Windows 11: tips to Move Start Menu and Taskbar to the Top of the Screen

Within the ever-evolving Windows landscape, microsoft’s latest operating system, windows 11, has unveiled a new look for its iconic Start Menu and Taskbar. While these changes offer a fresh user experience, you may be wondering how to customize your desktop according to your needs and preferences. This blog post is here to help: we’ll guide you through the process of moving the Start Menu and Taskbar to the top of your screen.

Understanding the New Positioning of the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11

The Shift from Traditional Layout

The first step towards customization is understanding what’s changed. Unlike previous versions of Windows where the Start Menu and Taskbar were situated on the bottom left, Windows 11 now positions them in the center. This aesthetic change aligns with Microsoft’s intention to deliver a centered design, reminiscent of other platforms like MacOS or Chrome OS.

Adapting to Change or Making It Your Own ?

While some users may appreciate this evolution for its modern touch, others might find it disorienting. The good news is that Windows 11 allows flexibility: you can decide whether to adapt to this new layout or customize it according to your preferences.

As we delve into how you can make these adjustments, remember that understanding change is key before attempting any modifications.

Customizing Your Experience: adjusting the Location of the Taskbar

The Basic Steps

Moving back your taskbar to its original location is straightforward. According to sources like editions-eni.fr and numerama.com, you simply need to navigate through Personalization > Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors. From there, select ‘Left’ from the dropdown menu under Taskbar alignment.

Customizing Your Start Screen Layout

Your desktop experience can be further personalized by adjusting the layout of your Start screen. As per learn.microsoft.com, you can specify a custom set of pinned applications according to your preferences.

The steps for making these adjustments are simple, yet they can significantly enhance your user experience. But what if you want to take customization a step further ? Let’s see how that can be achieved.

A Practical Guide to Moving the Taskbar to the Top of the Screen with Windows Tools

Utilizing Windows Settings

To move the taskbar to the top of your screen, you’ll need to delve deeper into Windows settings. As zdnet.fr suggests, open the Settings application, navigate to Personalization and then Taskbar. Under Taskbar behaviors, change the alignment of the taskbar from center to left.

While this method allows for some level of customization, it is not without limitations—specifically, moving the taskbar vertically (to the top or bottom) rather than horizontally. For those seeking more advanced solutions, let’s delve into some other options.

Advanced Solutions: modifying Registry and Using Third-Party Software to Reposition the Taskbar

Diving into Windows Registry

If basic adjustments aren’t enough and you’re comfortable with advanced procedures, you might consider editing your Windows Registry—a database where low-level system settings are stored. Tech2tech.fr mentions one such method involving Regedit Editor where you’ll need to modify a specific binary value.

Considering Third-Party Software

In case dabbling with registry edits seems intimidating, there’s still an avenue open: using third-party software designed specifically for extensive customization of Windows’ interface.

As always when dealing with system-level modifications, be cautious and ensure you have a system recovery point in place.

Whether you’re an avid fan of the new centered design or yearn for the traditional layout, windows 11 provides ample room for customization. With the right information and tools at hand, you can easily adjust your Start Menu and Taskbar location to suit your workflow better. Remember, comfort and efficiency are at the heart of any successful user experience, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.