The Windows 10 taskbar is a distinctive element that has been present in the Microsoft operating system since its earliest versions . In fact, we can say it’s one of the fundamental pillars of the Windows interface and is used constantly. It provides access to the Start menu, which was removed in Windows 8 and quickly restored thanks to user pressure. It also displays all the apps currently in use and those we’ve pinned for quick access. It also includes a section, the system tray, where important information is displayed, such as the time, date, notifications, and internet connection status.
But can something as basic as the taskbar be customized to best suit your needs? Of course it can.
Use the small icons on the taskbar
This is the difference between small icons and large icons on the taskbar.
If you have a small screen, you might want to make your taskbar take up less space. A good way to achieve this is by reducing the size of the icons. It’s very simple. Just go to the Settings app, access the Personalize section , and, under Taskbar , activate the Use small taskbar buttons option . The result? A much more compact and discreet taskbar.
Use the taskbar on any side of your desktop
The taskbar, by default, is located at the bottom of the screen. However, this position isn’t fixed. In fact, it can be docked to any side of the desktop. To move it, all you have to do is this:
- Right-click on a blank area of the taskbar.
- Disable the Lock Taskbar option .
- Drag the taskbar with the pointer to any side of the screen.
Once you’ve moved the taskbar to the location that suits you best, lock it again in the same way.
Make the taskbar disappear automatically
Here’s how to make the taskbar disappear in tablet mode and desktop mode.
Again, if you’re short on space because your monitor is small, in addition to enabling smaller icons, ask Windows to hide the bar automatically. To do this, simply follow these steps:
- Open the Windows 10 Settings app.
- Go to Personalization .
- Access the Taskbar.
- There, turn on the Auto-hide taskbar in desktop mode and Auto-hide taskbar in tablet mode options.
Both settings can be turned on or off independently, depending on your needs. To show the taskbar again, hover over the area where it’s located or swipe in from the outside of the screen.
Use the dark or light theme independently on the taskbar
In the Personalization section of Settings, several color schemes are available. After accessing the Colors section, select Custom mode . With this, you can choose to use dark mode for apps, but light mode for the Windows interface, including the taskbar. You can also use the reverse combination.
Customize the start menu to the maximum
This is a folder pinned to the taskbar.
The Start menu is part of the Windows taskbar. Historically, it has always been located on the left side of the screen, or at the top if the bar is used on one of the sides. There are several things you can do to make the Start menu work for you.
How to pin a folder to the start menu
The Windows 10 Start menu has an area where you can pin apps, folders, and other shortcuts. It’s a great place to add a shortcut to your favorite folders. All you have to do, from File Explorer, is right-click any directory and, from the context menu, select Pin to Start . Your folder will quickly be pinned to the Start menu.
How to remove an app from the start menu
If you’ve just set up your laptop, you’ll have noticed that the Start menu is full of applications. You may also have accidentally pinned an application to the Start menu. In either case, it’s very easy to remove it. All you have to do is right-click on its icon and open the context menu. In it, choose the Unpin from Start option . It will quickly disappear.
How to change the size of an icon in the Start menu
Start menu tiles are available in four sizes: small, medium, wide, and large. Depending on the application, some sizes may not be available. To change the tile’s dimensions, simply specify your preferred tile size from the context menu that appears when you right-click the tile. You can select it from the Resize drop-down menu .
Add your favorite contacts to the taskbar
A shortcut to your favorite contacts.
If you have some contacts you need to interact with frequently, you should try this trick. The Windows taskbar is fully integrated with the native Contacts app. To enable this feature, simply click Show Contacts in Taskbar . This option is located in the context menu that appears when you right-click. Remember that it’s essential that you set up an account in the Mail, Calendar, and Contacts apps.
How to center icons on the taskbar
Finally, we recommend Taskbar X . This app, available for download from the Microsoft Store, will help you take your taskbar to the next level. It lets you change its style, add transparency, adjust the position of icons, and more. Most users use it to center the taskbar icons and give it a look very similar to the macOS dock. This app only costs €1.49 .
