What is the Windows Taskbar, and how do I use it?

What is the Windows Taskbar?

The Taskbar is an essential component of the Windows operating system, situated at the bottom of the screen, offering quick access to frequently used functions and applications. In this article, we will delve into the Taskbar and discuss how to customize it on your Windows computer. We'll also introduce some popular Taskbar extensions.

How do I use the taskbar?

In short, you can pin and unpin apps from the taskbar. In addition to showing what's running, the taskbar serves as a quick-launch center for your favorite apps. To pin an app to the taskbar, either drag its icon to the taskbar or do this:

Search for the target app in the search box on the taskbar. Right-click the app. Select “Pin to Taskbar.”

To unpin an app from the taskbar, right-click it, and then click Unpin from Taskbar. The app will disappear from the taskbar.

Image for unpinning an app from the taskbar in Windows

There's more you can do with Taskbar settings, including changing the size of app icons, altering colors, replacing backgrounds, and many other customizations. Here's how to access Taskbar settings:

• Move the mouse pointer to a blank area on the taskbar.
• Right-click.
• Select Taskbar settings.

It's easy to customize the taskbar to suit your preferences or habits, and there are also taskbar extensions that can help with additional customization.

The taskbar plays a crucial role in daily operations, providing quick access to applications. Many people wish to personalize it further. There are various ways to customize and extend the taskbar to better suit your needs. One popular customization option is installing taskbar extensions. TaskbarX and StartIsBack are typical programs for this purpose. These are small tools that allow you to customize the taskbar settings, helping to alter the style, position, and more. Windows 11 places app icons in the center by default, but these software utilities can quickly move them back to the left, similar to previous versions of the Windows operating system.

The difference between the Taskbar and the Windows System Tray

What is the system tray? What's the difference between the taskbar and the system tray?

The system tray, also known as the systray, is located in the top-right corner of the screen and contains icons representing various system settings and notifications. These icons may indicate new email messages, upcoming calendar events, or network status. Some icons may also provide shortcuts to common settings or actions.

As mentioned in the first part of this article, the taskbar is the horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen that you use to launch and manage apps. You can also use it to access system settings and view notifications. On the other hand, the system tray is primarily used for accessing system settings and viewing notifications.

The taskbar is a great tool for quick access to frequently used software and boosting productivity, and it can be personalized through Taskbar settings or third-party software. It serves a different purpose from the system tray, though there is some overlap in functionality. Make the most of it!