Windows 11 Taskbar Customization Tutorial

In this step-by-step tutorial video, learn how you can fully customize your task bar in Windows 11. Learn the basics like how to pin and unpin apps. Find out how to move your task bar icons to the left or back to the center. We also explore how to remove default app icons, like search, multiple desktops, widgets, and Teams. We look at some more advanced task bar tweaks that require modifying the registry. By modifying the registry, we can adjust the size of the task bar icons as well as place the task bar at the top of the screen. Lastly, we look at a phenomenal free tool that allows you to use a transparent background with your task bar. By the end, you'll have full control over all the ways to modify the look and feel and the behavior of your Windows 11 task bar.

👋 Additional resources
- Resize icons on taskbar:
Location in registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Click New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value
Set the name of the DWORD Value as “TaskbarSi” and hit the Enter key to save changes.
Small taskbar – TaskbarSi value 0
Default taskbar – TaskbarSi value 1
Large taskbar – TaskbarSi value 2

- Move taskbar to top of screen
Location in registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3
00 - Left (this doesn't currently work)
01 - Top
02 - Right (this doesn't currently work)
03 - Bottom


⌚ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Pin & unpin apps
1:15 Unpin search, multiple desktops, widgets & Teams
2:27 Taskbar corner icons
2:49Taskbar corner overflow
3:23 Left align taskbar icons
3:42 Automatically hide taskbar
3:52 Show badges on taskbar apps
4:04 Taskbars & multiple monitors
4:26 Show desktop icon
5:21 Adjust icon size
7:16 Move taskbar to top
8:06 Set transparent background
9:17 Wrap up

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#stratvert

[minecraftmike]

I've been binge watching these videos for two weeks and I feel so much smarter! Thanks Kevin

[organicportalphobic]

This man is a simulated character . There’s no way he’s a real person

[qqq]

I tried Win 11, and it's a huge step back from Win 10 in the accessibility area. Windows 10 Start menu and task bar are better thanks to all the customizable options. Win 11 feels more restrictive. Also, the Notifications centers felt downgraded

[KWwest]

Geeze - happy to have found you - spent 30 minutes just trying to get the pin/unpin directions from other sites- which were all complicated, super confusing & provided several ways to screw up more. Your info rec'd and done in 1:28 minutes. Thanks!

[cmtm]

You're a legend, a living one.. Thank you, I have a Surface Pro & this means I can write or ''move around'', "in" the computer more freely without bumping something. Just little things like this make the biggest difference.

[steves]

Thanks, Kevin. Great video. I was a little concerned about the size of the taskbar as I have got a lot of apps in mine. Now I know how to sort this out. Great stuff. Thanks again.

[dyanmcmiller]

Thank you so much Kevin. Love this video. You're a savior. My laptop updated, adding a whole bunch of icons I didn't need or want. Thanks again for helping me get rid of them. I'm only going to jump on your videos from now on.

[Dango-God]

My issue really is the lack of a proper size option. I've always used the small taskbar in windows 10 and I like having extra space rather than a large taskbar for no practical reason.

[farkthoughts]

This man is a legend. He included the registry location in the description. Well Played King.

[albertbk]

I just wish we could still use Groups and folders in the start Menu at least as an option.
I use it and it helps me have all my important apps and folders Right in Front of me in the Menu and it's a big help. Having to go back makes it a deal breaker for me.

[_UNISTAR_]

Man, thank you so much for such a concise, comprehensive, easy to understand and actually useful video.

[robertmowery]

Kevin, You do the best explanation of anyone on YouTube. Please keep up the great work.

[optmstpessmst]

making the taskbar small wasn't a great option, there were a lot of space between the icons and right hand side of the taskbar was cut in half

[IggyNyx]

Thank You Kevin, You made my day. I'm wondering why Microsoft didn't leave the option for top taskbar. I'm using the top option from the beginning of Windows. Love the way Apple did that. That way Windows and programs options are all at the same place. Easy to navigate and work.

[DaTechGuyAU]

One of my favourites is the Start Folders which adds an icon next to the power button. Settings -> Personalization -> Start -> Folders

[CarlaaaChuaaa]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!! I just updated to Win11 and the default taskbar size was just too big for me, and I initially couldn't find any setting that would decrease its size. Now I'm good. hahaha THANKS

[sal_]

I wasn't considering downloading Windows 11 but I this video showcased plenty of features that changed my mind. Thank you Kevin for the topnotch content as usual 🙏

[kjbrocky]

It's so cool that you know all this stuff!!

[JD_Therapy]

Thank You Kevin, I did manage to move my Taskbar to the top by editing the Register Editor with the info provided on your Description, very nice

[sumedhadixit]

Your video is really helpful, I was trying to get the desktop icon in the end but was struggling. Other videos were not helpful but you did it man...thanks so much. Your videos are always helpful, have seen others videos on MS teams, outlook all were insightful and have helped a lot to organize work.