The Windows taskbar is an essential component of the Windows operating system, acting as a versatile platform for multitasking and quick access to applications and system notifications. The taskbar allows you to pin your favorite apps for easy access, view open applications, and manage system notifications. It also includes the Start menu, search bar, and system tray, making it a central hub for navigating and controlling various aspects of the system.
Customization is a key feature of the Windows taskbar, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. You can align taskbar icons to the center or to the side, pin or unpin apps, and show or hide system tray icons. These customization options make the taskbar not only a functional tool but also a personalized control center that enhances user productivity and experience.
This article describes how to customize the taskbar so that you can make the most out of its features. Whether you want to change the alignment of the icons, manage which apps appear, or adjust the visibility of system tray icons, you’ll find step-by-step instructions to help you personalize your taskbar to suit your workflow and preferences.
Configure the taskbar layout
The Windows taskbar consists of various components, each serving a unique purpose:
|
1. Widgets |
2. Start |
3. Search |
4. Task view |
5. Applications |
6. System tray |
While some components can be customized or removed to suit your preferences, others are essential for the proper functioning of Windows and cannot be removed. Expand each section to learn more about each component or area of the taskbar and discover how you can personalize the taskbar to better suit your needs.
Widgets are interactive elements that display dynamic content and provide quick access to various apps and features. They are designed to help you staying informed and organized by presenting personalized information at a glance.
To open the widgets board, you can:
-
Hover over, or select, the Widgets button on the taskbar
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Press the Windows key + W
-
Swipe from the side of the screen, if the taskbar is aligned to the center
To show or hide Widgets from the taskbar:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Under Taskbar items, toggle the Widgets switch to On or Off
To learn more about Widgets, see Stay Up to Date With Widgets in Windows.
The Start menu is a central hub that provides quick access to your apps, settings, and files. The Start menu is divided into several sections, including Pinned, All, and Recommended apps, allowing you to easily find and launch your most-used applications and recent files. It’s designed to be intuitive and customizable, helping you to efficiently navigate your system and personalize your Windows experience.
Additionally, the Start menu includes user account options, allowing you to sign in, sign out, lock your device, or switch user accounts.
To open the Start menu, you can:
-
Select the Start button on the taskbar
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Press the Windows key on your keyboard
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Swipe from the bottom of the screen
While you can’t remove the Start menu from the taskbar, you can change its position to be aligned on the side instead of being centered. For more information, see Change the taskbar alignment.
To learn more about the Start menu, see Customize the Windows Start menu.
Windows Search is a powerful feature that allows you to find files, applications, settings, and even web results directly from your desktop. The search box, conveniently located on the taskbar, provides a seamless way to access this functionality. Additionally, Windows Search integrates web search capabilities from Microsoft Bing, enabling you to get search results without opening a browser.
To open the Search, you can:
To start a search using Windows Search you can:
-
Use the Search box on the taskbar: select the search box located on the taskbar and start typing your query. This will bring up a list of relevant results, including files, applications, settings, and web results powered by Microsoft Bing
-
Press the Windows key + S to open the search box
-
Start Menu Search: you can also start a search by opening the Start menu and then typing your query directly
To configure Search on the taskbar:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Under Taskbar items, use the dropdown menu to configure the search area. You can choose from the following options:
-
Search box: Displays a full text box to enter your search
-
Search icon and label: Shows a search icon along with the label «Search«
-
Search icon only: Displays only the search icon
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Hide: Removes the search feature from the taskbar
To learn more, see Search for anything, anywhere.
The task view button on the taskbar is designed to enhance your multitasking experience in Windows. It allows you to quickly access and manage all your open windows and multiple desktops. When you open task view, a thumbnail view of all your active applications is displayed, making it easy to switch between tasks or close unnecessary windows. Additionally, task view enables you to create and manage multiple desktops, providing a clutter-free workspace tailored to different projects or activities. This feature is particularly useful when you need to organize your workflow efficiently and maintain focus on specific tasks.
To open task view, you can:
-
Select the task view button on the taskbar
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Press the Windows key + Tab
To show or hide the task view button from the taskbar:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Under Taskbar items, toggle the Task view switch to On or Off
To learn more, see How to Multitask in Windows and Configure Multiple Desktops in Windows.
The area of the taskbar used for apps in Windows is designed to provide quick access and management of your applications. You can pin your favorite apps to the taskbar or unpin unused apps. Additionally, you can rearrange the icons by selecting and dragging them to your preferred order.
