How to align Windows 11 taskbar left with Microsoft Intune

To align the Windows 11 taskbar to the left using Microsoft Intune, you can configure a configuration profile that modifies the taskbar settings. This can be achieved using a custom XML file or a Registry setting deployed via Intune.

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Scenario 1: Use a Configuration Profile with XML

You can configure taskbar alignment by creating a custom XML layout for the taskbar and deploying it through Intune.

Steps to Align the Taskbar Left

1. Create an XML File for the Taskbar Layout:
   • Open a text editor (e.g., Notepad) and create the following XML file:

     <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
     <LayoutModificationTemplate xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2022/LayoutModification" Version="1">
       <LayoutOptions StartTileGroupCellWidth="6" />
       <Taskbar>
         <TaskbarPinList>
           <!-- Leave this empty if you don't want to pin additional apps -->
         </TaskbarPinList>
         <TaskbarAlignment>Left</TaskbarAlignment>
       </Taskbar>
     </LayoutModificationTemplate>
     

   • Save the file as TaskbarLayout.xml.
2. Upload the XML File to Intune:
   • Go to Devices > Configuration profiles > + Create profile.
   • Platform: Select Windows 10 and later.
   • Profile type: Choose Templates > Custom.
3. Configure the Profile:
   • Under Settings, add the following:
     • Name: Taskbar Layout.
     • OMA-URI:

       ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Start/StartLayout
       

     • Data type: String.
     • Value: Paste the contents of the TaskbarLayout.xml file.
4. Assign the Policy:
   • Assign the profile to your target device group(s).
   • Save and deploy the policy.

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Scenario 2: Use a Registry Setting via PowerShell

Another way to align the taskbar is by modifying the registry setting for taskbar alignment and deploying it through Intune.

Steps to Modify Registry and Deploy via Intune

1. Create a PowerShell Script:
   • Open a text editor and create the following script:

     # Set taskbar alignment to the left
     Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" -Name "TaskbarAl" -Value 0
     

     • TaskbarAl values:
       • 0: Align taskbar to the left.
       • 1: Center the taskbar.
   • Save the script as AlignTaskbarLeft.ps1.
2. Deploy the Script Using Intune:
   • Go to Devices > Scripts > + Add.
   • Choose PowerShell and upload your script.
   • Assign it to the target device group(s).
3. Configure PowerShell Script Settings:
   • Set Run this script using the logged-on credentials to Yes.
   • Enable Run script in 64-bit PowerShell Host.
4. Deploy the Script:
   • Click Add to deploy the script.

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Scenario 3: Use a Configuration Profile with Administrative Templates

If you prefer using built-in settings, you can use Administrative Templates in Intune.

1. Create a Configuration Profile:
   • Go to Devices > Configuration profiles > + Create profile.
   • Select Platform: Windows 10 and later.
   • Choose Templates > Administrative Templates.
2. Search for Taskbar Settings:
   • In the Settings Picker, search for Taskbar alignment.
   • Unfortunately, as of now, Windows 11 does not natively expose taskbar alignment as an administrative template setting. If this becomes available in the future, this would be the simplest approach.

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Verification

1. Check Deployment Status:
   • Go to Devices > Monitor > Configuration Profiles or Scripts.
   • Ensure the policy or script deployment shows as Succeeded.
2. Verify on a Device:
   • Log in to a managed Windows 11 device and confirm that the taskbar is aligned to the left.

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These methods allow you to enforce a left-aligned taskbar on Windows 11 devices managed by Intune. Let me know if you need further assistance with this setup!