With the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft rewrote the Taskbar code using the UWP design language. The Legacy Windows 10 taskbar was based on older design languages. As the Taskbar was rewritten again, in the initial release of Windows 11, certain functionalities of the taskbar in Windows 11 are missing. This article offers suggestions to improve Windows 11 Taskbar functionality, including how to move Taskbar to the left in Windows 11, i.e., a vertical Taskbar.
List of Changed or removed features/functionalities in Windows 11 – Microsoft Community
Move Taskbar to the left in Windows 11 using StartDock Start11
Stardock is a company that makes a customized Start menu for the Windows Operating System. Their product, Start11, is specifically designed for Windows 11, offering enhancements to the Windows 11 Start menu and Taskbar. It supports making the Taskbar vertical as seen in the Image below:
So, you can know more about Start11 here:
Stardock Start11: Restore the Classic Start Menu in Windows 11.
Get other Taskbar improvements in Windows 11
Fortunately, several third-party tools have been developed to restore the missing functionality in Windows 11. Currently, there are two of those available. I like the Start menu in Windows 11, so my focus is on the Taskbar. If you experience issues with the proper functionality of Shell items, such as the Taskbar, I recommend reading this article. The tools below do not support moving the Taskbar to the left although.
ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a third-party tool that aims to bring older Windows 10-style functionality to Windows 11, thereby helping to improve Windows 11 Taskbar functionality, including Shell elements such as the Taskbar and Start Menu. It can do the following:
- Restores Windows 10-style taskbar menu.
- Restore Windows+X context menu.
- Show app list by default in the Start menu.
- The ability for start menu and search to align left and many more
How to use ExplorerPatcher
Download the Software from this GitHub Repository:
Setup and Releases page of Explorer patcher
To run ExplorerPatcher, see the instructions below:
- After clicking the Setup file, keep the file when prompted in the Browser download.
- Run the file, and you will see a Windows 10-style Taskbar after a few minutes.
For full details, refer to the README document as well.
To undo the changes, uninstall ExplorerPatcher from the Installed programs.
The remaining options are premium and might require a one-time payment.
StartAllBack for Windows 11
StartIsBack, a third-party software, is also available for Windows 11, in beta now. Alongside restoring classic taskbar functionality, it also has an option to enable Windows 10-style Start menu. One license costs $5.
How to use StartAllBack
StartAllBack offers the following features for Windows 11:
- Classic taskbar with all its features, revamped new icons and round corners.
- Context menus with a new look.
- Classic Windows 7 start menu with all-new look and features.
- Explorer improved: revamped Ribbon and Command Bar, search box that works.
Likewise, to use this Software, download the Software and install it. Choose if you want to install it for specific users or all users.
Do not click any of the options on the Home screen, click on the Taskbar menu, and turn on the slider named Use the enhanced classic taskbar.
Additionally, customize the elements according to your preferences, such as centering the app icons. Turn on or off other components as well.
https://www.startisback.com/buy
After downloading, Just run the program and it will continue to run in the background.
In addition, you can also check our following articles:
Credit to deskmodder and Reddit for the tips.
To summarize, if you’re looking to move Taskbar to the left in Windows 11, Start11 should be used.
