Restore taskbar labels, choose left or centered icons, show useful taskbar buttons, and adjust the system tray through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Windows 11 keeps these controls in three groups: Taskbar items, System tray icons, and Taskbar behaviors.
Open Windows 11 Taskbar settings
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Or open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. The precise labels can vary slightly as Windows updates.
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Show labels and keep windows ungrouped
To give each open window its own labeled taskbar button, open Taskbar behaviors and set Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Never. Microsoft added the never-combined mode in its October 31, 2023 preview update note for OS builds 22621.2506 and 22631.2506: “This update adds ‘never combined’ mode.” The note points to the same Taskbar behaviors setting: Microsoft’s KB5031455 update note.
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Always, hide labels | Windows combines an app’s buttons and hides their labels. Microsoft describes this as the default, compact behavior. |
| When taskbar is full | Separate labeled buttons remain until the taskbar is crowded; then buttons for that app combine. |
| Never | Each open window keeps its own labeled button. Buttons shrink as more windows accumulate and may eventually scroll. |
If you use multiple displays, check the separate taskbar setting for other taskbars in Taskbar behaviors.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
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Align taskbar icons left or center
In Taskbar behaviors, open Taskbar alignment and choose Left or Center. Windows 11 does not offer controls here to move the taskbar to the top or either side. Microsoft Support states, “The taskbar is positioned at the bottom of the screen.” Microsoft’s Windows taskbar guide covers Windows 11 and Windows 10, so use its Windows 11 instructions for these settings.
Show or hide Widgets, Search, and Task view
Under Taskbar items, switch Widgets, Search, or Task view on or off. These switches control whether the corresponding taskbar buttons are displayed.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
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- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
- Search: Microsoft says Search can find files, applications, settings, and web results.
- Task view: Use it to view open windows and manage multiple desktops.
- Widgets: The button opens the Widgets board. Hiding the button does not remove the board: press Windows+W to open it. Microsoft also documents opening it by selecting or hovering over the button, or with a supported swipe. Microsoft’s Widgets guide explains the available ways to access Widgets.
Choose which system tray icons appear
In Taskbar settings, review System tray icons and Other system tray icons to choose which listed icons appear. You can also drag icons between the visible system tray and its overflow area.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Show the clock and date
The clock menu includes a Show time and date control. To display seconds, enable Show seconds in system tray clock in Taskbar behaviors. Microsoft notes that showing seconds uses more power; it does not specify an amount.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Other taskbar behaviors you can restore
Taskbar behaviors also includes controls for automatically hiding the taskbar, displaying badges, flashing app icons, showing the taskbar on all displays, and the taskbar window-sharing option. If the taskbar is behaving differently from what you expect, review these switches in the same section.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
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