Where the Start toolbar is and how to move it
The Start toolbar in Windows is the bar that holds your Start button, taskbar icons, and system tray. By default, it sits at the bottom of your screen, but Windows lets you move it to any of the four edges — left, right, top, or bottom. The process is the same whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, though the exact appearance differs slightly between versions.
Moving the taskbar takes about 30 seconds and requires no settings menu or right-click options. You simply unlock the taskbar, drag it to a new position, and lock it again to keep it there. If the taskbar is already locked, you must unlock it first before you can move it.
Key Takeaways
- The taskbar must be unlocked before you can move it; right-click the taskbar and select "Lock the taskbar" to toggle the lock off.
- Once unlocked, click and drag the taskbar from its current edge to any of the four screen edges — left, right, top, or bottom.
- After moving the taskbar to your preferred location, right-click it again and select "Lock the taskbar" to prevent accidental movement.
- If the taskbar will not move, check that you are dragging from an empty area of the taskbar, not from an icon or the clock.
Unlocking the taskbar so you can move it
The taskbar is locked by default to prevent you from accidentally moving or resizing it. To unlock it, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar — anywhere that does not have an icon, the search box, or the clock. A menu will appear with several options.
Look for the option that says "Lock the taskbar." Click it once. The checkmark next to it will disappear, which means the taskbar is now unlocked and ready to move. If you do not see this option, your taskbar may already be unlocked, and you can proceed directly to dragging it.
Dragging the taskbar to a new location
With the taskbar unlocked, position your cursor over an empty area of the taskbar — the space between icons or to the right of the clock works well. Click and hold your mouse button, then drag the taskbar toward the edge of the screen where you want it to go. You can move it to the left side, right side, top, or bottom of your screen.
As you drag, you will see the taskbar follow your cursor and preview where it will land. Release the mouse button when the taskbar is positioned where you want it. The taskbar will snap into place along that edge. If it does not move, make sure you are dragging from an empty area, not from an icon or the time display.
Locking the taskbar after you move it
Once the taskbar is in its new position, lock it again to prevent accidental movement. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select "Lock the taskbar." A checkmark will appear next to the option, indicating the taskbar is now locked in place.
Locking the taskbar is optional but recommended, especially if you have children or pets who might bump your mouse against it. A locked taskbar will not move even if you accidentally drag it.
What to do if the taskbar will not move
If you unlock the taskbar but it still will not move when you drag it, the most common cause is dragging from the wrong area. The Start button, search box, taskbar icons, and system tray (clock, volume, network icons) are all fixed in place and cannot be dragged. You must drag from the empty space between or around these elements.
Another possibility is that your taskbar is set to "auto-hide," which can sometimes interfere with moving it. To check, right-click the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and look for the "Auto-hide the taskbar" toggle. Turn it off temporarily, try moving the taskbar again, then turn it back on if you prefer that setting.
Moving taskbar icons without moving the taskbar itself
If you want to rearrange the icons on the taskbar without moving the entire bar, you can do that separately. Right-click any icon on the taskbar and select "Unpin from taskbar" to remove it, or drag icons left and right to reorder them. This does not require unlocking the taskbar and works whether the taskbar is locked or unlocked.
You can also add new icons to the taskbar by opening an application and right-clicking its icon in the taskbar, then selecting "Pin to taskbar." This keeps the icon visible even when the application is closed.
Resizing the taskbar after moving it
Once the taskbar is unlocked, you can also resize it by dragging its inner edge. If the taskbar is on the bottom or top, position your cursor at the top edge of the taskbar until it changes to a resize cursor, then drag up or down. If the taskbar is on the left or right, position your cursor at the inner edge and drag left or right to make it wider or narrower.
Resizing is useful if you want more room for taskbar icons or if you want the taskbar to take up less screen space. Lock the taskbar again when you are satisfied with the size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the taskbar in Windows 11?
Yes, the process is identical in Windows 11. Unlock the taskbar by right-clicking it and selecting "Lock the taskbar," then drag it to a new edge. Windows 11 taskbar appearance is slightly different, but the movement mechanics work the same way.
What if I want the taskbar on the left side of my screen?
Unlock the taskbar, drag it toward the left edge of your screen, and release. The taskbar will rotate vertically and align to the left side. All icons and the clock will reorient to fit the vertical layout. Lock it again when you are done.
Will moving the taskbar affect my open applications?
No. Moving the taskbar does not close, minimize, or affect any open applications. Your windows will remain open and in the same position. The taskbar simply relocates to a new screen edge.
Can I hide the taskbar completely?
Yes. Right-click the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and turn on "Auto-hide the taskbar." The taskbar will disappear when you are not using it and reappear when you move your cursor to that screen edge. You can turn this off the same way.
Why does my taskbar keep moving back to the bottom?
This usually happens if the taskbar is not locked after you move it. Right-click the taskbar, select "Lock the taskbar," and make sure a checkmark appears. If it keeps moving even when locked, restart your computer — sometimes a temporary glitch causes the taskbar to reset to its default position.