Recommended Free Tools
For everyday changes—such as hiding Search, rearranging pinned apps, or controlling tray icons—start at Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. If you want a more substantial redesign, choose a tool by the task: Windhawk for focused community-made styling mods, ExplorerPatcher for a Windows 10-style taskbar implementation, or Start11 for a commercial customization option. Check compatibility against your specific Windows build, and do not assume Microsoft’s announced top and side taskbar positions are available on every Windows 11 PC.
What Windows 11’s built-in taskbar settings can change
Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar for routine cleanup and personalization. Microsoft’s taskbar support documentation covers showing or hiding taskbar items, pinning and unpinning apps, changing their order, and controlling system-tray visibility and other taskbar behaviors.
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These native controls are usually enough if your goal is to remove an item you do not use or make frequently used apps easier to reach. A third-party utility is relevant when you need a different taskbar implementation or visual treatment beyond the choices exposed in Settings.
Which taskbar customization tool fits your goal?
| Tool | Best fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Windhawk | Focused community mods and visual styling, including its Taskbar Styler mod. Windhawk describes its platform as open source and supports Windows 10 and 11. | Compatibility can differ by individual mod and Windows build. Check the specific mod’s details and updates; platform support alone does not guarantee that every mod works on your system. Windhawk |
| ExplorerPatcher | A Windows 10-style taskbar implementation on Windows 11, for people seeking a more familiar legacy layout and behavior. | Consult the project’s build-support table for your Windows release before installing; compatibility is version-sensitive. ExplorerPatcher taskbar implementation wiki |
| Start11 | A commercial customization option. Stardock’s January 15, 2025 announcement for Start11 v2.5 described vertical taskbars on the left or right and independent placement per monitor. | The announcement listed a permanent license starting at $9.99 at that time. This is a dated launch price, not confirmation of today’s price or availability; check Stardock’s current offer and exact feature support before buying. Stardock announcement |
Choose by the change you actually need
- Hide or reorder familiar items: use Windows Settings first.
- Change the taskbar’s appearance with a focused mod: review Windhawk’s available mods and the compatibility information for the particular mod you want.
- Restore a Windows 10-style taskbar experience: check ExplorerPatcher’s support table for your Windows build.
- Consider a commercial customization product: verify Start11’s current features and price directly with Stardock, especially if you need vertical placement or per-monitor control.
These options are not interchangeable: one styles the taskbar through mods, another supplies a reimplemented taskbar, and Start11 is a commercial product. Compatibility, available layout changes, multi-monitor needs, cost, and how much ongoing maintenance you are willing to handle are better comparison points than a blanket ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Can you move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top or side?
Microsoft’s May 15, 2026 Windows Insider announcement said taskbar positions at the top, bottom, left, or right were starting to reach Insiders in the Experimental channel. It also described alignment choices and flyouts adapting to the selected position. That announcement establishes an Insider rollout at that point; by itself, it does not establish general availability to all Windows 11 users. Check your Windows build and release channel before following directions for alternate placement.
The same post described limitations at the announced rollout stage: auto-hide and the tablet-optimized taskbar were not yet supported in alternate positions, touch gestures were still in progress, and search boxes would appear as icons. Those were status notes for that rollout, not confirmation that the same limitations still apply to later builds.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Can you make the Windows 11 taskbar smaller?
Microsoft’s May 2026 Insider post also announced a smaller taskbar option rolling out in the Experimental channel, with smaller icons and reduced taskbar height when enabled. The announcement does not establish that the option is now available in every Windows 11 release. Check the documentation or settings for your particular build rather than assuming the toggle is present.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteHow should organizations configure taskbars?
For managed devices, desktop customization utilities are not a substitute for deployment policy. Microsoft’s taskbar policy documentation distinguishes user changes in Settings from organization-wide configuration through policy. It describes configuration using the Configuration Service Provider (CSP), commonly delivered through mobile device management such as Intune, or Group Policy; the available settings are not identical across those methods. Administrators should select the mechanism and settings that match their Windows environment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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