In a multi-monitor setup, Windows lets you show the taskbar on all monitors. The option is configurable by the Settings app. Here’s how.
With all the work-from-home going on around the world, the multi-monitor setups are increasing day by day. One of the most common combinations being a laptop connected to an external monitor. After all, working on a small screen for long periods of time is not that easy. The problem is compounded by many times if you have to switch between multiple applications or windows on a small 13-15 inch screen.
When multiple displays are connected to your computer, Windows 10 is pretty good at configuring the DPI scaling from multiple displays. If needed, Windows even lets you show the taskbar on all displays. As most of you know, the taskbar in Windows is an important tool that lets you quickly access any pinned or opened application(s). Depending on your system configuration, Windows might show or hide the taskbar.
If you cannot see the taskbar on the second display or other connected monitors, you have to configure the taskbar settings in the Settings app to show the taskbar on all monitors. Thankfully, it is pretty easy to do. Let me show you show.
Steps to show taskbar on all displays
To show the taskbar on all displays, follow the steps listed below.
- Open the Settings app in Windows 10.
- Select the “Personalization” option.
- Click on the “Taskbar” tab on the sidebar.
- Select “All taskbars” from the “Show taskbar buttons on” option under the “Multiple displays” section.
- Close the Settings app.
The taskbar will instantly appear on all connected and active monitors.
Detailed steps
1. Access the settings app with the “Windows Key + I” shortcut. You can also search for Settings in the Start menu or click on the Settings icon on the taskbar.
2. In the Settings app, go to the “Personalization” page. In the personalization page, select the “Taskbar” tab on the sidebar. This is where you will find all the taskbar settings in Windows 10.
3. On the right page, scroll down and find the “Multiple displays” section. From here, select the “All taskbars” option from the dropdown menu under the “Show taskbar button on” heading.
4. Settings are automatically saved. Just close the Settings app after selecting the option as shown above.
From now on, you will see the taskbar on all displays. If you don’t see the changes immediately, I recommend you restart explorer or restart the system.
The primary display will have the quick launch tray but the other displays will only have the clock on the right-hand side of the taskbar. As of now, Windows 10 has no option to show the quick launch tray on all displays. Also, the taskbar icons size. i.e, small or big icons, depends on the main taskbar settings. There is no way to change the taskbar icons size for an individual monitor. So, depending on the DPI setting of the monitors, the taskbar icons may appear too big or small. In that case, all you can do is choose the best possible setting for your monitor configuration.
That is all for now. I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.
