Don’t you just hate it when your taskbar has been accidentally moved to the top or side of your desktop. If you let inexperienced users on your computer that is usually what happens. And if you are a new user yourself, don’t worry because everyone accidentally moves the taskbar at one time or another. The taskbar can easily be dragged to any position on your desktop if it is not protected. You can even add or remove icons from the taskbar accidentally or on purpose. The question is how do we stop the taskbar from being moved or changed in any way? That’s easy, we just have to lock the taskbar.

How to lock the taskbar in Windows Vista

Please see the screenshot above to follow instructions:

1. Go to your taskbar at the bottom of the desktop.
2. Right click in the blank space. I have marked where to click with a red cross on the screenshot above.
A menu will appear.
3. Make sure there is a tick next to Lock the Taskbar.
4. If there is no tick then select Lock the Taskbar by pressing on it. This will place a tick there.
5. How to lock the taskbar in Windows XP
To lock the taskbar in Windows XP you can follow the same steps above.

What happens when you lock the taskbar?

When you lock the taskbar in Windows XP or Windows Vista it will lock the taskbar into position. You will not be able to purposely or accidentally move the taskbar. You will not even be able to resize your quick launch toolbar or your taskbar. There is no chance that your taskbar will be accidentally moved if it is locked.

Notes on locking your taskbar to stop it from being accidentally moved or changed:

• It is good to lock the taskbar when young children are using the computer because when they accidentally move the taskbar it confuses them.
• Just remember to unlock the taskbar by selecting Lock the taskbar again. This will remove the tick.