Running apps are displayed on the taskbar with a line under the icon to indicate they are open. The currently active app is highlighted with the Windows accent color, making it easy to identify which app is in use. This setup allows for efficient multitasking and quick navigation between your applications.
Pin an app to the taskbar
There are different ways to pin apps to the taskbar. For example:
-
In the Search box on the taskbar, type the name of the app you want to pin to the taskbar. Right-click on the app, then select Pin to taskbar
-
If the app is already open, right-click on the icon on the taskbar, then select Pin to taskbar
Unpin an app from the taskbar
To unpin an app, right-click on the pinned icon on the taskbar, then select Unpin from taskbar .
Rearrange the apps on the taskbar
Whenever you want to change the order of app buttons on the taskbar, drag the app’s icon from its current position to a different one.
Tip: Each app on the taskbar offers a jump list, which allows you to quickly perform certain tasks like opening a recent file or accessing frequently used features. To access the jump list, simply right-click on the app icon. If you want to control the display of jump lists, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle the option for Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar.
System tray
The system tray area on the taskbar includes various buttons and elements that provide quick access to system functions and notifications. You can customize each part of the system tray to suit your preferences.
The taskbar’s system tray displays icons for background apps, making it easy to monitor and interact with them. You can customize which apps and system tools, like the pen menu, touch keyboard, and virtual touchpad, are visible to keep your taskbar organized and focused on what’s important. Additionally, the system tray features dynamic privacy indicators that show real-time information about location, microphone, and camera access, giving you transparency and control over your privacy settings.
To customize the system tray area:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Under System tray icons, choose the icons you want to appear in the system tray. The options are Pen Menu, Touch keyboard, and Virtual Touchpad
-
Under Other system tray icons, select if you want to enable the hidden icon menu (also referred to as overflow area), and which icons can appear in the system tray
To rearrange the icons in the system tray area, you can drag and drop them. You can move icons that are currently visible in the system tray as well as those in the overflow area . To make an icon visible, drag it from the overflow area to the system tray. Conversely, to hide an icon, drag it from the system tray back to the overflow area.
Quick Settings provides a convenient way to access and modify frequently used settings without navigating through menus. For example, you can quickly adjust the volume, change screen brightness, switch Wi-Fi networks, or turn on accessibility tools.
The Quick Settings area is comprised of:
-
Network icon: This icon represents your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
-
Volume icon: This icon represents the sound settings
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Battery icon: This icon represents the battery status on laptops and tablets
To open Quick Settings, you can:
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Select the Quick Settings area on the taskbar
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Press the Windows key + A
-
Swipe from the bottom of the Quick Settings area
While you can’t remove Quick Settings from the taskbar, you can customize it by moving and arranging the elements to suit your preferences.
Tip: If you Right-click on one of the Quick Settings area icons, you can quickly access settings or diagnostics options.
The calendar and notification area provides a convenient way to access the calendar, where you can start a focus session, and the notification center. The notification center displays alerts and notifications about incoming emails, updates, and other system activities.
To open the calendar and notification center flyout, you can:
-
Select the clock or the notification bell icon on the taskbar
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Press the Windows key + N
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Swipe from the side of the screen
To show or hide the time and date from the taskbar:
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Right-click on the clock on the taskbar, and select Adjust date and time, or use the following shortcut:
Date & time
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Toggle the Show time and date in the System tray switch to On or Off
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If set to On, you can show seconds alongside hours and minutes in your system tray clock by checking the option Show seconds in system tray clock (uses more power)
To learn more, see How To Use Focus in Windows and Notifications and Do Not Disturb in Windows.
Change the taskbar color
You can modify the color of the taskbar by changing the Windows color mode or by configuring accent colors.
To learn more, see Personalize Your Colors in Windows.
Configure the taskbar behaviors
In addition to customizing the layout of the taskbar, you can change various behaviors to enhance your user experience. These behaviors include how the taskbar responds to different actions, such as automatically hiding when not in use, displaying badges on taskbar buttons, and managing system notifications. By adjusting these settings, you can create a more efficient and personalized workflow that suits your specific needs. Expand each section to learn more.
Typically, the taskbar icons are centered, but you can also align them to the side of the taskbar.
