iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11’s taskbar can now be positioned along the top or either side of the screen as well as the bottom, and it can show labels and separate buttons for open windows. Those features are rolling out in 2026, so they may not appear on every PC yet. Windows 11 still has documented gaps for alternate-position auto-hide, tablet and touch behavior, and search boxes; Microsoft was also evaluating per-monitor positioning and drag-and-drop. Windows 10 offers documented free taskbar resizing, but its support ended on October 14, 2025.
What changed in the Windows 11 taskbar
Older comparisons often say Windows 11 cannot move the taskbar from the bottom or show separate, labeled windows. That is no longer accurate. Microsoft announced both capabilities in 2026, and later said Start and taskbar improvements had begun rolling out broadly. The rollout is staged, however, so the setting may not be available on a particular PC yet.
Look for the position control at Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. If it is missing, check that Windows is up to date and try again after a later rollout; Microsoft has not listed exact eligible devices or a build number that guarantees availability. Microsoft’s May 15, 2026 announcement first described the feature as rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel; its September 21 update said broader rollout had started. Microsoft’s May announcement and September rollout update establish the timing, not universal availability.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 taskbar features
| Taskbar need | Windows 10 | Windows 11 in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Move it to another screen edge | Microsoft documents left, top, right, and bottom placement. | All four positions were announced; the setting is in staged rollout. |
| Keep open windows separate and show labels | “Never combine” keeps buttons separate and displays labels. | Microsoft says “Never combine” and labels work in vertical layouts; this is not wholly missing. |
| Resize the bar freely | Unlock the taskbar and drag its border to change its size. | A smaller taskbar option reduces height and icon size. The reviewed Microsoft guidance does not document free border-drag resizing. |
| Auto-hide or use tablet behavior on another edge | Microsoft documents auto-hide and tablet-mode behavior. | Microsoft said these were not supported in alternate positions when it announced the changes. |
| Use a search box with the taskbar on another edge | Windows 10 supports its documented taskbar search UI. | Microsoft said alternate positions use a search icon rather than a search box. |
| Set a different position per monitor or drag files onto app buttons | These workflows were available in Windows 10. | Microsoft said it was evaluating per-monitor positioning and drag-and-drop; it did not promise a release date. |
Windows 10 placement and resizing instructions are in Microsoft’s Windows 10 taskbar guidance. The specific Windows 11 limitations above come from the May announcement and describe the status at that time; later rollout changes may affect what a given build supports.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
What still feels more limited than Windows 10
Alternate positions have fewer behaviors
Moving the taskbar to the top or a side restores placement, but does not necessarily restore every behavior associated with those layouts. Microsoft’s May 2026 announcement said auto-hide and tablet-optimized taskbar support were not yet available in alternate positions, and touch gestures there were still in progress. Treat these as position-specific limitations, not proof that Windows 11 lacks auto-hide or touch support everywhere.
Search uses an icon, not a full box
In the May announcement, Microsoft said the search box was not supported when the taskbar was in an alternate position; users would see a search icon instead. This describes the announced implementation and may change as updates roll out.
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.
Per-monitor placement and drag-and-drop were under evaluation
Microsoft’s May 15 post said, “We are also evaluating additional features like different taskbar positions per monitor and drag and drop.” That wording means these were being considered, not that they were promised for a particular update. A user who needs those workflows should verify them on the Windows build they plan to use rather than assume they have returned.
Resizing and window labels are different questions
Windows 10’s documented method for changing taskbar size is to unlock it and drag its border. Windows 11’s announced smaller-taskbar control is a preset-style option: it reduces the taskbar height and icon size, rather than documenting the same free resizing method. If precise screen-space adjustment is essential, this is one area where the reviewed Windows 10 instructions describe a more flexible control.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Window labels and grouping should not be lumped together with resizing. Microsoft says Windows 11 supports “Never combine” and labels in vertical taskbar layouts, so claims that every Windows 11 taskbar forces combined, unlabeled buttons are outdated. Check the available taskbar behavior options on your device, since the new capabilities are rolling out.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should the taskbar decide whether you use Windows 10 or 11?
For taskbar workflow alone, Windows 10 retains documented free resizing and more established behavior for auto-hide and tablet use across placements. Windows 11 has restored four-edge positioning and labeled, uncombined windows, but some alternate-position behaviors were still limited in Microsoft’s May announcement, while other features remained under evaluation.
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.
Support status is the larger practical difference in 2026. Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. The PC continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for it. See Microsoft’s taskbar and Windows 10 support guidance for its lifecycle note. If you are choosing an operating system now, weigh the specific taskbar behavior you need against that ended support, rather than treating familiarity as the only factor.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
