How to left align the Windows 11 taskbar icon

However, if you want a more familiar, 'classic' experience, it can be easily set up so that the icons are aligned to the left side of the taskbar as was common in previous versions of Windows. Here's how to do it.

First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + i key combination. Or you can also click on the Start menu and select the 'Settings' gear icon, which is pinned at the top of the menu by default.

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In the Settings window that opens, click the 'Personalization' item in the side list, then select 'Taskbar'.

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In the taskbar settings screen, click 'Taskbar Behaviors'.

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A list of options will appear. Click on the drop-down menu next to 'Taskbar Alignment'.

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In the 'Taskbar Alignment' pop-up menu, select the 'Left' option.

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Immediately, your taskbar icons will be aligned to the left side of the screen as usual.

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You can now close Settings and experience the change you just made. In case you change your mind and want to center the taskbar icons as default, go back to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, then set the 'Taskbar Alignment' option to 'Center'.

Note that this is basically just an option to change the position of icons on the taskbar. Windows 11 currently does not support the ability to change the position of the entire taskbar like on previous versions of Windows.

Jessica Tanner

Update 17 October 2021