Do you want your Windows 10 desktop to look cleaner and more modern? One simple way to improve its appearance is to centre the taskbar icons instead of keeping them aligned to the left.
By default, Windows 10 places the Start button, pinned applications, and open program icons on the left side of the taskbar. This traditional layout works well, but some users prefer the centred appearance found in Windows 11.
The good news is that you don’t need to upgrade your operating system to achieve a similar look. Windows 10 includes built-in taskbar options that allow you to move icons toward the centre using a simple toolbar trick.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to centre taskbar in Windows 10 using different methods. You’ll learn how to unlock the taskbar, create a toolbar, move application icons, adjust their position, and restore the original layout if necessary.
We’ll also cover third-party customization tools, common problems, and useful tips to help you personalize your desktop.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Windows user, these instructions will help you create a more balanced desktop appearance.
What Does Centring the Taskbar Mean in Windows 10?
Centring the taskbar means positioning application icons around the middle of the taskbar instead of keeping them aligned to the left.
Windows 10 normally displays the Start button and application icons on the left side of the screen.
When you centre the icons, the desktop looks more symmetrical and resembles the default taskbar arrangement in Windows 11.
Why Do Users Want a Centred Taskbar?
There are several reasons why users prefer this layout:
Modern appearance: It gives Windows 10 a more contemporary look.
Better symmetry: Icons appear balanced across the screen.
Personalization: You can customize your desktop according to your preferences.
Visual consistency: It can make your desktop look similar to Windows 11.
Improved aesthetics: Some users simply prefer centred application icons.
However, centring taskbar icons does not change how Windows works. Your applications, Start menu, notifications, and system settings continue functioning normally.
Can You Centre the Taskbar in Windows 10 Without Software?
Yes. You can centre taskbar icons in Windows 10 without downloading additional software.
Windows 10 supports customizable taskbar toolbars, which you can use to reposition application icons.
The process involves creating a toolbar, unlocking the taskbar, and moving the toolbar divider until the icons appear near the middle.
This method is useful because it relies on built-in Windows features.
There is one limitation: the built-in method does not provide the same automatic, perfectly centred layout as Windows 11. You may need to adjust the position manually, especially when changing screen resolution or adding application icons.
Method 1: How to Centre Taskbar Icons in Windows 10 Using a New Toolbar
This is one of the easiest ways to centre your Windows 10 taskbar icons without installing third-party applications.
Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Unlock the Windows 10 Taskbar
Before moving taskbar icons, you must unlock the taskbar.
When the taskbar is locked, Windows prevents you from changing the position of its toolbars.
Follow these instructions:
Move your mouse pointer to an empty area of the taskbar.
Right-click the taskbar.
Find the Lock the taskbar option.
If a checkmark appears next to it, click the option to disable it.
Confirm that the taskbar is unlocked.
You should now be able to move the toolbar dividers.
Step 2: Create a New Toolbar
After unlocking the taskbar, create a toolbar that will help position your application icons.
Follow these steps:
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
Move your mouse pointer over Toolbars.
Select Links from the submenu.
Windows will add a Links toolbar to your taskbar.
You may see a Links label and a small divider near the notification area or application icons.
This toolbar provides the space needed to adjust the position of your taskbar icons.
Step 3: Move the Links Toolbar
Now you need to reposition the toolbar.
Find the vertical divider beside the Links toolbar.
Place your mouse pointer over the divider.
Wait until the pointer changes into a double-sided arrow.
Click and hold the divider.
Drag it toward the left side of the taskbar.
As you move the divider, the application icons will shift toward the centre.
Don’t worry if the icons move too far initially. You can adjust their position in the next step.
Step 4: Position the Application Icons in the Centre
After moving the Links toolbar, adjust the divider until your application icons appear approximately in the middle.
Follow these instructions:
Click and hold the toolbar divider.
Move it slowly toward the left or right.
Observe how the application icons change position.
Release the mouse button when the icons appear centred.
Make small adjustments if necessary.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve your preferred layout.
Step 5: Remove the Links Text
If you don’t want the Links label displayed on your taskbar, you can hide it.
Follow these steps:
Right-click the Links toolbar label.
Look for Show Text.
Click the option to remove its checkmark.
Right-click the Links toolbar again.
Find Show title.
Disable it if the option is available.
The toolbar label should disappear, leaving a cleaner appearance.
Step 6: Lock the Taskbar Again
Once your application icons are positioned where you want them, lock the taskbar.
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
Select Lock the taskbar.
Confirm that the checkmark appears next to the option.
Locking the taskbar helps prevent accidental changes to your layout.
Your Windows 10 taskbar icons should now appear closer to the centre of the screen.
Method 2: How to Centre Taskbar Icons Using an Empty Folder
Another approach is to create an empty folder and add it as a custom toolbar.
This method gives you more control over the spacing around your taskbar icons.
Step 1: Create an Empty Folder
First, create a folder on your computer.
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to a convenient location, such as your Documents folder.
Right-click an empty area.
Select New.
