How to Align the Taskbar Icon (Start) in the Left in Windows 11

Windows

Windows 11 introduced a new design language, including a centered taskbar and Start menu. While this change has been welcomed by many, some users prefer the traditional left-aligned taskbar icon and Start menu. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided an option to move the taskbar icons to the left. Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Using the Taskbar Settings

  1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
  2. Select Taskbar settings from the context menu.
    taskbar settings
  3. In the Taskbar settings window, expand the Taskbar behaviours and then toggle the switch under Taskbar alignment to the Left position.
  4. Close the window, and your taskbar icons will now be aligned to the left.
    taskbar behaviour



Method 2: Using the Windows Registry

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  4. Right-click on the Advanced key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Name the new value TaskbarAl and press Enter.
  6. Double-click the TaskbarAl value and set its value data to 0.
  7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

taskbar alignment using registry

After applying either of these methods, your taskbar icons, including the Start menu, will be aligned to the left, giving you a more traditional Windows experience.

Note: These methods only change the alignment of the taskbar icons and do not affect the position of the taskbar itself, which remains at the bottom of the screen.

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