How to move the Windows Taskbar from its default position or reset it to its default position

This article describes how to move the taskbar from the default position. This article also describes how to restore the taskbar back to the default position. If you want to reset the taskbar back to the default position in Windows XP or Windows Vista you can have us fix this problem for you, go to the "Fix it for me" section. To fix this problem yourself in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP or Windows Vista, go to the "Let me fix it myself" section.

To move the taskbar from its default position along the bottom edge of the screen to any of the other three edges of the screen:

1. Click a blank portion of the taskbar.
2. Hold down the primary mouse button, and then drag the mouse pointer to the place on the screen where you want the taskbar. For example, you may want the taskbar to be positioned vertically on the right side of your screen.
3. After you move the mouse pointer to the position on your screen where you want the taskbar, release the mouse button.

If you are using Windows 98 or Windows Me and your taskbar does not move, make sure that the option to move the taskbar is enabled. If you are using Windows XP or Windows Vista, make sure the Lock the Taskbar option is not enabled. To check the status of the taskbar:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Taskbar and Start Menu
   • On Windows ME click Advanced, and then make sure that there is a check mark beside Enable moving and resizing in the Start Menu and taskbar list under the Taskbar heading. If the check mark is not there, click the box to select this feature, click OK, and then close the Control Panel window. If the check mark is there, click Cancel, and then close the Control Panel window.
   • On Windows XP and Windows Vista select the Taskbar tab and make sure that there is not a check mark beside Lock the Taskbar. If the check mark is there, click the box to unselect this feature, click OK, and then close the Control Panel window. If the check mark is not there, click Cancel, and then close the Control Panel window.

NOTE: The taskbar can be docked on the left side, right side, top, or bottom of your screen. You cannot move the Start button or the Windows Orb from side to side on the taskbar.

To reset your taskbar to the default position automatically in Windows XP and Windows Vista, click the Fix it button or link. Click Run in the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.

Note this Fix it solution will close all open Windows Explorer windows when it runs.

Fix this problem

Next, go to the "Did this fix the problem?" section.

To reset your taskbar to the default position, restart your computer in Safe mode. To start your computer in Safe mode, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key after your computer completes the Power On Self Test (POST), and then choose Safe Mode from the Startup menu. The taskbar will reset to the default position after you reboot your computer.

NOTE: If you press and hold down the CTRL key when your computer starts, you may receive a keyboard error message. If this occurs, you may safely ignore the keyboard error message.