How to left align Taskbar on Windows 11

• To move the Taskbar to the left on Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, and choose “Left” in the “Taskbar alignment” setting.
• To change the Taskbar alignment from the Registry, open the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced” path, create a “TaskbarAl” DWORD, and set it to “0.”

UPDATED 12/16/2025: On Windows 11, you can move the Taskbar to the left to restore the original alignment as in previous versions, and in this guide, I’ll outline the steps to complete this configuration.

Windows 11 includes an updated Taskbar that centers its elements on the screen. While this makes it easier to reach the Start menu and applications (especially on large monitors), many users still prefer the Taskbar with items aligned to the left.

Fortunately, the new operating system includes a setting to change the default configuration, allowing you to choose whether icons align to the left or center.

In this guide, I will show you two ways to change the Taskbar alignment in Windows 11.

• Move the Taskbar to the left using Settings on Windows 11
• Move the Taskbar to the left using Registry on Windows 11
• FAQs about aligning Tasbkar to the left on Windows 11

Move the Taskbar to the left using Settings on Windows 11

To move the Taskbar to the left on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Personalization.

3. Click on Taskbar.

4. Click the Taskbar behaviors option.

   

5. Select the Left option to align icons to the left side in the “Taskbar alignment” setting.

Once you complete the steps, the Start button and other icons will align on the left side of the Taskbar, as in Windows 10.

If you want to restore the original configuration, follow the same instructions, but in step 5, select the “Center” option.

Move the Taskbar to the left using Registry on Windows 11

To change the alignment of the Taskbar to the left from the Registry, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

3. Open the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

4. Right-click the Advanced key, choose New, and select the “DWORD (32-bit) Value” option.

   

5. Confirm the TaskbarAl for name and press Enter.

6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set its value to 0. 

   

7. Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, the Taskbar icons should appear on the left side of the screen on Windows 11. Since the default value of the DWORD is “0,” the Taskbar should change its alignment to the left immediately.

If you change your mind, you can revert the changes using the same instructions. In step 5, right-click the “TaskbarAl” DWORD and select “Delete.”

FAQs about aligning Tasbkar to the left on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about changing the Taskbar aligment on Windows 11 to the left.

Can I move the Windows 11 Taskbar to the left without using the Registry?

Yes. Windows 11 includes a built-in option in Settings. You can change the Taskbar alignment to the left from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors without touching the Registry.

Does aligning the Taskbar to the left make Windows 11 look like Windows 10?

It restores the classic left-aligned Start button and app icons, but the Taskbar design, animations, and features remain part of the Windows 11 experience.

Is it safe to use the Registry method to change Taskbar alignment?

It is safe if done correctly, but editing the Registry always carries risk. You should create a full system backup before making changes, and only modify the values described in the guide.

Why would I use the Registry method instead of Settings?

The Registry method is useful for automation, scripts, or scenarios where the Settings app is unavailable or restricted, such as managed or customized environments.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the Taskbar alignment?

No. In most cases, the Taskbar updates immediately after changing the setting in Settings or modifying the Registry value.

Can I move the Taskbar to the top, right, or bottom of the screen?

No. Windows 11 only supports left- or center-aligned Taskbar icons. Moving the Taskbar to other screen edges is not supported.

Update December 16, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.