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors and select your desired option for Taskbar alignment
Note: The taskbar settings allow you to align taskbar icons in the center or on the left. There are no settings for moving a taskbar to the top or to the side of the screen. The taskbar is positioned at the bottom of the screen.
A badge on a taskbar button is an alert to let you know that some activity is happening, or needs to happen, with that app.
For example, a bell badge on the Clock app alerts you about an active alarm that will notify you at the time you set.
To modify the taskbar’s behavior:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck the option Show badges on taskbar apps
This option controls whether the icons of apps on the taskbar flash to get your attention when they need it. This typically happens when an app opens minimized or behind another window and requires your interaction. By default, an app icon flashes several times and stays highlighted until you select it or open the app.
To modify the taskbar’s behavior:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck the option Show flashing on taskbar apps
This option is designed to enhance productivity and improve the process of sharing information during online meetings, particularly when using Microsoft Teams. When you are in a meeting call through Microsoft Teams, you can hover over the apps running on your taskbar, and you will be prompted with a button that allows you to share your window with the meeting attendees. This eliminates the need to switch back and forth between applications, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted meeting experience. To stop sharing, you can hover over the window again and select Stop Sharing or choose another window to share.
To modify the taskbar’s behavior:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck the option Share any window from my taskbar
This option allows you to display the taskbar on multiple monitors. When the option is enabled, the taskbar appears on all connected displays, providing easy access to your pinned apps, Start menu, and system tray on each screen. This can be useful if you want a consistent taskbar experience across all displays.
To modify the taskbar’s behavior:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck the option Show my taskbar on all displays
You can hide the taskbar both in desktop mode and tablet mode. Press and hold (or right-click) any empty space on the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, select Taskbar behaviors, and select Automatically hide the taskbar.
To see the taskbar after it’s hidden, hover your mouse over, or touch, the bottom edge of your screen.
To modify the taskbar’s behavior:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck the option Automatically hide the taskbar
Note: This setting is only available on 2-in-1 devices with tablet functionality.
When you disconnect or fold back the keyboard on your 2-in-1 device, you’ll now see the tablet-optimized taskbar. This taskbar has two states: collapsed and expanded. In the collapsed state, the taskbar is minimized so you can focus on your task, but you can still see critical status icons like the time or battery level. When you need to use the taskbar, swipe up from the bottom to see the expanded state that has a touch-friendly design with larger icons. When you launch an app, the taskbar will automatically collapse again.
To turn the tablet-optimized taskbar on or off:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
To turn off the tablet-optimized taskbar, uncheck the box next to Optimize taskbar for touch interactions when this device is used as a tablet. To turn it back on again, recheck the box
This small area on the side of the taskbar is useful for quickly accessing the desktop by minimizing all open windows. Simply select this area to get to the desktop. Select it again to restore the open windows to their previous state.
To configure this area:
-
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings , or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
-
Expand the section Taskbar behaviors, then enable or disable the option Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop
Несколько очевидных и не очень действий, которые помогут настроить вашу панель задач.
Панель задач Windows менялась от версии к версии, но её назначение оставалось неизменным: запуск программ и переключение между ними. Эта панель используется постоянно, поэтому неплохо было бы настроить её под свои нужды.
Выбираем место для панели задач
С первых версий Windows повелось, что панель задач в системе расположена снизу. Видимо, тогда не могли предугадать появление широкоформатных мониторов. Сейчас на огромных экранах широкая панель задач занимает лишнее место. Поэтому её лучше разместить вертикально.
Если ваша панель задач откреплена, вы можете перетащить её к нужному углу экрана. Или просто укажите положение панели задач, щёлкнув по ней правой кнопкой и выбрав «Параметры».
Размещаем значки по центру
Разместив значки по центру, вы придадите панели задач сходство с Dock. Это полезно, если вы привыкли работать с Mac. Кроме того, это просто красиво.
Чтобы переместить значки в центр:
- Открепите панель задач. Для этого щёлкните по ней правой кнопкой мыши и снимите отметку «Закрепить панель задач». Затем снова щёлкните по панели задач и в пункте меню «Панели» выберите «Ссылки». Перетащите значки к центру.
- Щёлкните по меню «Ссылки» правой кнопкой мыши и снимите отметки рядом с пунктами «Показывать подписи» и «Показывать заголовок».
Чтобы вернуть значки в привычное положение, просто уберите «Ссылки» с панели задач.
