.

Method 3: Using Registry Tweaks

For users who enjoy channeling their inner techie spirit, modifying the Windows Registry is an alternative route to centering taskbar icons. However, this method is recommended only for users comfortable with system adjustments.

Important Note: Back up the Registry

Before proceeding, always back up your System Registry to avoid data loss or system issues should something go awry.

Following Steps to Center Taskbar Icons Using the Registry:

Open Run Dialog: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type in Regedit: In the dialog box, type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the Taskbar Key: Copy and paste the following path into the address bar:
```
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerStuckRects3
```
Modify Settings: Locate the Settings binary value and double-click on it. This action will open a new dialog for editing.
Locate the Third Byte: Within the binary value, the third byte represents the taskbar alignment. Change the value of the third byte from 03 to 01 to center the icons.
Close Registry Editor: Click “OK” to save changes and close the Registry Editor.
Restart Windows Explorer: For changes to take effect, you can either restart your computer or restart Windows Explorer through the Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate “Windows Explorer” under Processes.
- Right-click and select “Restart.”

After taking these steps, your taskbar icons should now be centered.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your taskbar icons are not centering as expected, there may be various reasons for this:

Version Compatibility: Ensure you are using a compatible version of Windows. Only Windows 10 version 1903 and later support native taskbar centering.
Third-Party Application Conflicts: If you are using TaskbarX or any other third-party application, verify that it is properly installed and configured.
Registry Modification Risks: Ensure you followed the Registry modification steps correctly. Any errors could lead to undesired system behavior.
Display Settings: Check your display settings. If you are using multiple monitors or specific display resolutions, it could affect how the taskbar behaves.
System Updates: Check if there are pending Windows updates. Keeping the system updated can resolve inconsistencies and bugs that may affect taskbar behavior.

Advantages of Centering Taskbar Icons

Beyond mere aesthetics, centering taskbar icons can provide functional benefits, such as:

Improved Symmetry: Aesthetically, centered icons create a balanced look, reminiscent of modern operating systems.
Accessibility: Icons centered may be easier to reach depending on the layout of your screen, especially on laptops with smaller displays.
Focus: By aligning icons centrally, users can maintain focus on the taskbar when working.

Conclusion

Centering taskbar icons in Windows 10 can breathe new life into your desktop environment, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Whether you choose a built-in method for updated systems, explore the customization possibilities with TaskbarX, or engage in registry tweaks for a hands-on approach, there are plenty of options tailored to different user preferences and technical skills.

Make sure to choose the method that fits best for you, whether you are looking for simplicity or deeper customization. As technology continues to evolve, embracing these personalization options helps maintain a positive user experience and brings your individuality into the digital workspace.

With this newfound knowledge of centering taskbar icons, your Windows 10 interface can truly reflect your personal style while also serving as a more efficient tool for your daily computing needs. Happy customizing!

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In Windows 10, the icons in the taskbar are aligned to the left by default. We all have been experiencing this practice for a long time. However, some Windows users like to center align the icons on the Taskbar. While you can use a free Launcher or a Dock to do it, you can also follow this trick laid down in this post. This placement is kind of similar to macOS doc which sits on the bottom center of the screen and pretty convenient place to access the favorite or frequently used apps.

As you probably know by now, Windows 10 facilitates changing the icon alignment on the taskbar. You can also use third-party tools to change the default icons’ alignment to the center of the taskbar. If you want to center taskbar icons in Windows 10, here is a step-by-step guide to making the change happen.

You can center Taskbar icons in Windows 10/8/7 by following any one of the following methods:

Create a Toolbar
Use TaskDock
Use TaskbarX
Use CenterTaskbar.

Let us see these methods in detail.

1] Create a Toolbar

You need to create a dummy folder somewhere in your hard drive, say D:\Emp for example. However, the name and the location of the folder is not important.

Now right-click the taskbar, select Toolbars -> New Toolbar. Select the new folder that you have created as you’ll see a shortcut to the folder in the taskbar.

Repeat the last step; now you have two shortcuts to your folder in the taskbar. Now right-click on the taskbar, and it’ll show you the option Lock the taskbar, uncheck the option to unlock the taskbar.

Next, drag one of the folder shortcuts which we created in the last step to the extreme left right next to the start button. Select the icons folder and drag in the taskbar to center align them.

Now right-click on folder shortcuts one at a time and uncheck the Show Title and Show Text option. Finally, right-click on the taskbar and choose the Lock Taskbar to lock it. That’s it!! Now you know how to center taskbar icons in Windows 10.

