Taskbar - Lock or Unlock in Windows 8

How to Lock or Unlock the Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1


information   Information
This 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.


EXAMPLE: Taskbar
Taskbar.jpg






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)​
RC_Taskbar.jpg






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.​
Taskbar_Properties.jpg






OPTION THREE

Lock or Unlock Taskbar Using a BAT File



Note   Note
The .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


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
download

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
download

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


 

Attachments

  • Lock_Taskbar.bat
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  • Unlock_Taskbar.bat
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  • Taskbar.png
    Taskbar.png
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