Отключаем панель задач на дополнительных мониторах
Если вы используете несколько мониторов, можно отключить панель задач на всех, кроме основного. Зайдите в настройки дисплеев и отключите опцию «Показывать панель задач на всех мониторах».
Настраиваем специфические значки в трее
Вы легко можете настроить отображаемые в трее значки без дополнительного ПО. Просто перетаскивайте их на значок-стрелку, за которой скрываются лишние иконки, чтобы спрятать их. Ещё вы можете зайти в «Параметры» и выбрать, какие значки отображать.
Скрываем панель задач
Если Windows 10 установлена на ноутбуке с небольшим экраном, стоит настроить автоскрытие панели задач, чтобы она не занимала лишнее место.
Зайдите в настройки и включите параметр «Автоматически скрывать панель задач». Теперь она будет скрываться, пока вы не подведёте курсор к краю экрана.
Настраиваем списки
Списками в Windows 10 называются меню, появляющиеся при щелчке правой кнопкой мыши по значку на панели задач. В них отображаются недавно открывавшиеся документы, места и некоторые часто используемые действия.
Добавлять в списки файлы можно простым перетаскиванием, перенеся папку на значок «Проводник» или документ на значок Microsoft Word. Или можно закрепить уже имеющиеся в списке иконки, щёлкнув по значку-булавке рядом с ними.
Вы можете увеличить количество отображаемых в списках пунктов через редактор реестра Windows. Введите в поиске regedit, откройте редактор реестра и перейдите по адресу
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
Здесь вы можете найти параметр DWORD JumpListItems_Maximum. Если такого параметра нет, создайте его.
Затем измените параметр, введя нужное число и установив отметку «Десятичное». Перезапустите систему. Теперь в списках будет отображаться столько файлов, сколько вы захотите.
Добавляем папки на панель задач
Закреплять на панели задач значки простым перетаскиванием легко. А что насчёт папок? Обычно они закрепляются в выпадающем списке «Проводника». Но вы можете добавлять для конкретных папок отдельные значки.
Создайте ярлык к нужной папке и введите explorer и пробел перед адресом папки. Вы можете изменить значок, если хотите. Затем просто перетащите ярлык на панель задач.
Так вы сможете держать на панели задач часто используемые папки и не искать их в выпадающих списках.
Управляем приложениями с панели задач
Многие приложения, например медиапроигрыватели, поддерживают управление с панели задач. Просто закрепите значок приложения на панели, наведите на него курсор, тогда вы сможете переключать файлы в плейлисте или ставить воспроизведение на паузу, когда окно проигрывателя свёрнуто.
Убираем ненужное
Так ли нужны вам все эти кнопки? «Показать все окна» можно, просто нажав Win + Tab. А поиск можно начать, открыв «Пуск» и набрав на клавиатуре поисковый запрос.
Щёлкните правой кнопкой мыши по панели задач и в контекстном меню снимите отметки с «Показать все окна» и «Показать поиск».
Изменяем размер панели и значков
Открепив панель задач, вы можете изменить её размер простым перетягиванием. Затем можно снова закрепить её. Это полезно, если вы хотите разместить действительно много значков.
Ещё вы можете включить опцию «Использовать маленькие значки» в настройках панели задач. Тогда она будет занимать ещё меньше места.
Возвращаем привычный вид
Если вы чувствуете, что все эти нововведения от Microsoft не для вас, можно вернуть панели задач классический вид при помощи Classic Shell. Это бесплатное приложение с открытым исходным кодом, которое может настроить вид вашего «Проводника», панели задач и меню «Пуск».
Загрузить Classic Shell →
У вас есть свои рекомендации по настройке панели задач? Делитесь в комментариях!
Знаете ли вы о том, что панель задач на ПК и планшетах с Windows 10 можно использовать не только для просмотра приложений и текущего времени?
Панель задач можно персонализировать, с ее помощью можно работать с календарем, закреплять на ней избранные приложения, перемещать ее в любое место экрана и многое другое. В панели задач можно также напрямую управлять встречами из календаря. Сегодня мы покажем вам пять способов, как можно начать работу с панелью задач.
Изменяйте прозрачность и цвет своей панели задач, меню «Пуск», центра уведомлений и т. д.
Откройте «Параметры» и перейдите в раздел Персонализация > Цвета. Прокрутите страницу вниз до раздела Дополнительные параметры.