If you wish to return to Windows’ default settings, you can right-click on the taskbar, choose Toolbar, and then uncheck the shortcut folders in the taskbar.

2] Use TaskDock

For non-tech-savvy people, Taskdock is another free utility that does something similar to Falcon10. It gives the taskbar a bit more of a dock feel.

This nice little app re-arranges the taskbar application area by centering the toolbar. It doesn’t bundle any configuration settings; it only requires a double-click to activate its function.

If you want to exit the setting, right-click on the green circle-shaped icon located in the system tray. Right-clicking on it will give you an option to exit from the app.

3] Use TaskbarX

You can also align icons to the center of the taskbar using TaskbarX aka Falcon10 aka FalconX which is a free program designed to center all icons on the taskbar including pinned icons as well.

Once you install and run the program, it adds its icon to the system tray. Double-click the icon to open settings. A box will show a list of tweaks. You need to choose and check the Center Taskbar Icon option.

TaskbarX is available as a freeware from chrisandriessen.nl.

4] Use CenterTaskbar

CenterTaskbar is another free tool that will help you center your Taskbar icons. get it from GitHub.

These were the four easy ways to center taskbar icons in Windows 10. Try them and let us know your experience in the comment section below.

Jacob is passionate about the Windows operating system but loves to write about all tech-related subjects.

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How to Center Taskbar Icons on Windows 10

Centering taskbar icons on Windows 10 can give your desktop a cleaner, more organized look. To do this, you’ll need to create a new toolbar and adjust its properties. With just a few clicks, you can have your taskbar icons centered in no time.

This section will guide you through each step of centering your taskbar icons on Windows 10.

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar

Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar to open the context menu.

When you right-click the taskbar, a menu will appear with various options, including the ability to create a new toolbar. This is the first step in getting those icons centered.

Step 2: Select «Toolbars» and then «New Toolbar»

From the context menu, hover over «Toolbars» and click on «New toolbar.»

Selecting «New toolbar» will open a file explorer window, where you’ll need to create a new folder for the toolbar. This is crucial for the next steps.

Step 3: Create a New Folder

In the file explorer window, create a new folder and name it something like «Spacer.»

This folder acts as a spacer that helps push the icons to the center of the taskbar. The name doesn’t matter, but it’s good to keep it recognizable.

Step 4: Select the Folder and Click «Select Folder»

Navigate to the newly created folder, select it, and click «Select Folder.»

By selecting the folder, you are essentially creating a new toolbar that will be added to your taskbar. This toolbar will be empty, but that’s exactly what we want for centering the icons.

Step 5: Drag the New Toolbar to the Left

Click and drag the new toolbar (your «Spacer» folder) to the left side of the taskbar icons.

Dragging the toolbar to the left will start to push your existing icons to the center. You may need to unlock the taskbar if it’s locked.

Step 6: Adjust the Spacer Toolbar Width

Drag the separator lines to adjust the width of the Spacer toolbar until the icons are centered.

Fine-tuning the width of the Spacer toolbar will allow you to perfectly center your icons. You can play around with it until you get the exact look you want.

Step 7: Lock the Taskbar

Right-click the taskbar and select «Lock the taskbar» to keep everything in place.

Locking the taskbar will prevent the icons and your new toolbar from moving, ensuring your centered icons stay put.

After completing these steps, your taskbar icons will be centered. This change will give your desktop a more symmetrical appearance, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Tips for Centering Taskbar Icons on Windows 10

Unlock the Taskbar: Before you start, make sure your taskbar is unlocked. Right-click on the taskbar and uncheck «Lock the taskbar.»
Use an Empty Folder: The folder you create should be empty to serve as an effective spacer.
Adjust Slowly: Make small adjustments to the Spacer toolbar width to avoid overshooting the center.
Test Different Names: Naming the toolbar something memorable can help if you need to adjust it later.
Backup Your Settings: Before making changes, it’s a good idea to note your current settings in case you want to revert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I center my taskbar icons?

Centering your taskbar icons can make your desktop look cleaner and more organized, similar to the layout seen in macOS and Windows 11.

Can I use this method on earlier versions of Windows?

This specific method is tailored for Windows 10. While similar steps might work in earlier versions, some options may be different.

Will this change affect my open programs?

No, this change only affects the position of the icons on your taskbar, not the functionality of any open programs.

Can I still add new icons to the taskbar?

Yes, you can add new icons to the taskbar as usual. They will appear centered along with the existing icons.

Do I need any special software to do this?

No, you can accomplish this using built-in Windows 10 features without any additional software.

