Windows 11 definitely shook things up, and one of the biggest changes is that centred Start button. If you’re keen to go back to that good old left-aligned look or just can’t quite get used to it, there’s a pretty easy fix. It’s not always obvious where to change this, especially since Microsoft moved a lot of stuff in their Settings menu. But honestly, shifting that Start button across is just a matter of a few clicks, even if the interface looks a bit sleeker and less familiar.
How to Move the Start Button in Windows 11
The main reason to do this is to make your desktop feel more like the Windows you know and love—familiar and comfy. If you notice the Start button is smack bang in the centre and it feels a bit awkward or messes with your flow, moving it left can make things quicker because your eyes will know where to look. Expect the button to snap to the left after you change it, and suddenly, everything will feel a bit more natural if you’re used to the old layout. On some setups, you might need to restart or sign out and back in, but usually it sticks after you make the change.
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit the Start button (or press Windows key) and then click on that gear icon for Settings. Or, type ms-settings: in the Run box (Win + R), or search for ‘Settings’ directly. Windows 11’s Settings app has been tidied up, but it’s still easy to get lost if you’re not sure where to look. So, just find and open it.
Step 2: Go to Personalisation
Once inside Settings, click on Personalisation. That’s the spot for customizing your desktop’s look and feel. From themes to icons to taskbar stuff, this is where you’ll tweak a few things to make Windows feel more like “you”.
Step 3: Head to Taskbar Settings
Scroll down a bit and select Taskbar. Yep, it’s in that menu. Windows has simplified a lot of things, but the taskbar’s still the place to change things like alignment, icons, and behaviours.
Step 4: Change the Taskbar Alignment
In the Taskbar behaviours section (sometimes it’s just a dropdown at the top or bottom), find the setting for Taskbar alignment. It’s probably set to Center now. Click on it, and pick Left. That’ll move the Start button and all the icons to the left side of the taskbar. This is what makes Windows look a bit more like the classic Windows 10 or XP — bring on the nostalgia.
Note: On some versions, you might need to restart your PC or log out for it to kick in, but sometimes it just changes instantly.Step 5: Check your changes
Close Settings and peep at your taskbar. The Start button should now be sitting on the left again. If you don’t see the change straight away, try restarting Explorer from Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) or give your PC a quick reboot. Sometimes Windows acts a bit funny, and a reboot sorts it out.
That’s about it. Moving the Start button from centre back to the left is a quick tweak, but it makes Windows look a lot more familiar if you’re used to the old layout. Not sure why it works the way it does, but on some setups, you’ll need to reboot for it to stick, so don’t be surprised.
Tips for Moving the Start Button in Windows 11
- Playing around with the taskbar settings can unlock some handy tweaks, like hiding icons or changing icon sizes. Worth having a fiddle while you’re in there.
- If you’re on a shared or borrowed PC, remember to put it back how it was if they prefer the default. Just good manners, you know?
- Changing the alignment doesn’t affect app performance or anything—just a visual thing.
- If you’re in there, have a look at other personalization options. Windows 11 keeps adding new features and tricks.
- If you get tired of the left-side layout, switching back to the centre is just one click again—dead easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move just the Start button without messing with other icons?
Not quite. When you change the taskbar alignment (left or centre), it shifts everything together — Start, apps, system tray icons. It’s all or nothing for now.
Does moving the Start button slow down my PC?
Nah, it’s only a visual tweak. Doesn’t slow anything down or affect performance. Just makes things look more familiar.
Can I push the Start button to the right instead?
Nah, not in Windows 11. It’s either centre or left for now. Microsoft haven’t added a right side option yet.
Will changing the taskbar alignment stuff up my apps?
Nope. Apps run the same, it’s just the icons that move around.
Is this feature available on all Windows 11 versions?
Yep, pretty much all editions have this option—whether it’s Home, Pro, or Enterprise.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalisation
- Click on Taskbar
- Find Taskbar behaviours and set Taskbar alignment to Left
- Close Settings & enjoy your more familiar layout
Hopefully, this makes it a bit easier for someone. Windows is still changing things up, but at least this tweak is easy as. Give it a burl – it’s that simple.