Для того чтобы изменить прозрачность, измените положение переключателя Эффект прозрачности. Чтобы изменить цвет, найдите в том же разделе параметр Показать цвет в меню «Пуск», на панели задач и центре уведомлений. Вы можете установить для них различные цвета или выбрать особый цвет (если параметр находится в положении Откл., панель задач остается черной).
Настройте внешний вид, уменьшив значки или меняя положение панели задач на экране.
Для того чтобы уменьшить размер значков, щелкните правой кнопкой мыши на панели задач, выберите Параметры, а затем щелкните Использовать маленькие кнопки панели задач. Для перемещения панели задач влево, вправо или в верхнюю часть экрана, укажите желаемое значение для параметра Положение панели задач на экране.
Просматривайте свое расписание одним щелчком в календаре с панели задач
Подключив свою учетную запись к встроенному приложению «Календарь», вы сможете одним щелчком просматривать все предстоящие встречи в календаре с панели задач. Вы можете добавить любое количество календарей в «Календарь», открыв Параметры > Управление учетными записями > Добавить учетную запись.
Для того чтобы свернуть все открытые окна, щелкните кнопку в правом нижнем углу экрана.
Освободите место на экране, скрыв панель задач в режиме рабочего стола или планшета.
Щелкните правой кнопкой в панели задач, выберите Параметры и отметьте Автоматически скрывать панель задач в режиме рабочего стола, Автоматически скрывать панель задач в режиме планшета или оба параметра.
TaskbarX
для Windows
TaskbarX — небольшая легковесная утилита, с помощью которой можно кастомизировать по своему усмотрению панель задач в ОС Windows 10. Присутствует возможность перемещать иконки панели задач в центр или в заданное пользователем положение, устанавливать анимацию и изменять ее скорость (при желании можно вообще ее отключить), скрывать трей, иконки и кнопку Пуск на основном или внешних мониторах и пр. Поддерживается работа с вертикальной панелью задач и неограниченным количеством пользовательских таскбаров.
Основные возможности TaskbarX:
- 42 различные анимации (с возможностью полного ее отключения).
- Малое потребление системных ресурсов.
- Возможность изменять скорость анимации.
- Перемещение иконок панели задач в центр или в заданное пользователем положение.
- Поддержка всех системных настроек панели задач.
- Поддержка вертикального расположения таскбара.
- Возможность кастомизировать панели задач на каждом отдельном подключенном внешнем мониторе.
- Возможность изменить стиль, цвет и прозрачность панели задач.
- Возможность скрыть кнопку «Пуск», системный трей и пр.
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The taskbar has been with us for a long time and is present in Windows 10 too. It’s one of the most useful parts of the Windows desktop, allowing you to access various applications, settings, and notifications on your computer. As such, it deserves to be customized to fit your needs. You can change its position, size, hide it, select which icons to show, and more. If you’re curious about what can be personalized on your Windows 10 taskbar and how to do it, read on:
NOTE: The screenshots used in this article are from Windows 10 version 22H2. If you have an older version of Windows 10, you should update it to get all the new features and improvements. Here’s how to upgrade Windows 10 to the latest version.
How to open the taskbar settings in Windows 10
The first thing you must do in order to customize the way your taskbar looks and works is to open its settings. To do that quickly, right-click (or press and hold) on any empty space from the taskbar, and then click or tap on Taskbar settings.
How to open Taskbar settings in Windows 10
This opens the Settings app and automatically takes you to the Taskbar section of the Personalization category of settings.
The Taskbar page in Windows 10’s Settings
Of course, you can also access the Windows 10 taskbar options by opening the Settings app and going to Personalization > Taskbar.
How to customize Windows 10’s taskbar appearance
The taskbar is one of the most frequently used features of Windows 10. It lets you access your favorite apps, switch between open windows, and see important notifications. However, you may want to customize its appearance to suit your preferences and needs. Here’s how to do that:
How to move the taskbar in Windows 10
By default, Windows 10’s taskbar is located at the bottom of the screen. However, you can choose to place it on any other edge. To change the location of your taskbar, scroll the list of available Taskbar settings on the right until you find the “Taskbar location on screen” option.
Taskbar location on screen
You can select to place the taskbar to the left, right, top, or bottom of your screen. Choose your preferred location, and Windows 10 immediately moves the taskbar, without asking for additional confirmation.
How to move the taskbar in Windows 10
For instance, in the next screenshot, I relocated the Windows 10 taskbar to the top of the screen.
