Are you a non-windows user or new to windows? If so then I must say that you are just in the right place, this is a complete guide on working with the taskbar.
Introduction to Windows Taskbar
The Windows taskbar is a handy place that stores the frequently used software in addition to the currently active ones, for quick access. You can easily customize the Windows Taskbar according to your convenience. There are several options offered by Microsoft, which allow you to set a taskbar of your choice. You can move the taskbar to any side of your desktop you want, hide it automatically as per your need, or even change the size of the icons and much more. Below are the several operations listed that allow you full control over your taskbar.
The Various Operations you can Perform on the Taskbar
- Pin an app directly on the taskbar
1. Pin an application from Start
2. Pin an application from the App list
- Change the color of the taskbar
- Lock or unlock settings of the taskbar
- Re-location the taskbar
- Set the height of the taskbar
- View the battery status on the taskbar
- Rearrange the buttons in the taskbar
- Set size of the buttons in the taskbar
- Show badges on taskbar buttons
- Peek at the desktop using the taskbar
- Hide the taskbar, automatically
You might be overwhelmed by looking at the several options available, but hey don’t scare away. Following are the steps to guide you through the process. So be patient enough to read it thoroughly and have full control over your Windows taskbar.
Pin an App Directly on the Taskbar
Windows allows its users to pin applications to the taskbar for quick and easy access. Windows 10 allows its users to pin the applications in two ways:
- Pin an application from Start
- Pin an application from the App list
Both these ways work in a similar manner, the only difference is in the options that are used to pin the application.
Lock or Unlock Settings of the Taskbar
The taskbar can be easily locked and unlocked as and when required. The purpose of locking the taskbar is to make it stays the way you set it up. To lock the taskbar you need to right-click any empty space on the taskbar,(or you can also press and hold). Click the Taskbar settings, and turn the Lock the taskbar option on. However, you can unlock the taskbar whenever you want to, in order to make changes or change its location on the desktop. To turn it off, uncheck the Lock the taskbar option or open Taskbar settings and then turn it Off.
You can easily check if your taskbar is locked or not by verifying the presence of the checkmark next to the Lock the taskbar option.
Note: When you use multiple monitors which display the taskbar, you’ll see Lock all taskbars.
Re-Location the Taskbar
You can replace and move your taskbar on any of the sides you want to. The taskbar appears at the bottom of the screen, by default. Moving the taskbar can be done manually as well as automatically.
1. To do it manually, simply click anywhere on the empty area of the taskbar and drag it to your desired location, provided your taskbar is unlocked.
2. To automate it, right-click anywhere on the empty area of the taskbar and select the Taskbar settings from the pop-up menu. Scroll down the Taskbar settings screen to find the “Taskbar location on-screen.” Click the drop-down box and select left, top, right, or bottom from the drop-down menu to set the location accordingly.
Irrespective of whether you relocate your taskbar manually or automatically. It’s essential to make sure that your taskbar is unlocked, to move it. You can check this in Lock and unlock the taskbar.
Hide the Taskbar, Automatically
Hiding your taskbar is made simpler with Windows 10. You can now automatically hide your taskbar and make it appear as and when required, just by moving the mouse to its location. An automatic hiding taskbar can be done in both desktop mode and tablet mode. All you need to do is press and hold or right-click any empty space on the taskbar then go ahead with the Taskbar settings.
In case you are in desktop mode or any other devices in desktop mode, then simply turn on the “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” option at the top of the screen. Whereas, In case you are in tablet mode or any other devices in tablet mode, then simply turn on the “Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode” option at the top of the screen. Your taskbar will automatically vanish and then reappear only when you point the mouse cursor to the location of the bar.
While several other basic features associated with the taskbar, which can be used to make your taskbar more useful include:
- Set the height of the taskbar
- View the battery status on the taskbar
- Rearrange the buttons in the taskbar
- Set size of the buttons in the taskbar
- Show badges on taskbar buttons
- Peek at the desktop using the taskbar and
- Change the color of the taskbar
It really feels amazing to have that full control over your available features. Hope you enjoyed reading. Keep following us for more such tips and tricks.