Freedom251 › Taskbar Customization Software
TaskbarX
What TaskbarX is
TaskbarX is a free, open-source Windows utility for positioning taskbar icons and adjusting taskbar styling. Icons can be centered or placed at a chosen position to either side, with controls for spacing and size. Users can select animations such as fade or slide, turn animation off, and choose transparent, blur, opaque, or accent backgrounds with adjustable color. It supports unlimited taskbars with separate settings for each monitor, including vertical taskbars. The portable ZIP build costs nothing and has the same features as the Microsoft Store version; the Store version lists automatic updates for an optional small paid donation, with no exact amount stated. The site describes Windows 10 as fully supported and says Windows 11 centering works through build 22621.1265, but not on modern builds. The latest stable version listed is 1.7.8.0, and the GitHub repository is archived and read-only.
Who it suits
TaskbarX may suit Windows users who want to reposition and style taskbar icons, especially across multiple monitors. Its Windows 11 centering limit and archived repository are important considerations before choosing it.
What it does well
- Free portable ZIP build
- Open source under the MIT license
- Independent settings for unlimited taskbars
- Adjustable icon spacing and size
- No installer or background services
What to know first
- Windows 11 centering fails on modern builds
- GitHub repository is archived and read-only
- Store version asks for an optional donation
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TaskbarX portable build | Free · portable ZIP · same features as Microsoft Store version | Free |
| Free portable build | Windows utility · portable ZIP · all features | Free |
| Microsoft Store version | $1.09 · Same features as free build · automatic updates · easier installation | $1.09, paid once |
| TaskbarX Microsoft Store version | Optional small paid donation; exact amount not stated · Adds automatic updates · features identical to free portable build | On request |
As taskbarx.app lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
TaskbarX offers detailed taskbar positioning and appearance controls, including separate settings across monitors. Its stated Windows 11 limitation and archived repository make platform compatibility and release status worth weighing.
Facts from TaskbarX's own pages
- Animations
- It includes 42 animation choices, including an instant no-animation option. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Center alignment
- The utility keeps taskbar icons centered when icons are added or removed. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Command-line API
- The README documents command-line switches for stopping the app, selecting styles, setting offsets, choosing animations, controlling refresh rates and hiding taskbar elements. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The official site lists version 1.7.8.0 as the latest stable release. · taskbarx.app, 15 Oct 2026
- Custom start button
- The feature list includes hiding the Start button and using a custom Start button. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The app is portable, requires no installer, makes no registry edits and uses no background services. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Documentation depth
- Public documentation consists mainly of the README feature list, Windows compatibility notes, command-line reference and download links. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2018 · taskbarx.app, 28 Sept 2026
- Icon positioning
- Icons can be moved to the exact center or nudged left or right to a chosen position. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Icon spacing
- Users can adjust spacing between icons and resize them. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Implementation language
- Softorage identifies the software as written in Visual Basic .NET. · softorage.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Initial development date
- Softorage lists the initial release as May 6, 2018. · softorage.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Installation consists of extracting the ZIP, running TaskbarX.exe, opening the Configurator and optionally enabling startup. · taskbarx.app, 15 Oct 2026
- Installation and support
- The site provides an installation guide, FAQ, troubleshooting guide and contact page. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Licence
- TaskbarX is released under the MIT licence. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- TaskbarX is free and open source under the MIT license. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Limit: display redraws
- An AlternativeTo reviewer reported icons randomly returning left, opaque or black taskbar redraws, and needing manual refreshes. · alternativeto.net, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: startup flicker
- Windows Central reported occasional startup hiccups where icons briefly jumped between their normal and centered positions. · windowscentral.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The project identifies Chris Andriessen as its developer. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Multi-monitor
- TaskbarX supports unlimited taskbars with independent settings per monitor, including vertical taskbars. · taskbarx.app, 30 Sept 2026
- Multi-monitor support
- The README says unlimited monitors and unlimited taskbars are supported. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Portable operation
- The official site describes a roughly 2.3 MB portable package with no installer, registry edits or background services. · taskbarx.app, 15 Oct 2026
- Position offsets
- Users can adjust the icon position relative to the taskbar center or between taskbar regions. · github.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Praise: resource use
- Windows Central described TaskbarX as lightweight with minimal CPU and RAM usage. · windowscentral.com, 15 Oct 2026
Where TaskbarX stands on Freedom251
- Taskbar Customization Software#1 of 34