Missing Accessibility: Taskbar Position Flexibility

[ikender]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Restore user control over taskbar placement to support accessibility, ergonomics, and legacy workflows

✅ Desired Behavior / What Needs to Change
Windows should allow users to reposition the taskbar to the top of the screen or either side—on all monitors or per-monitor basis, respecting existing multi-monitor settings. This includes:

• Drag-to-reposition support: Users should be able to drag the taskbar to the top edge and lock it there, just as they could in previous Windows versions.
• Consistent behavior: Once repositioned, the taskbar should behave identically to its bottom-aligned counterpart—supporting auto-hide, pinned apps, system tray, and previews.
• UI adjustments for top alignment:
• Preview panes (e.g., taskbar thumbnails) should drop downward instead of upward.
• Notifications can remain in the corner, but the expanded notification center may need repositioning or animation tweaks to avoid visual overlap.
• Start menu and search should open downward from the top taskbar, maintaining intuitive flow.
  This change should respect accessibility needs and legacy workflows, and could be implemented as an optional PowerToys feature if not supported natively.

Scenario when this would be used?

🧠 Cognitive Accessibility

• Reduced cognitive load: Users with ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges benefit from consistent top-down visual scanning. Placing the taskbar at the top aligns with natural reading flow and reduces distraction.
• Minimized decision fatigue: Predictable UI placement helps users avoid unnecessary mental effort when switching between apps or screens.

👁️ Visual Accessibility

• Improved visibility for low vision users: Top-aligned taskbars are closer to the natural eye line, especially on large monitors. This reduces neck strain and improves access to critical UI elements.
• Better contrast and lighting: Bottom taskbars often compete with glare or reflections from desk lighting. Top placement avoids this issue.

🦴 Physical & Ergonomic Accessibility

• Reduced neck and shoulder strain: Users with chronic pain, mobility limitations, or ergonomic setups (e.g., vertical monitors, standing desks) may find top taskbars easier to reach and interact with.
• Assistive tech compatibility: Some setups using eye-tracking, head pointers, or switch devices are optimized for top-edge interaction.

🧩 Neurodivergent & Custom Workflow Support

• Custom workflows for neurodivergent users: Many users build systems around top taskbars for focus, rhythm, and reduced sensory overload.
• Legacy muscle memory: Long-time Windows users with disabilities may rely on top taskbar placement from previous versions for consistency and comfort.

🧱 Systemic Accessibility Principle

• Choice is accessibility: Removing layout flexibility forces users into configurations that may not work for their bodies, minds, or workflows. Restoring top taskbar support—even via PowerToys—respects the principle of user-centered design.

Supporting information

• This feature request has significant traction in the Windows Feedback Hub: https://aka.ms/AAd2ifw — currently approaching 25,000 upvotes, demonstrating strong and sustained user demand.
• Several third-party tools (e.g., WinHawk, ExplorerPatcher) offer partial solutions for top taskbar support. However:
• These tools often rely on unsupported or fragile system hooks.
• Some come from lesser-known or unvetted sources, raising trust and security concerns.
• They lack the polish, integration, and reliability of a native or PowerToys-based implementation.
• PowerToys is a trusted, open-source platform backed by Microsoft, making it the ideal home for accessibility-driven UI enhancements like this.
• Implementing this feature in PowerToys would:
• Provide a safe, reputable alternative to third-party hacks.
• Restore a legacy feature that many users—especially those with accessibility needs—depend on.
• Align with PowerToys’ mission to empower users with advanced customization and control.

[daverayment]

/dup #6141

[ikender]

this is completely different than that, not an app drawer like a mobile device but moving the taskbar to the top / either side while keeping it mostly the same

the referenced ticket wants you to be able to treat your screen like a andorid or iphone homescreen, this is not the same at all

@daverayment

[daverayment]

Apologies.

/dup #35308

[microsoft-github-policy-service]

Hi! We've identified this issue as a duplicate of another one that already exists on this Issue Tracker. This specific instance is being closed in favor of tracking the concern over on the referenced thread. Thanks for your report!