If you do not like it in the center of the window, change it! Today we will look at several changes you can make to your taskbar, not only how to left align it but also “System tray icons” which include; Pen menu, Touch keyboard, and Virtual touchpad.
As we discussed last time, to access these settings, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and choose, “Taskbar settings.” We looked at the “Taskbar items” last time, so look down to the next area labeled, “System tray icons.” These three features are mostly made for touchscreen monitors. I have a touchscreen on my desktop. I do not use any of these. The reason is that I only use my finger, which tends to make my computer’s monitor look like my smartphone screen…if you know what I mean. But if you want to try them, have fun!
The first “Pen menu” is for a touchscreen monitor, which most people may not have. If you do have a touchscreen, when this is switched to “On” it allows you to write on your screen. The Pen Menu works with various compatible pens, including Surface Pens, third-party options, and even your finger on touchscreen devices. You can take notes, edit some files or apps, etc.
Next is the “Touch keyboard.” This gives you a touchscreen popup on your monitor which allows you to type on it using your fingers (read the previous paragraph). You may also use your mouse to type there; however, it is not very user-friendly that way. Maybe in an emergency when your keyboard fails, you could use this feature.
Last in the System tray icons is the “Virtual touchpad.” This is the same as the “Touch keyboard” but puts a touchpad on your screen that you may use if needed. But for me…it makes more fingerprints and smudges.
Now to the ones I like. Click on, “Other system tray icons.” I like and use this one a lot. When selected, it will show almost all programs on your computer. You may choose which ones you want to see, next to your time on the right of the taskbar when they are being used. I find it handy to be able to click on them and open them up immediately. If you want to see the other apps that are running on your computer, click the small up arrow to the left of the icons you are revealing. Then you may choose any of them from there. Try it with your favorites and you will like it.
Next, how to left-align that darn taskbar. This can be more comforting to align them to the left, as was the default in the past. It may also free up space in the center of the taskbar for other items. The taskbar alignment is easy to change. There are several ways to do this but, here is the easiest method. Click on Taskbar settings. Under “Taskbar behaviors,” click on the drop-down menu for Taskbar alignment. Choose either Left or Center (center is the default for W11). The taskbar will instantly adjust to your chosen alignment. NOTE: Moving the taskbar to the top or right side of the screen is not officially supported in Windows 11, although it was easy to do in Windows 10. While methods using the registry editor exist, they can cause problems and are not recommended for beginners.
Next time we will look at the final Windows 11, “Taskbar behaviors,” along with more about Windows 11. Keep those emails coming, letting me know what you would like to hear about. I am happy to write about what interests you about computers and software. Thanks to all of you readers for making my day, week, year, and two decades at a minimum!