Summary

Right-click on the Taskbar.
Select «Toolbars» and then «New Toolbar.»
Create a New Folder.
Select the Folder and Click «Select Folder.»
Drag the New Toolbar to the Left.
Adjust the Spacer Toolbar Width.
Lock the Taskbar.

Conclusion

Centering your taskbar icons on Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to give your desktop a fresh, organized look. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a centered taskbar without needing any additional software. It’s a quick process that can make a big difference in your overall user experience.

Whether you’re a neat freak who loves symmetry or just someone looking to shake things up a bit, centering your taskbar icons can add that extra touch of personalization to your computer. Think of it like rearranging your room; sometimes, a small change can make a huge impact.

If you found this guide helpful, why not share it with others who might also be looking for ways to customize their Windows 10 experience? And feel free to explore other customization tips and tricks to make your desktop your own. Happy centering!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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Though, Microsoft has added enough customization options in Windows 10. But, still, there isn’t any direct option to align Taskbar icons in the Center. And, after a decade still, taskbar icons are in the right corner. In the macOS and Chrome OS, the App dock appear in the center. That definitely looks symmetrical and enhances the look of OS. Yes, In Windows also, you can use some launcher for this. But, if you only want to center taskbar icons in Windows 10. Then, you’re in the right place.

There are many ways to do this, and, I will try to tell you all. With certain Toolbar tweaks, you can shift taskbar icons in Center. It will not interfere with the core system. You can also use some free third-party tools to change the default icon position of the taskbar.

Center Taskbar Icons in Windows 10.

Create Toolbar, and move taskbar icons in Center.

This method seems a little bit complicated, but trust me it isn’t. If you don’t want to download any third-party tools. Then, this method is for you. We are going to create a dummy Toolbar. And, we will shift it next to Windows 10 start button. And with that, automatically Taskbar Icons will be in Center.

Step 1: First, you have to create a dummy folder somewhere in your SSD or HDD. And, the folder name and location doesn’t matter. (Personally, I have created the “Center Taskbar Icons” folder in D: Drive.)

Step 2: Right-Click on the Taskbar. After that from the appeared menu, click on Toolbars > New toolbar.

A folder selection window will appear now. Navigate and select the created folder. And, click on ‘Select Folder’.

Step 3: As you can see now, In the taskbar, the shortcut to that folder will appear.

Toolbar Added to Taskbar - Align Taskbar Icon in Center

Drag that folder shortcut toolbar next to Task View Icon. (If you’re unable to drag, means taskbar is locked. Unlock it first.)

Step 4: Taskbar Icon will now shift to the right corner. Drag it to the center. (You can see two vertical lines at both sides of Taskbar Icons. Click on it and move the mouse to Drag Taskbar Icons in Center.)

Step 5: Right-Click on Create Folder Toolbar, and unmark “Show Text” and “Show title” option.

Lock Taskbar. – This is the final step. Right-Click anywhere in Taskbar and then click on ‘Lock the taskbar’.

Go back to default settings – First, unlock the taskbar. After that, go back to Toolbars > unmark that shortcut folder.

Use FalconX. (Free, Open-Source.)

The FalconX is one of the best tools to Control positions of Taskbar Icons. It doesn’t make many changes in Windows Dock and gives original Windows dock like feel. It auto arrange the icons in the center when you add or remove any Taskbar icon. The software also gives the option to choose from different animations, also you can change speed. The FalconX also does support vertical and multiple taskbars. Overall, apart from moving Taskbar icons in the center. It does many things, that you will know, once you install it.

1: Download FalconX (Center Taskbar) latest Zip file.

2: Extract Zip File, and run the FalconX application as administrator.

3: Taskbar Icon will move into the center. And, the application icon will appear in the system tray. Double click on the icon to open settings.

4: Now, Mark “Center between Start search, etc.” option. Click on ok. That’s it, you can customize more settings if you want.

Use CenterTaskbar. (Free, Open-Source.)

CenterTaskbar is another open-source tool to align Icons in the middle of the taskbar. It doesn’t offer many options. You can download the CenterTaskbar Zip File from Github. And, after extracting that file, just run *.exe as administrator.

TaskDock. (Free)

TaskDock was designed for Windows 7 Only. But, I have tested it on Windows 10, and it was working. It is designed to give Windows Taskbar a macOS dock like feel. It also does center Apps Icon when you open or close Apps. Like other software, you can download the Zip file of it. Run it and Taskbar will turn into a macOS like Dock. To restore your Taskbar, just close it from the system tray.

That’s it. So, these are the four methods that you can use to move Taskbar Icons in the Middle. You can either create a toolbar and make space to shift Icons. Or, you can try any of these free tools to do that.

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