Restore Multi-Row Taskbar in Windows 11: Easy Methods Explained

If you've recently transitioned from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed Microsoft has reimagined the interface, sprinkling it with fresh design flourishes. But look closely, and you'll quickly see that not everything from Windows 10 made the cut. One glaring omission? That beautifully convenient ability to resize the taskbar by simply dragging its edge upwards and expanding it into multiple rows. Let’s be honest—who doesn’t miss that functionality for housing pinned apps and system icons all at once?
Fret not! It’s not entirely gone, but Microsoft certainly isn’t making it easy. Here’s a no-nonsense guide on how to bring multiple rows back to your Windows 11 taskbar. Spoiler alert: Microsoft's redesign introduces some complexities, requiring tweaks under the hood. Let’s dig into the two primary solutions: the Registry Editor and Explorer Patcher, detailing the risks, rewards, and everything you need to know.

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Option 1: Using the Registry Editor​

The Registry Editor in Windows is a treasure chest of hidden features—and often a bit intimidating for casual users. Taking this route allows you to make backend changes to enable the multi-row taskbar functionality in Windows 11. Sound like geek wizardry? Don’t worry; we’ve got the steps for you.

Quick Warning​

Before you charge in, heed this critical advice: proceed with caution. The Windows Registry holds the blueprints to your operating system, and missteps here can lead to instability or glitches. Creating a backup of your Registry settings is absolutely essential. This way, if you encounter issues, your system can be restored.

Registry Editor Walkthrough​

1. Open the Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, search for "Registry Editor" in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to the Key Location:
   • Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3.
3. Tinker with Binary Code:
   • Locate the binary string under “Settings.”
   • Look for the 00000028 value, specifically the column marked as FE.
   • Switch this value from 01 to 02. (Don’t worry, this represents row settings for your taskbar.)
4. Apply Your Changes:
   • Click OK, then launch Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
   • Restart Windows Explorer. Voilà! Your multi-row taskbar dreams are alive!

Limitations​

Given Microsoft's restrictions, these Registry tweaks won’t work for users on Windows 11 Version 24H2 or later. If your OS’s latest updates render this method ineffective, you might need to look at third-party solutions—cue Explorer Patcher.

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Option 2: Explorer Patcher—Your Open-Source Savior​

If dabbling in the Windows Registry feels like straying too far into the abyss, Explorer Patcher offers a simpler route. Think of Explorer Patcher as casting a nostalgic spell on your system: it transforms the taskbar back into its Windows 10 incarnation, complete with the intuitive multi-row resizing feature.

What’s Explorer Patcher?​

Explorer Patcher is an open-source tool available on GitHub. It replaces Windows 11's default taskbar with its Windows 10 counterpart. It’s lightweight, straightforward, and—best of all—free.

How to Use Explorer Patcher​

1. Download Explorer Patcher:
   • Head to the tool’s GitHub page.
   • Locate the “Releases” section on the right-hand side, and download the latest ep_setup.exe file.
2. Install and Launch:
   • Open the downloaded file to install the patch.
   • Your taskbar will momentarily go black—a sign the patch is taking effect.
3. Customize Your Taskbar:
   • Right-click on the taskbar and uncheck “Lock the taskbar.”
   • Click and drag the upper edge upwards to expand the taskbar into multiple rows.
4. Voila:
   • Enjoy the freedoms your new taskbar layout brings, while wondering why Microsoft didn’t just provide this option out of the box!

Risks of Third-Party Tools​

While Explorer Patcher is a trusted application with a supportive community on GitHub, always exercise caution when utilizing third-party tools. Remember:

• Download from verified sources only.
• Be prepared to revert changes or uninstall the app if features don’t work as intended.

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Multi-Row Taskbar in Context: Why Does It Matter?​

The taskbar is fabled real estate on any Windows device. It’s where your apps live, your pinned shortcuts rest, and your system icons breathe. For power users—especially those handling multiple apps, tabs, or tools—having just one row often feels congested.

A Throwback to Windows 10​

Back in Windows 10, resizing was ridiculously straightforward: click, drag, expand. No hoops, no headaches. Windows 11, however, focuses on sleeker visuals at the expense of some customization. The ability to expand taskbars to multiple rows is just one of many beloved features that didn’t survive the aesthetic overhaul.

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Looking Ahead: Will Microsoft Officially Fix This?​

While no official word has surfaced from Microsoft promising a natively expandable taskbar in future updates, users have made their critique loud and clear. Complaints across forums and community boards indicate this isn’t a niche request. Whether we'll see this feature reintroduced in subsequent versions remains one of Windows 11’s lingering questions.

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Summary​

• To expand your Windows 11 taskbar into multiple rows:
  • For Registry Tweakers: Adjust entries in StuckRects3 (effective for older versions of Windows 11).
  • For Minimalistic Hackers: Use Explorer Patcher for a Windows 10-style taskbar.
• Always tread carefully:
  • Back up your registry before making manual tweaks.
  • Only download trusted third-party tools from verified sources.
• If you’re stuck in limbo between nostalgia for Windows 10 and adapting to Windows 11, know this: expanded taskbars may have been shelved, but they aren’t entirely extinct. There’s a way—you just have to dig a little deeper.

Why not share your thoughts? Have you tried these methods? Found another workaround? Jump into the comments because this is where the forum magic happens!

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Source: Appuals How to Expand Taskbar to Multiple Rows in Windows 11?