How to change the taskbar alignment in Windows 11
Jul 31, 2025 am 02:41 AMAs of 2024, Windows 11 does not offer a built-in setting to change taskbar alignment from centered to left-aligned, despite user demand. 2. Official methods through Settings or Registry Editor are unavailable or unsupported, with Microsoft prioritizing a centered, symmetrical design for aesthetic and touch-focused usability. 3. The most reliable workaround is using the third-party tool ExplorerPatcher, which allows users to set taskbar alignment to left via a simple interface, reverting to a Windows 10-style layout. 4. ExplorerPatcher is lightweight, open-source, and reversible, but must be downloaded from the official GitHub page to avoid security risks. 5. While Microsoft may consider adding native alignment options in the future due to ongoing feedback, for now, third-party tools remain the only effective solution for left-aligned taskbar icons in Windows 11.
Windows 11 introduced a new centered taskbar by default, which was a big change from the left-aligned layout in Windows 10. While Microsoft has gradually added more customization options, changing the taskbar alignment directly through built-in settings is still limited — especially if you want to switch from centered to left-aligned (or vice versa). Here's how things stand and what you can do.

? Official Way: Limited Options (As of 2024)
As of the latest Windows 11 updates (including version 23H2 and 24H2), Microsoft has not added a native setting in Settings app to change taskbar icon alignment. You can't simply go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and switch between centered and left-aligned.
- The taskbar remains centered by default for Start, Search, Task View, Widgets, Chat, and system tray icons.
- Even if you uninstall or hide certain icons (like Widgets or Chat), the remaining icons stay centered.
- No registry tweak officially supported — Microsoft discourages modifying the registry, and changes may not work or could be overwritten by updates.
So, if you're looking for a built-in toggle, it doesn't exist — yet.

?? Workarounds: Third-Party Tools
Since Microsoft hasn't provided a direct way, users rely on lightweight third-party tools to restore the classic left-aligned taskbar. The most popular and reliable one is:
ExplorerPatcher
-
Download ExplorerPatcher from the official GitHub page:
Install and run the tool.
Right-click the taskbar and select "Explorer Patcher Settings".
Go to the Taskbar section.
Look for "Taskbar alignment" and change it from Center to Left.
Apply the change — the taskbar icons will immediately shift to the left.
? Pros:
- Lightweight and open-source.
- Reverts cleanly if uninstalled.
- Also brings back other Windows 10-style features.
?? Caution:
- Always download from the official GitHub to avoid malware.
- Some antivirus tools may flag it (false positive), but it's widely trusted by the community.
?? Why Microsoft Removed This Option
Microsoft designed Windows 11 with a focus on symmetry and modern aesthetics. The centered taskbar aligns with touch-first design and tablet usability. However, many desktop users find it less efficient for mouse navigation, especially on ultrawide or large monitors.
There’s ongoing user feedback, so a future update might reintroduce alignment options natively — but for now, third-party tools are the only reliable way.
Final Notes
- You cannot change taskbar alignment using Settings or Registry Editor safely or effectively.
- ExplorerPatcher is the most trusted workaround for getting left-aligned icons.
- Keep the tool updated, and avoid unofficial clones.
If you prefer the classic layout, using a lightweight utility like ExplorerPatcher is currently the best option. It’s not built-in, but it’s stable and reversible.
Basically, Microsoft hasn’t listened fully on this one — so users are filling the gap.
The above is the detailed content of How to change the taskbar alignment in Windows 11. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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