Get more room on the taskbar in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Oct 11, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Greg Shultz, taskbar, Microsoft Windows XP, Taskbar, Microsoft Windows, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: If you're running a lot of programs on Windows XP, you can easily free up some room on the taskbar in order to keep track of all your open programs. Here's how to take your clock and Quick Launch toolbar out of sight.

Do you occasionally find yourself needing more room on the taskbar in order to view your applications running on Windows XP? While the Group Similar Taskbar Buttons option allows you to consolidate the amount of space that applications use on the taskbar, you still might need more space.

For instance, the clock and the Quick Launch toolbar are extremely useful features, but you may want to temporarily disable them to free up some room on the taskbar. Here's how:

1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Properties.
2. In the Taskbar And Start Menu Properties dialog box, select the Taskbar tab.
3. In the Taskbar Appearance section, clear the Show Quick Launch check box.
4. In the Notification area, clear the Show The Clock check box.
5. Click OK to close the Taskbar And Start Menu Properties dialog box.

This will expand the available space on the taskbar and give you more room to spread out. When you're done, you can simply reverse the procedure to get the clock and the Quick Launch toolbar back.

Note: This tip applies to both Windows XP Home and Professional editions.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

A more convenient way to gain more room pnooren@... | 10/11/06

I maximize both taskbar and desktop space... KingPlayer | 10/12/06

Another option jamesdelmul@... | 10/12/06

Re: Another option Bad Boys Drive Audi | 10/16/06

Powertoy Virtual Desktop Manager subscriptions@... | 10/12/06

Double Width/Auto Hide smadge1 | 10/12/06

[8^0) Greg Shultz | 04/19/07

an even more convenient way Wyrmlord | 10/12/06

Up to 20 applications.... UCLANAD | 10/12/06

Better than removing clock... johndehope3@... | 10/12/06

Other options fnlsnyder@... | 10/12/06

...Not much of a tip wescrook | 10/12/06

correction wescrook | 10/12/06

great way to save space jetcastraido18@... | 10/12/06

Why not... NOW LEFT TR | 10/16/06

Well, duh, there IS the cost... tekriter | 10/16/06

haven't seen this mentioned yet mscir@... | 10/16/06

How many programs does one use on a day to day basis? marc.rust@... | 10/17/06

Dual 21 Inch Monitor Bad Boys Drive Audi | 10/17/06

Quite a lot actually jpi@... | 10/19/06

20-30? stevef61@... | 10/22/06

Regarding Some Suggestions Bad Boys Drive Audi | 10/22/06

Why Disable anything, Why Not Just Hide it? Nacromancer | 11/30/06