By default, Windows will display the taskbar on all monitors in a multi-monitor setup. For example, if you connect your laptop to a monitor and use it as a second display, having access to the taskbar on the second display is very useful. However, if the taskbar does not appear on the second monitor, it might disabled. For instance, you might have manually changed the settings to hide the taskbar on the second monitor, some programs altered the taskbar behavior, etc. Whatever the reason, if you want to see the taskbar on all displays, you can change the taskbar behavior in a multi-monitor setup using the Settings app. It’s pretty easy to do it.
In this tutorial, I will show you the steps and guide you through the process of showing the taskbar on all displays when using multiple monitors.
Before You Start
- Make sure your second monitor is connected before following the below steps.
- The steps below are tested to work on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Steps To Show the Taskbar on All Displays
On Windows 11:
- Right-click on empty space on the taskbar.
- Select the “Taskbar settings” option.
- Click the “Taskbar behavior” option to expand it.
- Select the “Show my taskbar on all displays” checkbox.
- Select “All taskbars” from the “When using multiple displays, show my taskbar apps on” dropdown menu.
- Close the Settings window.
- With that, the taskbar appears on all monitors.
On Windows 10:
- Press “Windows key + I” to open Settings in Windows 10.
- Select the “Personalization” option.
- Go to the “Taskbar” tab on the sidebar.
- Turn ON the “Show taskbar on all displays” toggle.
- Select “All taskbars” from the “Show taskbar buttons on” option under the “Multiple displays” section.
- Close the Settings app.
- With that, your taskbar appears on all displays in Windows 10.
Detailed Steps for Windows 10 (With Screenshots)
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.
In the Settings app, go to the “Personalization” page. On the personalization page, select the “Taskbar” tab on the sidebar. This is where you will find all the taskbar settings in Windows 10.
On the right page, scroll down and find the “Multiple displays” section. Here, turn ON the “Show taskbar on all displays” toggle. Next, select the “All taskbars” option from the “Show taskbar button on” dropdown menu.
Settings are automatically saved. Just close the Settings app after selecting the option 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.
Wrapping Up — Taskbar on All Monitors
As you can see, whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, it is fairly simple to show the taskbar on all the monitors. Do keep in mind that on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, only the primary display will have the quick launch tray. Other displays won’t have it. Also, you cannot customize the size of taskbar icons per display. Depending on your screen resolution and the DPI scaling of the monitors, the taskbar icons may appear big, small, or the same as your primary display.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
