On the usability of the Windows Taskbar

Windows taskbar is the strip of icons, usually at the bottom of the screen, that contains the start menu button and an area where windows minimise to. This is a unique feature to Microsoft Windows, and it has been there for over 10 years ever since Windows 95. It is clear that that this user interface acts as a familiar starting point for Windows users, so that they are less intimidated when having to adapt to new versions of Windows.

I propose a positioning of the Windows taskbar, that makes good use of the desktop space, and improves its usability generally. By default, Windows taskbar is a thin strip located at the bottom of the screen. While many people do not have problems with the taskbar at its default configuration, some find that it is difficult to manage the windows when they have quite a few open. I would disable grouping of similar taskbar buttons so that I switch between multiple windows quickly without having to expand a group before selecting the window. I have also seen some users who increase the height of the taskbar. I know Andrew Coates has his taskbar at twice the height to accomodate more icons.

I have my Windows taskbar positioned at the left of the screen rather than at the bottom. See the screenshot below:

Windows Taskbar - Vertical

There are several key advantages to having the taskbar this way:

  • Better utilisation of the widescreen aspect ratio.
  • Minimised window titles are visible when you have quite a few windows.
  • Docked language bar shows all of its icons without restoring.
  • Much more informative clock.

So have a try of this yourself. It initially takes a while getting accustomed to it. After a while, it’ll feel great to use.

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categories Microsoft, Software | | datetime 26 Nov 2007 11:56

  • Allen Meyers

    Great idea, but your talking to a 76 year old with minimum skills. How do I get it there and how do I put thumbnail size icons on it?

  • http://www.edmundtse.com Edmund Tse

    To move the Windows Taskbar from the bottom of the screen to the left hand side, take the following steps:

    1. Right click on an empty (black) part of the Taskbar.
    2. Uncheck the “Lock the Taskbar” option.
    3. Click and hold on the same part of the Taskbar, drag it towards your preferred edge of your screen (left, right, top or bottom)
    4. Release the mouse button and drop it in place.
    5. Drag the edge of the Taskbar to make it your desired width.
    6. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to lock the Taskbar in its place.

    As for the sidebar gadgets, it’s simply just dragging the individual gadgets from the sidebar onto any part of the desktop!

  • renee

    i actually have it on the right, but that’s just my random preference

    i suppose it’s slightly more in the way, but somehow it made more sense to me at the time :P

  • http://www.edmundtse.com Edmund Tse

    Do you find that you sometimes “overshoot” your cursor when you try to close the window using the upper right hand “X”?

  • Alexandra

    Wow first person I see that uses the sidebar vertical on the left just like me!!!

    This is a very practical layout since most latops are widescreen so you have more space on the sides rather than top and bottom.

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