Transforming your Windows taskbar not only enhances your desktop aesthetic but also boosts your productivity. By customizing your Windows taskbar, you gain swift access to your preferred applications, manage system notifications, and improve your overall workflow. Below, we delve into effective strategies and techniques for customizing the taskbar in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
1. Hide the Taskbar When Not in Use
Hiding the taskbar can maximize your screen space. In desktop mode, it remains concealed until you move your mouse to the screen’s bottom edge.
To enable this feature, right-click any blank area of the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. In Windows 11, navigate to Taskbar behaviors and check the box for Automatically hide the taskbar.
For Windows 10 users, you can opt to hide the taskbar in either desktop or tablet mode, particularly useful in hybrid devices. If the taskbar consistently disappears instead of hiding, explore troubleshooting methods to rectify this issue.
2. Fit More Items on the Taskbar
Maximize your taskbar’s real estate by cleverly managing its space. Windows 11 allows you to control how your taskbar icons are displayed. By accessing Taskbar Settings, you can set Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Always or When taskbar is full.
In Windows 10, start by unchecking Lock the taskbar, then resize the taskbar to accommodate additional items.
3. Pin Your Favorite Apps by Dragging
Pinning frequently used applications to your taskbar grants you instant access. In Windows 10, you can easily drag apps from your desktop directly onto the taskbar. However, this feature received a noticeable downgrade in Windows 11, where you may need to use a different method.
Interestingly, any shortcuts you add via the Links toolbar are located in C:\Users\<username>\Favorites. This allows for organized access to your favorite applications.
Bonus Tip: For advanced customization, consider a third-party application like TaskbarX.
4. Add Widgets
Widgets are a new addition to the Windows 11 taskbar, offering a consolidated view of pertinent information such as weather, news, and calendars. To enable widgets, navigate to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar items and switch the Widgets toggle on.
Widgets allow for a subtle connection to information without disrupting your workflow. While not available in Windows 10, similar functionalities can be achieved through other apps.
5. Make Taskbar Blurry, Transparent or Add Fluent Design
For a chic look, customize your taskbar’s transparency. Head to Settings → Personalization → Colors, set your mode to Dark, and activate Transparency effects.
With the TranslucentTB app, transform your taskbar into a transparent or blurry masterpiece, enhancing its aesthetic appeal with ease.
6. Add Task View to Taskbar
Windows 11’s Task View feature is like gaining an extra pair of hands. It provides a surfable view of open applications, aiding multitasking. Rick the taskbar, navigate to Taskbar items, and enable Task View.
This option is essential for users who need to juggle several applications simultaneously.
7. Change the Position of the Taskbar
The default taskbar positioning may not suit everyone’s needs. While you can easily relocate the taskbar to the sides or top in past versions, this feature has been restricted in Windows 11. Advanced users can still adjust its position through registry settings.
8. Disable Notifications
Notifications can clutter your taskbar and disrupt your workflow. To avoid this, click the taskbar’s right corner and open the Notifications window. In the Notification settings, activate Do not disturb functionality.
Furthermore, integrating tools like Focus Assist can further minimize notifications, allowing for an undistracted environment.
9. Make Taskbar Display Badges and Flashing
Taskbar badges provide alert indicators for applications without overwhelming users. To activate these notifications, head over to Taskbar Settings → Taskbar behaviors, and check both Show badges on taskbar apps and Show flashing on taskbar apps.
10. Increase Taskbar Height
Windows 10 users benefit from the ability to increase taskbar height, enhancing its usability on crowded screens. Right-click the taskbar, uncheck Lock the taskbar, then drag the upper edge to your desired height. Finalize by re-locking it for consistent use.
This may not be the sleekest solution, but it offers practical benefits for those dealing with extensive applications.
Alongside these fundamental customization tricks, advanced options such as pinning web pages or introducing a volume mixer can significantly optimize your taskbar experience. Keep reading to discover solutions if your taskbar is experiencing issues.
Image credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I permanently pin applications to my Windows taskbar?
To permanently pin an application to your taskbar, simply right-click the application icon and select Pin to taskbar. You can also drag the icon directly onto the taskbar for quick access.
2. Is it possible to change the taskbar color in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, you can change the taskbar color by navigating to Settings → Personalization → Colors, where you can select your preferred color and adjust transparency settings.
3. Can I move the taskbar to a different location on my screen?
While Windows 10 allowed for easy repositioning, Windows 11 restricts this feature. However, you can adjust the taskbar’s position through registry editing, although this option requires careful handling.
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