A taskbar is a graphical user interface component that serves several functions. Usually, a list of the running apps is displayed on it. The taskbar's arrangement and specific appearance vary depending on the operating system, although it often takes the shape of a strip that runs down one side of the screen.

Numerous icons representing the windows within a program are displayed on this strip. The user may quickly switch between programs or windows by clicking on these icons. Users can "pin" applications or files in more current operating system versions to access them quickly and frequently with a single click. Due to its prominence on the screen, the taskbar frequently includes a notification area. This area uses interactive icons to display information about the condition of the computer system and some of the apps that are presently running on it.

More operating system-specific features have been integrated into an elevated to important statuses in the taskbar due to the fast development of graphical user interfaces in general and operating systems in particular.

Deskbands are functioning, persistent apps like Windows Media Player that are minimized. The taskbar does not display programs that minimize deskbands.

Notification area:

Icons for system and application functions that are not visible on the desktop and the time and volume icons are displayed under the taskbar's notification area. Although some programs, like Winamp, utilize it for minimized windows, it mostly includes icons that provide status information. This may be found by default at the bottom-right corner of the main display (or bottom-left corner on Windows versions that follow a right-to-left reading order) or, if docked vertically, at the bottom of the taskbar. The time is displayed here, and apps can add icons to the notification area to alert the user to events or to show the progress of operations.

If a print job runs, an application could show a printer icon in the status area, or a display driver software might provide quick access to various screen resolutions. Although the word is occasionally used in Microsoft documents, publications, product descriptions, and even Microsoft apps like Bing Desktop, Microsoft claims that calling the notification area the system tray is incorrect. Raymond Chen asserts that systray.exe, a little program that managed a few icons in Windows 9's notification area, is where the confusion started. Microsoft also refers to the notification section as the status area. Microsoft also refers to the notification section as the status area.

Customization:

Users may change the Windows taskbar in several ways. You may adjust the taskbar, so it appears on any border of the main display. The taskbar could only span a single monitor until Windows Server 2008, while third-party tools like UltraMon allow it to cover several screens. Before Windows Vista, when the taskbar was shown vertically, the Start menu button would only show the word "Start" or its translated equivalent if the taskbar was large enough to display the entire text.

However, the taskbar's edge (in any location) may be moved to adjust the taskbar's width and height, which is particularly helpful for vertical taskbars that display window titles next to window icons.

Users may adjust the taskbar's height to take up up to half of the display (or width when displayed vertically). Windows XP and newer versions of the operating system lock the taskbar by default to prevent accidental resizing or repositioning. When the moveable components are unlocked, "grips" that can be grabbed with the mouse to move and resize them are displayed next to them. These grips slightly reduce the taskbar's usable area.

The entire taskbar can be hidden until the mouse cursor is moved to the display edge or gets keyboard focus.

Desktop toolbars

The taskbar may be expanded with additional toolbars, referred to as "Deskbands.” Numerous taskbar functions, including this one, are temporarily unavailable in Windows 11. Windows comes with the following deskbands. However, they are not always shown (except in the Quick Launch toolbar in certain versions and configurations).

The address has an address bar like Internet Explorers. (Due to legal constraints, not accessible in Windows XP SP3)

Windows Media Player Can be seen while Windows Media Player is minimized. (Windows XP, Windows Vista)

Links are shortcuts to objects in the user's Links folder. Typically, shortcuts to websites.

Panel for tablet computers: includes a button that activates the Tablet PC input panel for text entry using ink.

Desktop includes shortcuts to the user's desktop stuff. The taskbar is constantly visible, allowing quick access to desktop objects without dismissing running programs.

Rapid Launch contains links to Internet Explorer shortcuts, email programs, and a desktop display link. A link is added to the Flip 3D capability in Windows Vista.

The language contains shortcuts that allow the user to change the keyboard's language easily.

Windows also allow for the creation of "Application Desktop Toolbars," sometimes known as "app bands," which may dock to either side of the screen and are impervious to other programs' overlays. Additional toolbars that show users can add folder contents.

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