How to Lock or Unlock the Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
InformationThis will show you how to lock or unlock the taskbar in Windows 8 to allow you to be able to move the taskbar to any border on the desktop, or move toolbars on the taskbar.
When the taskbar is unlocked, you will see a dotted separator line to the left of pinned apps and any toolbars.
When the taskbar is unlocked, you will see a dotted separator line to the left of pinned apps and any toolbars.
EXAMPLE: Taskbar
OPTION ONE
Lock or Unlock Taskbar from the Taskbar
1. Go to oyur Desktop.
NOTE: You could press the :winkey: + D keys to do so.
2. Right click or press and hold on an empty space on the taskbar, then do step 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do.
3. To Lock the Taskbar
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on Lock the taskbar to check it. (see screenshot below)
4. To Unlock the Taskbar
A) Click/tap on Lock the taskbar to uncheck it. (see screenshot below)
OPTION TWO
Lock or Unlock Taskbar from Taskbar Properties
1. Go to your desktop.
NOTE: You could press the :winkey: + D keys to do so.
2. Right click or press and hold on an empty space on the taskbar, click/tap on Properties, then do step 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)
3. To Lock the Taskbar
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Check the Lock the taskbar box, and click/tap on OK.
4. To Unlock the Taskbar
A) Uncheck the Lock the taskbar box, and click/tap on OK.
OPTION THREE
Lock or Unlock Taskbar Using a BAT File
NoteThe .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
TaskbarSizeMove DWORD
0 = Lock taskbar
1 = Unlock taskbar
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
TaskbarSizeMove DWORD
0 = Lock taskbar
1 = Unlock taskbar
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Lock the Taskbar
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .bat file below, and go to step 4 below.
Lock_Taskbar.bat
3. To Unlock the Taskbar
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .bat file below, and go to step 4 below.
Unlock_Taskbar.bat
4. Save the .bat file to your desktop and run it.
5. If prompted, click/tap on Run and Yes (UAC).
NOTE: If you like, you can stop getting the Run prompt by unblocking the downloaded .bat file.
6. You will now notice your screen flash as explorer is restarted to apply the registry changes.
That's it,
Shawn
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