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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Windows 11 is restoring two long-requested taskbar choices: you can move the bar to the top or either side of the screen, and you can make it smaller to reclaim vertical space. The controls are in Settings, although Microsoft is distributing them gradually and some features depend on where the taskbar is placed.
What’s changing in the Windows 11 taskbar?
The taskbar can be positioned at the bottom, top, left, or right edge of the display. You can also choose its alignment for the selected orientation. Start, Search, and other flyouts open relative to the taskbar; on a vertical taskbar, labeled app buttons can appear separately when you select “Never combine” and enable labels.
A separate compact option uses smaller icons and reduces taskbar height, leaving more vertical room for apps. Microsoft said the ability to move the taskbar had been one of the most requested features, without publishing a count of requests. Its May 15, 2026 Windows Insider Blog announcement describes both the position and size changes.
How to move the Windows 11 taskbar
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Under Taskbar position, choose Bottom, Top, Left, or Right.
- If available for the selected position, choose the alignment that suits your workflow.
These controls are documented in Microsoft’s August 27, 2026 preview notes for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and its September 22, 2026 preview notes for version 26H1.
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How to make the taskbar smaller
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Open Taskbar size and select Small.
Labels can differ by Windows release. Microsoft’s May announcement called the setting Show smaller taskbar buttons and described choosing Always; later release notes use Taskbar size and Small. If the newer label is not on your PC, look for the alternative wording rather than assuming the option is absent.
Which position and size should you choose?
| Choice | Best fit | Documented considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom | Keeping the familiar layout | Search box and smaller taskbar are supported in the August 2026 notes. |
| Top | Keeping controls near the top of your workspace | Search box and smaller taskbar are supported in the August 2026 notes. |
| Left or right | Prioritizing horizontal screen space, reach, or a vertical layout | The August 2026 notes do not support the search box or smaller taskbar in these positions. Vertical labeled buttons can be shown with “Never combine” and labels enabled. |
| Small taskbar | Getting more vertical room for app windows | It reduces icon size and taskbar height; the August 2026 notes limit it to top and bottom placement. |
The right choice depends on whether you value a familiar bottom bar, a particular reach or accessibility preference, or extra app workspace. Microsoft cites vertical workspace and accessibility or ergonomics among the reasons alternate positions may help.
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What still has limitations?
Microsoft’s May 2026 announcement documented several caveats for alternate positions: auto-hide and the tablet-optimized taskbar were not yet supported there, touch gestures for those positions were still in progress, and Search appeared as an icon rather than a search box. The August 2026 notes specifically say the search box and smaller taskbar are supported only at the top and bottom. These are documented limitations at those points in the rollout, not assurances that the restrictions are permanent.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the options may not appear yet
Microsoft labels the taskbar additions as a gradual rollout, so eligible devices may receive them at different times. Its current update overview says features can vary by device and market and may require updates that are still rolling out. Microsoft’s Windows 11 2026 Update guidance also describes a controlled rollout and possible compatibility holds.
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To check for updates, go to Settings > Windows Update. Turning on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available opts in to earlier receipt of updates, but does not guarantee that a particular feature will arrive immediately. A missing option on one PC does not by itself mean Microsoft cancelled it or that it is unavailable on all eligible computers.
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