Click Folder.
Give the folder a name such as
Empty Toolbar.
You do not need to place any files inside it.
Step 2: Unlock the Taskbar
Right-click the Windows 10 taskbar.
Find Lock the taskbar.
Click it to remove the checkmark if it is enabled.
Step 3: Add the Empty Folder as a Toolbar
Now add your newly created folder.
Right-click the taskbar.
Hover over Toolbars.
Select New toolbar.
Browse to the empty folder you created.
Select the folder.
Click Select Folder.
Windows will add the folder as a toolbar.
Step 4: Adjust the Toolbar Position
Drag the new toolbar divider to reposition the application icons.
You can move the divider gradually until the icons appear near the middle.
If you want more spacing, you can create another empty folder and add it as an additional toolbar.
Step 5: Hide Unnecessary Labels
Right-click the new toolbar and disable the title and text options if available.
This helps remove unnecessary labels from the taskbar.
Step 6: Lock the Taskbar
After adjusting the layout, right-click the taskbar and enable Lock the taskbar again.
Your customized arrangement should now remain in place.
Method 3: How to Centre the Taskbar in Windows 10 Using Third-Party Software
If you want a more automatic and polished centred taskbar, third-party customization software may be a better option.
Some applications provide additional taskbar alignment features that Windows 10 does not offer natively.
What Is Taskbar Customization Software?
Taskbar customization software changes the appearance or arrangement of Windows taskbar elements.
Depending on the application, you may be able to:
Centre application icons automatically.
Change taskbar transparency.
Customize taskbar colors.
Adjust icon spacing.
Modify taskbar appearance.
Create a Windows 11-style desktop.
How to Use Taskbar Customization Software
The exact instructions depend on the application you choose.
Generally, follow these steps:
Identify a trusted Windows customization application.
Check that it supports your Windows 10 version.
Download it from its official distribution source.
Install the application.
Open its settings.
Find the taskbar alignment option.
Select the centred layout if supported.
Apply your changes.
Some applications may require administrator permission or additional configuration.
What Should You Consider Before Installing Customization Software?
Before installing any taskbar utility, consider the following:
Check whether the application supports Windows 10.
Download it from a reputable source.
Review its privacy and security practices.
Avoid unnecessary background applications.
Check whether it starts automatically with Windows.
Create a restore point before making major system changes.
For basic taskbar centring, the built-in toolbar method is usually sufficient.
Method 4: How to Centre Taskbar Icons by Using Taskbar Settings
Windows 10 includes several taskbar settings, but it does not offer a native centre-alignment switch.
You can still customize the taskbar’s appearance and behavior through Settings.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Click the Start button.
Select Settings.
Choose Personalization.
Click Taskbar in the left sidebar.
Alternatively, right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Step 2: Customize Taskbar Appearance
You can adjust several settings, including:
Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
Use small taskbar buttons.
Show badges on taskbar buttons.
Change the taskbar’s screen position.
Customize notification area icons.
These settings do not directly centre application icons, but they help you create a cleaner desktop.
Step 3: Adjust Taskbar Button Size
If you want a more compact appearance:
Open Taskbar settings.
Find Use small taskbar buttons.
Turn the option on.
Check the taskbar appearance.
Smaller icons can make a centred layout look more balanced.
Method 5: How to Make Your Windows 10 Taskbar Look Like Windows 11
Windows 11 introduced a redesigned taskbar with centred Start and application icons.
If you like that appearance, you can customize Windows 10 to achieve a similar visual style.
However, remember that changing taskbar alignment does not convert Windows 10 into Windows 11.
Customize Taskbar Alignment
Use the built-in toolbar method to move application icons toward the centre.
Enable Small Taskbar Buttons
Open Taskbar settings and enable small taskbar buttons if you prefer a compact layout.
Change Taskbar Color
You can also customize the taskbar color.
Open Settings.
Select Personalization.
Click Colors.
Choose your preferred color mode.
Select an accent color.
Enable the option to show the accent color on Start and the taskbar, if available.
Enable Taskbar Transparency
Windows 10 provides transparency-related visual effects.
To enable them:
Open Settings.
Select Personalization.
Click Colors.
Find Transparency effects.
Turn the option on.
Your desktop may now look cleaner and more modern.
How to Move the Windows 10 Taskbar to the Top or Side
Besides centring icons, Windows 10 allows you to move the entire taskbar to another edge of your screen.
This can be useful if you prefer a different desktop arrangement.
Move the Taskbar to the Top
Right-click the taskbar.
Disable Lock the taskbar if necessary.
Click and hold an empty area of the taskbar.
Drag it toward the top edge of the screen.
Release the mouse button.
Move the Taskbar to the Left or Right
You can use the same process to move the taskbar to either side of the display.
Alternatively:
Open Taskbar settings.
Find Taskbar location on screen.
Open the dropdown menu.
Choose Left, Right, Top, or Bottom.
The available positioning options depend on your Windows 10 configuration.
