The Windows taskbar is a key part of the Windows operating system. It provides quick access to apps, features, and system settings. It is usually located at the bottom of the screen, but you can move it to the top, left, or right side based on your preference.
This article will guide you through the essential elements of the taskbar and offer tips for navigating them efficiently.
Main elements on the Windows taskbar
The taskbar is a central hub for accessing various system features and shortcuts. It includes key elements designed to enhance productivity and ease of use. Users can quickly access the start menu, search bar, and pinned applications.
Start
The Start button is the first element on the taskbar, located on the left side. It gives you access to apps, settings, and files. To open the Start menu:
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Press the Windows logo key or look for the Windows icon on the taskbar. If using a screen reader, you'll hear the “start button" to access the menu.
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Once open, you can type the name of any app, setting, or document you want in the search box. Use the Down or Up arrow key to navigate through the suggestions and press Enter to select.
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Alternatively, use the arrow keys to navigate the Pinned apps and Recommended items.
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For detailed information, go to Use a screen reader to explore and navigate the Start menu in Windows.
Search
The Search icon, located to the right of the Start button, helps you quickly find files, apps, and settings. With a screen reader, you'll hear the “search button off.” Follow these steps to use Search:
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Press the Windows logo key+S or look for the Search icon on the taskbar to type your query in the search box. Then, press Tab to navigate to search categories and results.
For more details, go to Search for anything, anywhere.
Task view
Task view lets you organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops, helping you focus on applications or tasks on a specific desktop. You can switch between them using the Task view button.
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Press the Windows logo key+Tab. If using a screen reader, you'll hear "task view button off, number of desktops."
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Use the Tab key to navigate the options and arrow keys to explore the desktops. Press Enter to switch.
For more information, go to Multiple desktops in Windows and Keyboard shortcuts in Windows.
System tray
The System tray is at the right end of the taskbar and displays system notifications and app icons. You’ll find OneDrive, Internet access, Audio output device and volume, Battery status, Clock, and Notifications in the System tray. To navigate, follow these steps:
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Press the Windows logo key+B to access the Show hidden icons or Windows logo key+N to open the Notification center.
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Use the Left or Right arrow key to navigate through the elements in the System tray such as Internet access, Audio output device and volume, Battery power, and System clock. Press Enter to expand the menu.
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Use the arrow keys to move between icons or notifications, and press Enter to interact with them.
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To rearrange the icons in the quick settings window, tap and hold the icon and drag to the desired location.
Note: The quick settings pane now includes a Live captions button. Press the Tab key until you hear “Live captions” then press Enter to open it.
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To learn how to customize the system tray, go to Customize the taskbar notification area.
Manage Wi-Fi connections
To Refresh the network list, follow these steps:
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Press the Windows logo key+A to open the Quick settings window.
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Navigate to select the Manage Wi-Fi connections button, and press Enter.
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Select the Refresh network list icon, and press Enter to find the available Wi-Fi networks.
Remove a hardware device
This feature ensures that all read and write operations are complete before the device is disconnected. It helps prevent data corruption and physical media damage.
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Press the Windows logo key+B to access the Show hidden icons and then press Enter.
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Use the Right arrow key to select “Safely remove hardware and eject media button,” and then press Enter to open the connected devices list.
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Use the Down arrow key to navigate through the list, once selected press Enter to remove the device.
Accessibility flyout
The Accessibility flyout provides quick access to settings such as Magnifier, Color filters, Narrator, Mono audio, Live captions, and Sticky keys. It is part of the Quick settings menu on the right side of the taskbar. To access these settings:
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Press the Windows logo key+A to open quick settings.
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Use the arrow keys to navigate the Accessibility button and press Enter or Spacebar to select. This will open the Accessibility flyout menu.
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To adjust settings, navigate to the More Accessibility settings button and press Enter.
For detailed information, go to Use a screen reader and keyboard to navigate and use the Windows Accessibility flyout and Find your notifications and quick settings / actions.
On-Screen Keyboard
The On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) offers an alternative way to type without a physical keyboard. It displays a visual keyboard with standard keys, allowing you to use your mouse or another pointing device to select keys.
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To open the On-Screen Keyboard, press the Windows logo key+Ctrl+O.
For more information, go to Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type.
See also
Use live captions to better understand the audio
Make your mouse keyboard and other input devices easier to use
Technical support for customers with disabilities
Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.
If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.
Main elements on the Windows taskbar
The taskbar is a central hub for accessing various system features and shortcuts. It includes key elements designed to enhance productivity and ease of use. Users can quickly access the Start menu, search bar, and pinned applications.
Start
The Start button is the first element on the taskbar, located on the left side. It gives you access to apps, settings, and files. To open the Start menu:
-
Press the Windows logo key or look for the Windows icon on the taskbar. If using a screen reader, you'll hear the “start button,” then press Enter to access the menu.
-
Once open, you can type the name of any app, setting, or document you want in the search box.Use the Down or Up arrow key to navigate through the suggestions and press Enter to select.
-
Alternatively, use the arrow keys to navigate the Productivity and Explore groups.
For detailed information, go to Use a screen reader to explore and navigate the Start menu in Windows.
Search
The Search icon, located to the right of the Start button, helps you quickly find files, apps, and settings. With a screen reader, you'll hear the “type here to search button.” Follow these steps to use Search:
-
Press the Windows logo key+S or look for the Search icon on the taskbar to type your query in the search box. Then, press Tab to navigate through search categories and results.
For more details, go to Search for anything, anywhere.
Task view
Task view lets you organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops, helping you focus on certain applications or tasks on a specific desktop. You can switch between them using the Task view button.
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Press the Windows logo key+Tab. If using a screen reader, you'll hear the "task view button."
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Use the Tab key to navigate options and the arrow keys to explore desktops. Press Enter to switch.
For more information, go to Multiple desktops in Windows and Keyboard shortcuts in Windows.
System tray
The System tray is at the right end of the taskbar and displays system notifications and app icons. You'll find the Meet Now icon, Internet access, Audio output device and volume, Battery status, Clock, and Action center. To navigate the System tray, follow these steps:
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Press the Windows logo key+B to access the Show hidden icons or the Windows logo key+A to open the Action center.
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Use the Left or Right arrow key to navigate through the elements in the System tray such as Meet Now, Internet access, Volume, Battery status, and System clock. Press Enter to expand the menu.
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Use the arrow keys to move between icons or notifications, and press Enter to interact with them.
To learn how to customize the system tray, go to Customize the taskbar notification area.
Remove a hardware device
This feature ensures the completion of all read and write operations prior to disconnecting the device. It helps in preventing physical media damage and data loss.
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Press the Windows logo key+B to access the notification chevron button, and then press Enter.
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Use the arrow keys until you hear “Safely remove hardware and eject media button,” and then press Enter to open the connected devices list.
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Use the Down arrow key to navigate through the list, once selected press Enter to remove the device.
On-Screen Keyboard
The On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) offers an alternative way to type without a physical keyboard. It displays a visual keyboard with standard keys, allowing you to use your mouse or another pointing device to select keys.
-
To open the On-Screen Keyboard, press the Windows logo key+Ctrl+O.
For more information, go to Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type.
See also
Use live captions to better understand the audio
Make your mouse keyboard and other input devices easier to use
Technical support for customers with disabilities
Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.
If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.
