In contrast to previous versions of Windows, which have kept all open and pinned apps aligned to the left, Windows 11 now maintains them all in the middle. As usual, users react negatively to such radical changes to the taskbar and the Start button. Microsoft allows you to shift apps on the taskbar from the center to the left without needing additional tools if you are unhappy with the default layout and wish to return to the traditional taskbar appearance. Here is how to go about it.
Also Read: How To Enable the “End Task” Option On The Windows 11 Taskbar
Methods On How To Disable Centered Taskbar In Windows 11
Method 1: Disable The Centered Taskbar Using The Settings App
Step 1: Press Win + I to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on the Personalization tab in the left panel.
Step 3: Next, click the Taskbar option on the right side of the Settings window.
Step 4: Now, locate the Taskbar Behaviors settings and click on it.
Step 5: Search for the Taskbar Alignment option.
Step 6: You can select the position of the taskbar by clicking on the dropdown menu next to the Taskbar Alignment option. There are two options to choose from – Left & Center.
Step 7: Select Left and you will have your classic Windows view back.
Note: If you wish to return to the centered taskbar, then follow the above steps again and choose Center instead of Left in the Taskbar Alignment settings.
Also Read: How To Fix ‘Lock The Taskbar’ Greyed Out In Windows
Method 2: Disable The Centered Taskbar Using Windows Registry
For any reason, if you cannot access the Windows Settings then you can move your Taskbar icons towards the left by making a few changes in the Windows Registry.
Note: It is recommended to take the Windows Registry backup before making any changes.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type Regedit in the text space followed by the Enter key.
Step 3: Navigate to the following Registry key.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Note: You can copy the above path and paste it in the address bar of your Windows Registry app window followed by the Enter key.
Step 4: Locate the Registry key labeled as TaskbarAl in the right panel of the Windows Registry app window.
Step 5: If the TaskbarAl key does not exist on your PC then you can make a right-click on any empty space of the right panel and choose New->32-bit Dword key.
Step 6: Rename this new key as TaskbarAl.
Step 7: Now double-click the TaskbarAl key and a small box will open.
Step 8: Set the value data as “0” to align the taskbar icons towards the left. The default value in this box will always be “1” which leads to the centering of the taskbar icons.
Step 9: Reboot your PC and you will find that the changes will take effect.
Also Read: How to Enable Task Manager Option in Taskbar Context Menu
Bonus Feature: How To Center Taskbar Icons In Windows 11
Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Click on the Personalization option in the left pane.
Step 3: Next, click on the Taskbar in the right panel followed by Taskbar Alignment.
Step 4: Select Center in the dropdown menu.
The Taskbar icons will be rearranged from left to center. You don’t need to reboot Windows Explorer, log out of your profile, or approve changes. Windows 11 will relocate app icons from the left to the center with immediate effect.
Also Read: How To Backup And Restore Your Windows Pinned Taskbar Items
The Final Word
We hope the above-mentioned methods help you to change the taskbar position from Center to Left. You can also reverse that effect by undoing the changes made previously.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.
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