In Windows 11, native settings allow you to change the alignment of the taskbar icons, including the Start button (which provides access to the Start Menu), on the bottom of the screen. While Windows 11 does not allow moving the entire taskbar to different screen edges (like the top, left, or right) through standard settings, you can adjust where the icons and the Start button appear on the bottom taskbar.
Understanding the "Menu Bar" in Windows 11
In earlier operating systems, a "menu bar" might have referred to application menus or system-wide panels that could be positioned differently. In Windows 11, the primary system "menu" interface is the Start Menu, which is accessed by clicking the Start button located on the taskbar. Therefore, when asking about the "menu bar position," you are likely referring to the position of the Start button and other icons on the taskbar itself.
Changing Taskbar Alignment in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers two primary alignment options for taskbar icons: Centered (the default) and Left-aligned. Changing this setting directly affects the position of the Start button and all pinned and running application icons on your taskbar.
Follow these simple steps to change the taskbar alignment:
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Step 1: Right click on the task bar and click Taskbar Settings
- Right-click anywhere on an empty space on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu that appears. This will open the Personalization > Taskbar section within the Windows Settings app.
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Step 2: Once the settings are open navigate and open the taskbar behaviour accordion menu
- In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to find the "Taskbar behaviors" section. This is an expandable menu (an accordion).
- Click on "Taskbar behaviors" to expand its options.
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Step 3: Once taskbar behaviours has been opened you will see the option Taskbar alignment
- Within the expanded "Taskbar behaviors" section, you will see the "Taskbar alignment" option.
- Click on the dropdown menu next to "Taskbar alignment".
- You can then choose between:
- Center: This is the default Windows 11 alignment. The Start button and icons are centered on the taskbar. As you open more apps, they will shift towards the center from both sides.
- Left: This option aligns the Start button and icons to the left side of the taskbar, similar to previous versions of Windows (like Windows 10).
Taskbar Alignment Options
Here's a quick look at how the two alignment options differ:
| Feature | Center Alignment | Left Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Start Button | Positioned towards the center | Positioned on the far left |
| Taskbar Icons | Centered on the taskbar | Aligned to the left, next to Start |
| Default in W11 | Yes | No |
| Appearance | Modern, macOS-like feel | Traditional Windows feel |
Choosing "Left" alignment will place the Start button back in the familiar bottom-left corner position if you prefer the classic Windows layout.
While these steps allow you to change the alignment of icons on the taskbar, fundamentally affecting the Start button's position, they do not allow moving the entire taskbar to a different edge of the screen in Windows 11 using built-in features.
