TaskbarX is a highly regarded desktop customization utility designed to transform the standard Windows taskbar into a sleek, centered dock that mimics the aesthetic of modern operating systems like macOS. By dynamically centering your pinned and running applications, it creates a balanced, minimalist interface that enhances both visual appeal and workflow efficiency. Beyond simple alignment, this open-source tool allows users to apply sophisticated visual styles—such as transparency and acrylic blur—making it an essential download for enthusiasts looking to personalize their Windows environment.
Key Features
- Dynamic Icon Centering: Automatically moves your taskbar icons to the center of the screen, adjusting their position in real-time as you open or close applications to maintain a perfect dock-like appearance.
- Advanced Visual Styles: Offers multiple background modes including Transparent, Blur, Acrylic, Opaque, and Transparent Gradient, allowing the taskbar to blend seamlessly with your wallpaper.
- Custom Animation Engine: Features over 42 distinct animation styles (such as "BackEaseOut" or "Elastic") that smooth out icon movements, giving your desktop a fluid and polished feel unlike the default static behavior.
- Precise Positioning Control: Provides granular offset settings to manually adjust icon placement, ensuring compatibility with the Start button, system tray, and multi-monitor setups.
- Portable and Lightweight: Runs as a standalone portable application without requiring installation or modifying system registry keys, ensuring zero impact on system performance or stability.
Use Cases
This software is ideal for desktop enthusiasts and minimalists who want to achieve a clean, "floating dock" aesthetic similar to macOS on their Windows machines. It also serves users who specifically need to remove the solid taskbar background to showcase their high-resolution wallpapers without visual obstruction.
With its unique combination of performance-friendly animations and deep styling options, TaskbarX remains the premier choice for users seeking total control over their desktop's visual presentation.
Version 1.7.8.0 — October 2022
- Resolved a compatibility issue preventing dual screen support on Windows 11 22H2.
- Added functionality to include the Start button within Taskbar segments.
- Enabled support for the Notification area when using Taskbar segments.
- Fixed a bug where the notification area remained inaccessible or invisible in segment mode.
- Corrected an issue with the Task Scheduler startup task failing for Windows usernames containing spaces.
- Updated the internal TaskScheduler library to version 2.10.1 for better reliability.
- Temporarily disabled the system tray icon to resolve reported stability issues.
