How to Move the Taskbar to the Second Monitor in Windows 11? [Easy Steps]

In Windows 11, the taskbar is tied to the primary display. This means you cannot simply drag and drop it to another screen as you could in some earlier versions. Instead, you need to change which monitor is set as the main display.

When you switch the primary monitor, the taskbar moves automatically to that screen. Additionally, Windows 11 allows you to show the taskbar on all monitors, but the main taskbar with system icons and Start menu will always stay on the primary display.

In this guide, you will learn a clear, step-by-step process to move the taskbar to your second monitor in Windows 11.

Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

How to Move the Taskbar to the Second Monitor in Windows 11?

To move the taskbar to the second monitor in Windows 11, open Settings, go to System, select Display, choose your second monitor, and set it as the main display. The taskbar will automatically shift to that monitor.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

The first step is accessing the Settings app, where all display-related configurations are located.

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to quickly open Settings. Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select Settings from the list.

Once the Settings window appears, you will see multiple categories such as System, Bluetooth, Network, and Personalization. These sections allow you to control different aspects of your computer.

Make sure you stay in the System section, as display settings are located there.

Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings

After opening Settings, you need to locate the Display settings.

Inside the System section, click on Display. This will open a screen showing all connected monitors. You will see numbered boxes representing each display, such as 1 and 2.

These numbers help you identify which monitor is currently set as the main display. If you are unsure, click the Identify button, and Windows will display numbers on each monitor.

Understanding which monitor is which is important before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Select the Second Monitor

Now that you can see your monitors, the next step is to choose the second monitor.

Click on the display box that represents your second screen. Once selected, it will be highlighted, and additional settings will appear below.

You can also rearrange the monitors by dragging them to match your physical setup. This ensures that your mouse moves naturally between screens.

Selecting the correct monitor is essential because you will assign it as the main display in the next step.

Step 4: Set the Second Monitor as the Main Display

This is the most important step in the process.

Scroll down within the Display settings until you find the option labeled Make this my main display. This checkbox appears only after selecting a monitor.

Tick the checkbox to make the second monitor your primary display. As soon as you do this, Windows will automatically move the taskbar to that screen.

You will also notice that the Start menu, system tray, and notifications shift to the second monitor. This confirms that the change has been successfully applied.

Step 5: Adjust Taskbar Behavior Across Monitors

After moving the taskbar, you may want to customize how it behaves across multiple screens.

Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Scroll down to find the section called Taskbar behaviors.

Here, you will find an option labeled Show my taskbar on all displays. Enabling this will display a taskbar on both monitors, but only the main one will have full functionality.

You can also control where app icons appear and how taskbar buttons behave across screens. These settings help tailor your multi-monitor experience.

Step 6: Verify and Fine-Tune Display Layout

Once the taskbar is moved, take a moment to verify everything is working correctly.

Check that the taskbar appears on your second monitor and that the Start button and pinned apps are accessible. Move your cursor between screens to ensure smooth navigation.

If needed, return to Display settings and adjust the alignment of monitors. Proper alignment prevents cursor confusion and improves usability.

This final step ensures your setup is comfortable and efficient for daily use.

Additional Tips for a Better Multi-Monitor Experience

Using multiple monitors in Windows 11 becomes more effective when you optimize a few additional settings.

You can change the scale and resolution of each monitor individually to ensure clarity and readability. Matching resolutions across screens often provides a smoother visual experience.

Keyboard shortcuts such as Windows key + Shift + Arrow keys allow you to quickly move windows between monitors. This can save time when multitasking.

You may also consider enabling snap layouts, which help organize windows efficiently across multiple screens.

FAQs

Why can’t I drag the taskbar to another monitor in Windows 11?

Windows 11 does not support dragging the taskbar between monitors. It is automatically placed on the primary display, which you must change in settings.

Can I have taskbars on both monitors?

Yes, you can enable Show my taskbar on all displays in taskbar settings. However, the main taskbar features remain on the primary screen.

Will changing the main display affect my apps?

Yes, some apps may open on the new primary display by default. You may need to reposition them based on your workflow.

How do I switch back to the original monitor?

Simply go back to Display settings, select the original monitor, and check Make this my main display again.

Does this method work for more than two monitors?

Yes, the same steps apply even if you are using three or more monitors. You can assign any one of them as the primary display.