Windows 10’s taskbar shown at the top of the screen
TIP: You can also simply drag and drop the taskbar to the edge where you want it on your desktop. However, for that to work, you must first unlock it from the Taskbar settings by disabling the “Lock the taskbar” switch.
The Lock the taskbar switch
How to resize the taskbar in Windows 10
Would you like a bigger taskbar on your Windows 10 computer? Or maybe some coworker or friend played a prank on you enlarging your taskbar, and now you’re wondering “Why is my taskbar so big?”. No matter the case, if you want to, you can resize the taskbar to make it larger or smaller.
To change the size of the taskbar in Windows 10, you need first to unlock it. Return to the Taskbar page in the Settings app, and disable the “Lock the taskbar” switch.
Unlock the taskbar in Windows 10
Then, you can resize your taskbar, just like any regular window. Hover with your mouse pointer over the upper margin until the “resize” cursor appears, and drag the margin up or down. Note that the taskbar has minimum and maximum values beyond which it can’t be dragged/resized.
Resize the taskbar in Windows 10
How to hide the taskbar in Windows 10
You might prefer not to see the taskbar on your desktop. If that’s the case, you can make your taskbar hide automatically when not in use. In other words, you can make the Windows 10 taskbar invisible until you hover your mouse pointer over the area where it’s hidden. And then, when you do that, the taskbar slides into view. Once you move away from it, it hides again.
To automatically hide your taskbar when you’re using your Windows 10 computer in desktop mode, turn on the “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” switch.
Hide the taskbar in Windows 10
Hiding the taskbar makes more room on your desktop, and that’s something quite important if you’re using a small screen like that of a tablet or a hybrid 2-in-1 device. If you want that, enable the “Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode” switch.
Hide the taskbar in Windows 10’s tablet mode
How to customize the buttons on the taskbar
By default, Windows 10 displays large buttons on the taskbar. However, you might feel they’re too big, making you wonder how to resize your taskbar icons. If you prefer smaller and more subtle buttons on your taskbar, you can set Windows 10 to “Use small taskbar buttons.”
Make the taskbar icons smaller
Using small buttons can make the Windows 10 taskbar feel a bit less obtrusive, as this also decreases its width.
Windows 10’s taskbar icons: small versus large
How to customize what’s shown on the taskbar in Windows 10
Now you know how to personalize the looks of the Windows 10 taskbar. However, there’s more: next, I’ll show you how to customize the different sections of the taskbar, like the system tray icons or the apps pinned to the taskbar. Here’s how:
How to select which icons are displayed on the Windows 10 taskbar
The right side of the taskbar is the place where you get notifications from the Action Center, check what date and time it is, and see a whole range of icons for various system options and apps installed on your Windows 10 computer or device. That’s why this part of the taskbar is also known as the Notification area or the system tray. Fortunately, you can control it, as Windows 10 allows you to select exactly what icons are displayed here.
The system tray icons in Windows 10
If you want to customize the icons that appear on your taskbar, this guide covers the subject in detail: The Windows 10 system tray — How to show or hide icons.
How to show or hide Widgets on Windows 10’s taskbar
Widgets are a relatively new feature in Windows 10. They let you access personalized information such as weather, news, your calendar, and more. These bits of information are shown by default on the Windows 10 taskbar, left of the system tray icons.
The Widgets taskbar button in Windows 10
While some people find them useful, others may not like them and would rather remove them completely. If you want to learn how to use Widgets in Windows 10, or if you’d rather clean up your taskbar by disabling the Widgets, read this guide: News and interests in Windows 10: How to get it, configure it, or disable it.
How to pin items to the Windows 10 taskbar
You probably have some apps, programs, or other tools you use often, and you want to have speedy access to them. Pinning those items to the taskbar is a good way to reach them quickly.
If you want to pin an item to the taskbar, it usually suffices to right-click (or press and hold) its icon or shortcut and then select the “Pin to taskbar” option from the context menu.
Pin an item to the Windows 10 taskbar
However, there are many ways to pin an item to the Windows 10 taskbar. For example, if you want to pin a shortcut, there are nine different methods, and you can learn them all from this guide: 9 ways to pin shortcuts to the Windows 10 taskbar. If you have a favorite website you’d like to add to the taskbar, these steps will show you how to do it: How to pin a website to the taskbar or the Start Menu. And last but not least, you can even add contacts or pin folders to the taskbar if that’s what you want.