How to Restore the Default Windows 10 Taskbar Layout
If you no longer like the centred arrangement, you can restore the original taskbar layout.
Remove the Custom Toolbar
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
Hover over Toolbars.
Uncheck Links or the custom toolbar you created.
Confirm that the toolbar disappears.
Restore the Default Alignment
If you moved toolbar dividers, removing the custom toolbar should restore the usual left-aligned application arrangement.
Lock the Taskbar
Finally:
Right-click the taskbar.
Select Lock the taskbar.
Confirm that the checkmark is enabled.
Your Windows 10 taskbar should now be back to its standard appearance.
Common Problems When Centring the Windows 10 Taskbar
Sometimes the taskbar does not behave as expected.
Here are common issues and their solutions.
1. The Toolbar Option Is Missing
Why does this happen?
You may be right-clicking an application icon rather than an empty area of the taskbar.
How to fix it:
Right-click an empty taskbar area.
Move the pointer over Toolbars.
Check whether the Links option is available.
Restart Windows Explorer if the menu remains unavailable.
2. The Taskbar Icons Won’t Move
Why does this happen?
The taskbar may still be locked.
How to fix it:
Right-click the taskbar.
Disable Lock the taskbar.
Try dragging the toolbar divider again.
Make sure you are dragging the divider rather than the toolbar label.
3. The Icons Are Not Perfectly Centred
Why does this happen?
The built-in toolbar method relies on manual positioning rather than automatic centre alignment.
The number of pinned applications and the width of the toolbar can affect the result.
How to fix it:
Adjust the toolbar divider.
Remove unnecessary toolbar labels.
Reposition the icons gradually.
Repeat the adjustment after changing your display resolution.
4. The Links Toolbar Is Taking Up Too Much Space
Why does this happen?
The toolbar may display its title, text, or unnecessary space.
How to fix it:
Right-click the Links toolbar.
Disable Show Text.
Disable Show title if available.
Adjust the divider position.
5. The Taskbar Layout Changes After Restarting
Why does this happen?
Windows may restore a different toolbar arrangement, particularly after display changes or customization software updates.
How to fix it:
Check that the taskbar is locked.
Reapply the toolbar arrangement.
Check your customization application’s settings.
Restart Windows Explorer if necessary.
6. The Taskbar Disappears
Why does this happen?
The automatic taskbar-hiding option may be enabled.
How to fix it:
Open Taskbar settings.
Find Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
Turn it off.
Check whether the taskbar appears again.
Tips for Keeping Your Centred Taskbar Organized
Once you have centred your taskbar icons, a few small adjustments can make your desktop easier to use.
Consider these tips:
Pin only your frequently used applications.
Remove shortcuts you no longer need.
Keep the taskbar height consistent.
Use small taskbar buttons if you prefer a compact layout.
Avoid installing too many customization utilities.
Lock the taskbar after completing your changes.
Check the layout after changing monitor resolution.
A simple taskbar arrangement can make a noticeable difference to your desktop experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I centre my taskbar icons in Windows 10 without downloading software?
Yes. You can use Windows 10’s built-in toolbar feature. Unlock the taskbar, add the Links toolbar, and move its divider to position application icons near the centre.
2. Does Windows 10 have a built-in centre taskbar option?
No. Windows 10 does not include a dedicated centre-alignment setting like Windows 11. However, you can manually reposition icons using the toolbar method.
3. How do I move my Windows 10 taskbar icons back to the left?
Remove the custom toolbar by right-clicking the taskbar, opening Toolbars, and unchecking the toolbar you added. Your application icons should return to their standard left-aligned arrangement.
4. Why can’t I drag my taskbar icons in Windows 10?
The taskbar may be locked. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and disable Lock the taskbar. You can then adjust toolbar dividers.
5. Can I make my Windows 10 taskbar look exactly like Windows 11?
You can make it look similar by centring icons and customizing colors, transparency, and icon sizes. However, Windows 10 cannot reproduce every Windows 11 taskbar feature through built-in settings alone.
Conclusion
Centring the taskbar in Windows 10 is a simple way to give your desktop a cleaner and more modern appearance.
Although Windows 10 does not provide a dedicated centre-alignment option, you can achieve a similar result using its built-in toolbar feature.
Start by unlocking the taskbar, adding the Links toolbar, and moving its divider until your application icons appear near the middle. Hide unnecessary toolbar labels and lock the taskbar when you’re satisfied.
If you want additional customization, third-party taskbar utilities can provide more alignment and appearance options.
Remember that the best method depends on how much customization you want. For most beginners, the built-in toolbar method is a convenient place to start.
Try these steps today and give your Windows 10 desktop a fresh, organized, and modern look!
Key Takeaways
Windows 10 does not have a native centre taskbar alignment button.
You can centre application icons using the built-in Links toolbar.
Unlock the taskbar before moving toolbar dividers.
Hide toolbar text and titles for a cleaner appearance.
Lock the taskbar after adjusting the icon position.
Third-party tools offer additional customization options.
You can restore the default layout by removing the custom toolbar.