You may want to unlock the Taskbar in Windows 11 to move it to a different edge of the screen or to modify the Taskbar shortcuts. I tested various ways to do so, such as through the Windows 11 Settings interface.

Key Takeaways
  • The simplest method to unlock the Taskbar is via Windows 11 or Taskbar Settings.
  • Changing Registry Editor and Local Group Policy Editor configurations can also free the Taskbar.
  • Be vigilant while handling the Registry and Group Policy since they are crucial to your computer’s smooth performance, and any mistakes may lead to system malfunction.
Important: Before moving on to the methods, right-click on the Taskbar to access a list of options. Make sure the option to Lock The Taskbar is left unchecked. 
Methods Difficulty Rating

Windows Settings
Rated: 3/10

Local Group Policy
Rated: 4/10

Registry Editor
Rated: 6/10

Use Settings

The Windows 11 Settings is pretty handy in controlling various aspects of the system, including Sound and Peripherals. There is a dedicated Taskbar section in the menu where I unlocked the Taskbar to move it to a different side of my screen. Here are the quickest steps.

  1. Open Taskbar Settings: Launch Settings > Highlight Personalization > Taskbar.
  2. Turn Off Taskbar Lock: Scroll to and expand Taskbar Behaviours > Remove the tick beside Automatically Hide The Taskbar.
Automatically Hide The Taskbar Option
Unhide The Taskbar (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Use Local Group Policy Editor

The Local Group Policy Editor lets you control and modify various aspects of your Windows 11 computer, including the Taskbar configurations. I used it to unrestrict the Taskbar before repositioning it.

These are the detailed steps you need to follow:

  1. Enter Code In Run: Access Run > Type gpedit.msc.
  2. Select Taskbar Settings: Click on Administrative Template under User Configuration > Start Menu And Taskbar > Lock All Taskbar Settings.
    Lock All Taskbar Settings
    Lock Taskbar (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Disable Lock: Mark Disabled > Apply > OK.
WARNING: Carefully deal with the Group Policies because incorrect configurations can lead to system malfunction.

Use Registry Editor

Registry Editor holds all the essential data and settings necessary to enhance the user experience in Windows 11. While exploring the interface, I learned it can also help modify Taskbar settings and lift off the restrictions, so I could move it around the screen. Refer to the following steps for this method, which proved super effective for me.

  1. Execute Code In Run: In the Run box, execute regedit > Yes.
  2. Enter Address: Type or paste this address in the Address Bar: 
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  3. Create A New Key: Right-click anywhere on the white part of the screen > New > Key > Name it Explorer.
  4. Create DWORD Value: Again, right-click on the white screen > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > Rename it to TaskbarLockAll.
    Taskbar Lock DWORD
    Taskbar Lock (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  5. Change Value Data: Double-click this DWORD Value > Set Value Data to 0 > OK.
Important: Ensure that you rename the Key and DWORD Values correctly.

Final Words

Unlocking the Taskbar from its default position is simple, and the above methods helped me do it quickly. However, if you want to reposition the Taskbar, do it so that it does not disrupt the view of your screen. Personally, the bottom edge works best for me.

More From Windows 11:

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Dayan Shahid
Dayan Shahid
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan
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