How to show or hide the search box from the Windows 10 taskbar
By default, Windows 10 shows a large search box on the taskbar that you can use to look for things on your PC and on the internet.
The search box on the taskbar in Windows 10
However, if you feel that this search box is taking too much space from your taskbar, you can either replace the search box with a simple icon or even disable it completely. To do that, right-click (or press and hold) on an empty space of the taskbar, hover your cursor or click/tap on Search, and then choose what you want: Show search box, Show search icon, or set it Hidden from view.
Change the search bar to an icon or hide it from the taskbar
If you’re curious, this is what the search icon looks like:
The Search button on the Windows 10 taskbar
If the search disappeared from the taskbar, follow the same steps as above and select the “Show search box” or “Show search icon” option, depending on your preference.
How to show or hide the Task View button from the taskbar
Besides search, Windows 10’s taskbar also includes the Task View button by default. If you’d like to learn how to work with multiple virtual desktops, know that we’ve covered all the ins and outs of this feature here: How to use multiple desktops in Windows 10. However, if you’re not thrilled about virtual desktops and would rather get rid of the Task View button from the taskbar, you can.
The Task View button on the taskbar
To remove Task View from the Windows 10 taskbar, right-click (or press and hold) on an empty space from the taskbar and deselect the “Show Task View button” option.
Show Task View button
If you want to show Task View on your taskbar, repeat the same steps, but this time, enable the “Show Task View button” option.
How to show or hide Cortana on the taskbar in Windows 10
Windows 10’s taskbar can also show a button for Cortana, not just for Task View and Search. While it’s hidden by default in the latest operating system version, you can turn it on if you’re using this virtual personal assistant. To do so, right-click (or press and hold) on an empty space from the taskbar, and enable the “Show Cortana button” option.
Show Cortana button
You’ll then see Cortana’s button displayed next to the search bar, just like in the next screenshot.
Cortana on the Windows 10 taskbar
To hide Cortana from Windows 10’s taskbar, follow the same steps and turn off the “Show Cortana button” option.
How to add or remove toolbars to the Windows 10 taskbar
You can add toolbars to the taskbar if you like. To do that, right-click (or press and hold) on a blank space on the taskbar, click/tap or hover over Toolbars and choose to add one of the default toolbars or create a new one.
Adding Toolbars to the Windows 10 taskbar
The default toolbar choices are:
- Address — adds the equivalent of a URL bar to the taskbar, so you can type in frequently used websites or file locations.
- Links — puts in a toolbar with all your favorite websites, but only if your default browser is Internet Explorer. If you’re using the latest version of Windows 10, the default web browser is Microsoft Edge (unless you change it), so this toolbar is pretty much useless in this case.
- Desktop — repeats all the shortcuts on your desktop and is a fairly useless choice.
- New toolbar… — if you create a new toolbar, Windows 10 lets you put in a custom toolbar containing any folder you choose. If the folder you pin has a lot of content, your taskbar can fill up quickly, and it will take longer to load. The default folder is your Documents library.
Taskbar toolbars in Windows 10
You can also remove a particular toolbar from your taskbar if you don’t want to see it. Right-click (or press and hold) on an empty space from the taskbar, click/tap or hover over Toolbars, and then uncheck the toolbar you want to hide. Items you have added will disappear, while default items on the list will just be unchecked, so you can add them back if you change your mind.
How to show the Windows 10 taskbar on multiple displays
The taskbar is not displayed on all your screens by default if you have a dual or multi-monitor setup. However, if you want it to show everywhere, you can enable the “Show taskbar on all displays” option from the Multiple displays section of the Taskbar settings. You can also specify whether the buttons on the other taskbars from the other screens will combine or not. Note that these settings are grayed out if you don’t have two or more displays installed on your computer.
Multiple displays options for the Windows 10 taskbar
As a reminder, the fastest way to get to the Taskbar settings is to right-click or press and hold on a blank space from your taskbar and then click or tap on Taskbar settings.
How did you customize the taskbar on your Windows 10 PC?
As you’ve seen, the taskbar in Windows 10 is highly customizable, and there are many things you can change about how it looks and works. Carefully go through all the items shown in this guide, and customize your taskbar as you see fit. Then, let me know if you have any questions and how you like your Windows 10 taskbar to look and be organized.