The Windows 11 Taskbar is an essential element of the operating system, providing quick access to the Start menu, your favorite apps, and important information such as the time, date, and notifications.
However, the limited space available on the Taskbar can sometimes pose a challenge, especially if you frequently use various apps. In this guide, we’ll explore several tips and techniques to help you make the most of the Taskbar space on Windows 11.
1. Resize or Remove the Search Bar in Windows 11
The search bar in the Taskbar is a useful feature for finding apps, settings, and files quickly. However, you can adjust its size or remove it to create additional slots for your favorite apps. To do this:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Personalization.
Step 3: Select the Taskbar page.
Step 4: In the “Taskbar items” section, choose the “Hide” or “Search icon only” option for the “Search” setting.
This change will provide you with more space for up to four new applications, while you can still access the search experience through the Start menu or the “Windows key + S” keyboard shortcut.
2. Remove Feature Buttons
The Taskbar in Windows 11 comes with several default buttons for features like Widgets, Copilot, Task View, and Chat. If you find these buttons unnecessary, you can remove them to free up space. To do this:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Personalization.
Step 3: Select the Taskbar page.
Step 4: Under the “Taskbar items” section, turn off the toggle switches for Copilot, Task View, Widgets, and Chat.
By doing this, you can make room for four additional buttons on your Taskbar. Keep in mind that you can still access these features using keyboard shortcuts.
3. Minimize System Tray Icons
Various applications and features may display additional icons in the System Tray for easy access. While you can’t remove them as long as they are running in the background, you can hide these icons to optimize Taskbar space. To do this:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Personalization.
Step 3: Select the Taskbar page.
Step 4: Select “Other system tray icons” from the menu.
Step 5: Flip the switch for “Hidden icon menu” on.
Step 6: Turn off as many icons as possible to create more space in the Taskbar.
This will give you additional space while allowing you to access these icons through the “Show hidden icons” menu.
4. Hide Time and Date
For those who want to declutter the Taskbar even further, you can remove the time and date elements from the System Tray. To do this:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Time & language.
Step 3: Select the Date & time page.
Step 4: Turn off the “Show time and date in the System tray” toggle switch.
This change will eliminate the time and date information from the Taskbar, providing extra space in the System Tray.
5. Unpin app buttons that you don’t use often.
Another way to organize Taskbar space is by unpinning apps that you don’t frequently use. This simple step can free up space quickly:
Step 1: Right-click the app on the Taskbar.
Step 2: Select the “Unpin from taskbar” option.
Step 3: Repeat these steps for additional buttons.
By removing these apps from the Taskbar, you will have more room for the applications you use most frequently.
6. Hide Labels and Put Buttons Together
You may show labels in the Taskbar and ungroup apps in Windows 11. But this might take up a lot of room very rapidly. To go back to a smaller Taskbar configuration:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Personalization.
Step 3: Select the Taskbar page.
Step 4: Click the “Taskbar behaviors” setting.
Step 5: Select “Always” for the “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels” setting.
This will combine running applications and hide their labels, creating more space on the Taskbar.
7. Show Taskbar Across Multiple Monitors
If you have a multi-monitor setup, you can expand the Taskbar across all screens and have apps only appear on the screen they are running on. To do this:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Personalization.
Step 3: Select the Taskbar page.
Step 4: Click the “Taskbar behaviors” setting.
Step 5: Turn on the “Show my taskbar on all displays” option.
Step 6: Choose the “Taskbar where window is open” option from the “When using multiple displays, show my taskbar apps on” setting.
By following these steps, the Taskbar will extend across all screens, providing even more space for your apps.
Conclusion
Windows 11 offers various ways to optimize your Taskbar space and make it work for you. Whether you’re looking to declutter, streamline your workflow, or make room for more of your favorite apps, these adjustments will help you make the most of your Taskbar real estate.
By following these tips, you can customize your Taskbar to suit your specific needs and enhance your overall Windows 11 experience. With a more organized and efficient Taskbar, you’ll have your essential apps right at your fingertips.
