How to Move the Start Menu to the Left in Windows 11
Windows 11 Start menu: move it back to the left in about two minutes. A simple walkthrough by OKTO Solutions, IT specialists in Trois-Rivières.
How to move the Start menu to the left in Windows 11
Moving the Start menu back to the left in Windows 11 takes four clicks in Settings: open Personalization, choose Taskbar, expand Taskbar behaviours and set Taskbar alignment to Left. The change applies right away, it affects only your own user account, and you can switch back to centred at any time.
In Windows 11, the Start menu sits in the middle of the taskbar by default.
Plenty of people prefer the classic alignment on the left, the way it worked in Windows 10.
Here is how to change that setting in a few seconds.
Why it moved: Windows 11 centred the Start menu by default. Microsoft did leave a simple option to go back to the classic bottom-left layout of Windows 10.
Steps to move the Start menu to the left in Windows 11
This Windows 11 tip lets you tailor the taskbar
and bring the interface closer to the way you like to work.
- Press Win + I
- Go to Personalization
- Click Taskbar
- Expand Taskbar behaviours
- Under Taskbar alignment, select Left
This adjustment is especially handy for anyone who wants a more familiar layout, the way Windows 10 worked. It makes navigation and getting to your applications a little quicker.
In a work setting, small adjustments like this add up to real gains in comfort and productivity.
Have a look at our IT services in Trois-Rivières for businesses.
You can also check the official Windows support site for more details.
Frequently asked questions about the Windows 11 Start menu
Can the taskbar itself be moved to the left or to the top?
In Windows 11, only the icon alignment (left or centre) can be changed natively. Third-party applications can move the bar itself, but they are not officially supported.
Does this setting apply to everyone who uses the computer?
No, it is specific to each user account. Every user has to change the setting in their own Personalization settings.
Is the left-aligned menu identical to Windows 10?
Visually similar: the same spot in the bottom-left corner, but the new Windows 11 design stays (without the Live Tiles).
Does your business need help with Windows or with day-to-day IT? Take a look at our managed IT services or contact OKTO Solutions.
On one workstation it is simple. On thirty, it takes a method: our managed IT services, our IT support and our IT services in Longueuil.
