Forum Discussion

KellanWarner's avatar
KellanWarner
Iron Contributor
Jun 04, 2025

Windows 11 - Can't Change The Order Of Taskbar Icons

The title pretty much explains it all. I recently updated to Windows 11, and as I expected, I regret it, for numerous reasons. My biggest issue currently though is with my taskbar. I do tons of stuff...
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WolfGangg's avatar
WolfGangg
Iron Contributor
Dec 15, 2025

This is by design in Windows 11, not a system issue.

Microsoft removed the “Lock taskbar” option and also removed drag-and-drop reordering of taskbar icons. That’s why you can’t find the setting and why DISM/SFC report no problems. Nothing is missing or broken.

How icon order works now

The only supported way to control icon order is:

  • Unpin taskbar apps
  • Re-pin them in the order you want

Windows 11 keeps icons in the order they were pinned.

Important notes

  • This affects both upgrades and clean installs
  • System Restore or reinstalling Windows will not change this
  • Microsoft has not restored manual reordering so far

If you need Windows 10–style behavior, a third-party taskbar tool is currently the only workaround.

PattyCakes's avatar
PattyCakes
Occasional Reader
Feb 11, 2026

Per JimmyLaw's 10/15/2025 response below, and this worked for me as well:

1) Press Windows + T to place focus on the task bar.
2) Press Arrow Left or Arrow Right to select the icon you want to move.
3) Use Alt + Shift + Arrow Left or Alt + Shift + Arrow Right to move it spot by spot