Windows 11, the latest iteration in Microsoft’s long lineage of operating systems, has ushered in a wave of novel aesthetics and functionalities. Notable among these changes is the reinvention of the taskbar, which now parades centered app icons. Furthermore, the operating system boasts a revamped file explorer and the incorporation of subtle yet stylish curved edges. But as is the norm with any radical transformation, public opinions vary. The redesigned look has found its share of admirers, many of whom are captivated by the fresh interface. Conversely, a significant faction of users yearns for the familiar realm of the Windows 10 taskbar. Thankfully, Windows 11 is rife with customization options, granting users the liberty to mold the taskbar as per their preferences, whether it be via the Registry Editor, Local Group Policy Editor, or third-party applications like TaskbarXI and Explorer Patcher. But, while the act of customization is straightforward, the inadvertent tweaks by others can be a vexation. Hence, ensuring that these settings are locked in place is paramount. Dive into this risewindows guide to fathom how to permit or restrict changes to the Windows 11 Taskbar Settings.
How to Lock or Unlock the Windows 11 Taskbar Settings using Local Group Policy Editor?
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or higher edition, you can use the Group Policy to allow or prevent others from changing the Windows 11 Taskbar settings.
To allow or disallow access to Windows 11 Taskbar Settings, perform these steps:-
Step 1. First, open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Now, browse to the following path in the left sidebar of Local Group Policy Editor:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Step 3. Then, on the right-hand side pane, double-click on the policy name Lock all taskbar settings.
Step 4. After that, select Enabled to lock the Taskbar settings.
Quick Note: Select Not Configured or Disabled option to allow Taskbar settings to change.
Step 5. Next, click Apply.
Step 6. Then, click OK.
Step 7. At last, reboot your PC.
How to Turn On or Off the Windows 11 Taskbar Settings through Registry Editor?
To enable or disable the Windows 11 Taskbar Settings using Registry Editor, use these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Now, navigate to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Step 3. Then, right-click on the Windows key and select New > Key.
Step 4. After that, name the newly created key Explorer.
Step 5. Next, right-click on the Explorer key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 6. Now, set the name to TaskbarLockAll.
Step 7. Then, double-click on the TaskbarLockAll REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0: Lock the Taskbar Settings.
- 1: Unlock the Taskbar Settings.
After completing the above steps, restart the PC to see the changes.
How to Enable or Disable the Windows 11 Taskbar and Start Menu Settings through Local Group Policy Editor?
This is another method to restrict the access of Windows 11 Taskbar Settings. This method will also lock the Start Menu settings. So, if you wish to block access to Taskbar as well as Start Menu settings, perform these steps:-
Step 1. As usual, open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Now, navigate the following path in the left sidebar of Local Group Policy Editor:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Step 3. Then, on the right side pane, double-click on the policy name “Prevent changes to Taskbar and Start Menu Settings.”
Step 4. After that, select the Enabled option to prevent others from changing the Taskbar and Start Menu settings.
Quick Note: Here, select the Not Configured or Disabled option to allow changes to the Taskbar and Start Menu settings.
Step 5. Next, click Apply.
Step 6. Then, click OK.
Step 7. Finally, reboot your PC.
Also Read: How to Disable Recent Search icon History on Windows 11 Taskbar.
Conclusion
Windows 11 has brought an array of aesthetic and functional changes, with the revamped taskbar being a major highlight. While many appreciate the new design, there’s a significant portion of the user base that desires more customization or a return to the older style. Fortunately, Microsoft provides ample customization capabilities, allowing users to tailor the taskbar settings to their preferences. This guide highlights three primary methods to lock or unlock the Windows 11 taskbar settings: through the Local Group Policy Editor, the Registry Editor, and another approach that addresses both the taskbar and the Start Menu settings via the Local Group Policy Editor. Armed with this knowledge, users can confidently tweak their operating system’s appearance and functionality, ensuring a personalized Windows experience.
