How to Lock the Taskbar in Windows

Keep your taskbar in one place while you're online

An image of an imaginary lock comprised of computer motherboard parts.

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by Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera has been a tech journalist since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader and several Microsoft certifications.
Updated March 21, 2019

The Windows taskbar serves as a control center for many PC users, providing quick and easy access to frequently-used applications, important system settings, incoming notifications along with the date and time. It also includes access to the Start Menu as well as a handy search bar, depending on your version of Windows.

Positioned at the bottom of the screen by default, the taskbar can be shifted to different locations as well as resized by just clicking and dragging it with your mouse. Because it's so easy to move or modify, often accidentally, the Windows taskbar can be locked to prevent these changes from happening by mistake. Locking the taskbar is also ideal when the PC in question is being used by more than one person, such as in a library or place of employment.

Follow the steps below to lock (or unlock) the Windows taskbar.

How to Lock the Taskbar in Windows 10/8/7

  1. Right-click on any blank space within your taskbar, preferably on the far-right hand side of your application shortcuts. 

  2. A pop-up menu should be displayed, containing several options. Locate the one labeled Lock the taskbar, which will be accompanied by a check mark if the taskbar is already locked.

    A screenshot of the Windows 10 Taskbar menu.

  3. If there is no check mark alongside this option, left-click on it once to lock your taskbar.

  4. To confirm that your taskbar is locked, repeat steps 1 and 2 and look for the aforementioned check mark.

  5. To unlock the taskbar at any time, simply remove the check mark from this option by clicking on it again.

Alternate Method to Lock the Windows Taskbar

If the method above does not work as expected, the taskbar can also be locked by taking the following steps.

  1. Right-click on any blank space within your taskbar, preferably on the far-right hand side of your application shortcuts.

  2. A pop-up menu should be displayed, containing several options. Select the one labeled Taskbar settings (Windows 10) or Properties (Windows 7 and 8).

    A screenshot of the Windows 10 Taskbar Settings interface.

  3. Windows 10: The Taskbar Settings interface will appear, overlaying your desktop. Click on the button accompanying the Lock the taskbar option, so that it switches from Off to On.
    Windows 7 and 8: The Taskbar Properties dialog should now appear, overlaying your desktop. Click on the Taskbar tab, if it's not already selected. Place a check mark next to the Lock the taskbar option by clicking on its accompanying checkbox once.