Where your taskbar goes and how to move it
The taskbar — the bar at the bottom of your screen that holds your Start button, clock, and open programs — can be moved to the top, left, or right side of your screen instead. Windows lets you drag it to any edge, and the process takes about 30 seconds. If your taskbar is locked (which prevents accidental moves), you'll need to unlock it first.
The exact steps depend on whether you're using Windows 10, Windows 11, or an older version, but the core method is the same: unlock the taskbar if needed, then drag it to the edge you want.
Key Takeaways
- Your taskbar can sit on the bottom, top, left, or right edge of your screen, and you can change this by dragging it.
- If your taskbar won't move when you try to drag it, it is locked — right-click the taskbar and uncheck "Lock the taskbar" first.
- After you move the taskbar, it stays in that position until you move it again, even after you restart your computer.
- Moving the taskbar does not affect your programs, files, or any other settings — it only changes where the bar appears on screen.
How to unlock your taskbar in Windows 10 and 11
Before you can move the taskbar, it must be unlocked. Many computers come with the taskbar locked by default to prevent accidental moves.
Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar — anywhere that doesn't have a button or icon. A menu will pop up. Look for the option that says "Lock the taskbar" and click it. If the option has a checkmark next to it, clicking it will remove the checkmark and unlock the taskbar. If there is no checkmark, the taskbar is already unlocked and you can skip to the next section.
After you unlock it, the taskbar is ready to move. You do not need to restart your computer or close any programs.
Moving the taskbar by dragging it
Once the taskbar is unlocked, you can drag it to any of the four edges of your screen. Click and hold on an empty area of the taskbar — not on a button or icon — and drag it toward the edge where you want it to go.
As you drag, your cursor will move toward the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. When you reach the edge you want, release the mouse button. The taskbar will snap into place on that edge. The entire process takes just a few seconds.
You can move it back to the bottom (or any other edge) the same way. Drag it, release it at the edge you want, and it moves. There is no limit to how many times you can move it.
What happens to your programs and icons when you move the taskbar
Moving the taskbar does not close any programs, delete any files, or change any settings. All your open windows stay open, and all your pinned icons stay pinned in the same order. The taskbar simply appears in a new location on your screen.
If you move the taskbar to the left or right side of your screen, it will be narrower and taller. Your icons and buttons will stack vertically instead of horizontally, but they will all still be there and work exactly the same way. If you move it back to the bottom or top, they will spread out horizontally again.
Locking the taskbar again after you move it
Once your taskbar is in the position you want, you can lock it again to prevent accidental moves. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and click "Lock the taskbar." A checkmark will appear next to the option, showing that it is now locked.
With the taskbar locked, you will not be able to drag it by accident. If you ever want to move it again in the future, you simply unlock it the same way and drag it to a new edge.
Troubleshooting: Your taskbar won't move
If you try to drag the taskbar and nothing happens, it is almost certainly locked. Right-click on the taskbar and look at the "Lock the taskbar" option. If it has a checkmark, click it to unlock. Then try dragging again.
If the taskbar still will not move after you unlock it, try right-clicking on a different empty area of the taskbar — sometimes the spot you click matters. Avoid clicking directly on the Start button, clock, or any icon. If you still have trouble, restart your computer and try again.
On rare occasions, a Windows update or a third-party program can interfere with taskbar movement. If restarting does not fix it, check Windows Update to see if any updates are waiting to be installed, and install them if they are available.
Moving the taskbar in older versions of Windows
If you are using Windows 7 or an earlier version, the process is the same: right-click the taskbar, uncheck "Lock the Taskbar," then drag it to the edge you want. The menu options look slightly different, but the steps are identical.
If you are using a Mac, the dock (which is similar to the taskbar) can only be moved to the bottom, left, or right — not the top. Click the Apple menu, go to System Preferences, then Dock, and choose the position you want from the "Position on screen" options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the taskbar to the top of my screen?
Yes. Unlock the taskbar, drag it upward to the top edge of your screen, and release. It will snap into place at the top. You can move it back to the bottom or to either side the same way.
Will moving the taskbar affect my programs or files?
No. Moving the taskbar only changes where the bar appears on your screen. All your programs, files, and settings stay exactly the same. Your pinned icons and open windows do not move or close.
What if I move the taskbar and then restart my computer?
The taskbar stays in the new position after you restart. Windows remembers where you moved it and keeps it there until you move it again.
Can I make the taskbar smaller or larger?
You can make it taller or wider by dragging its inner edge. Unlock the taskbar, position your cursor on the edge closest to your screen content (not the outer edge), and drag inward or outward. Release to set the new size.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to move the taskbar?
No. You must drag it with your mouse. There is no keyboard command to move the taskbar to a different edge, though you can unlock it by right-clicking and selecting the option from the menu.