How to Move the System Tray in the Task Bar
The Windows system tray features many icons that monitor and display information about the computer system. Anti-virus software, drivers, printer status, and the computer clock all have indicators in the system tray, which typically resides in the lower-right corner of the computer screen. The taskbar holds many items other than the system tray, including the Start menu, the quick launch area, and the application buttons for opened programs. The entire taskbar can be moved to any edge of the computer screen, but Windows does not allow native control over the position of the system tray within the taskbar. Fortunately, getting around this limitation is easy.
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Instructions
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Find a small, free utility program that enables direct rearrangement of the system tray. Windows tweaks such as this are in high demand and a variety of programs exist to customize the overall Windows interface. A simple, effective program to download for this purpose is the "Move Start Button & System Tray" application (see References below for this and other programs that will accomplish the task).
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Download the utility application using any web browser. The program will save to the default location for the browser's downloads.
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Install the application, if necessary. Some programs that tweak the Windows interface are so small and basic that they do not require separate installation. You will know if this is the case when you open the downloaded file. If it presents you with installation instructions, follow the on-screen prompts until the program is fully loaded in the computer.
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Run the utility application. The options should be clear and self-explanatory. In the "Move Start Button & System Tray" application, simply click on the "Move System Tray" button, and the system tray will start to travel along the taskbar. When it has arrived at your desired location, click the "Stop" button and the system tray will permanently reside there until moved again.
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Tips & Warnings
To move the entire taskbar on the computer screen, click on any empty area inside the main taskbar and drag with the mouse to another border of the screen. For some users, this will obviate the need to adjust only the system tray's location.
Always scan any downloaded program with anti-virus software before installing it. Many utilities are safe, but the Internet contains a wide range of malicious software, so virus checking is required.
