Windows 11 now includes new Taskbar customisation options, allowing you to change its position, icon alignment and size. This new feature was released with KB5120998 and provides some new features that we will now have a look at.
For many years, Windows users could move the Taskbar to different sides of the screen and customise how it appeared. Early versions of Windows 11 removed some of these options, but Microsoft has now reintroduced several popular customisation features. In this article, we’ll show you how to access the new settings and personalise your Taskbar.
Why customise the Taskbar?
The Taskbar is one of the most frequently used parts of Windows as it provides access to your favourite applications (pinned) plus any open windows and system notifications. Customising the Taskbar allows you to work in a way that suits your preferences.
If you use a widescreen or multiple monitors you then have the ability to move the Taskbar to the left, right or top of the screen to give you easier access to your applications. Reducing the Taskbar size can also help free up additional screen space if you are working on a smaller screen while changing the icon alignment can make it feel more like Windows 10 for users who have just upgraded.
How to check if you have a Windows Update installed?
If you find that you do not have the following features, you can easily check if you have the required update installed. If not, then you can run Windows Update to then install this new feature.
To check if you have this new update:
- Click the Start button and click Settings, or press Windows key + I.
- The Settings window will appear.
- From the side menu, choose Windows Update.
- Now click Update history.
- Browse through the list of recent updates and identify if 2026-08 Preview Update (KB5120998) (26200.9278) is listed as being installed.
- If yes, then you have the new taskbar features.
- If not, from the side menu, choose Windows Update again.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any updates that are detected.
Change the Taskbar location
Now that you have checked if you have the new Taskbar updates, let’s look at what you can change.
- Place the cursor over the Taskbar and right click.
- Choose Taskbar settings from the menu.
- The Settings window will appear and you have automatically been taken to Personalization > Taskbar.
- Scroll down to locate the Taskbar position section:
- Choose to move the Taskbar to the Top, Left or Right side of the screen.
Change the Taskbar icon alignment
Another new setting is the ability for you to change the alignment of the icons on the Taskbar. In Windows 10 and earlier versions, the Start button and taskbar icons were aligned to the left. Windows 11 introduced centred taskbar icons by default, but you can now we can choose which alignment we’d prefer.
- Right click on the Taskbar and choose Taskbar settings from the menu.
- Scroll to the Taskbar icon alignment option.
- Change the setting to Left to see the change instantly:
- Change the setting back if you prefer to keep the default setting.
Change the Taskbar size
Lastly we also have the new option of being able to change the size of the Taskbar. You can choose between the default size, or you can make it smaller.
- Right click on the Taskbar and choose Taskbar settings from the menu.
- Scroll to the Taskbar size option.
- Change the setting to Small to see the change instantly:
- Change the setting back if you prefer to keep the default setting.
Other Taskbar settings
Some other useful Taskbar options include the ability to:
- Automatically hide the taskbar
- Show/hide badges and flashing on taskbar apps
- Show/hide the taskbar on all displays
- Control if you want to combine taskbar buttons and hide labels
The Taskbar is one of the most frequently used parts of Windows, so being able to customise its position, alignment and size can help make your desktop feel more comfortable and efficient to use. Windows 11 now gives us the option to customise these settings to give greater control over how our workspace looks and behaves. Remember to drop any questions below in the comments or check out some of my other Windows tips and tricks.