How to Aligning the Windows 11 taskbar to the left cannot be done directly through Microsoft Entra ID

Aligning the Windows 11 taskbar to the left cannot be done directly through Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), as Entra ID itself focuses on identity and access management rather than device configuration. However, you can achieve this by combining Microsoft Entra ID with Microsoft Intune or other configuration management tools like Group Policy Objects (GPOs).

Here’s how you can align the taskbar left on Windows 11 devices joined to Microsoft Entra ID by leveraging Intune or similar methods:

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Scenario 1: Use Microsoft Intune for Entra ID-Joined Devices

If your devices are Entra ID-joined and managed via Intune, follow these steps:

Steps for Intune

1. Ensure the Device is Managed by Intune:
   • Go to Microsoft Entra Admin Center and confirm the device is Entra ID-joined.
   • Check in Intune Admin Center that the device is listed as managed under Devices > All devices.
2. Use XML Layout to Align Taskbar Left:
   • Create and deploy an XML file through Intune as outlined in the steps provided in the Intune Guide for Taskbar Alignment.
3. Deploy Registry Settings with Intune PowerShell Script:
   • Use Intune to deploy a PowerShell script that updates the registry to set the taskbar alignment.

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Scenario 2: Deploy Configuration for Hybrid Entra ID-Joined Devices

For hybrid devices (on-premises AD + Entra ID), use Group Policy or Intune to apply the settings. Ensure your devices are synced to Entra ID using Azure AD Connect.

Steps Using Group Policy:

1. Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
2. Navigate to:
   • User Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry.
3. Create a new Registry Item:
   • Key Path:

     HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
     

   • Value Name: TaskbarAl
   • Value Type: REG_DWORD
   • Value Data: 0 (to align left).
4. Link this GPO to the desired OU where Entra ID devices are synced.

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Scenario 3: Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager with Entra ID

1. Sign in to the Endpoint Manager Admin Center.
2. Assign policies to Microsoft Entra ID groups:
   • Use Dynamic Device Groups in Entra ID to target devices joined to Entra ID.
   • Deploy Intune profiles (like XML or PowerShell scripts) to these groups for taskbar alignment.

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Verification

• Confirm the policy is applied by checking Intune Monitor or Registry settings on the target device.
• For Entra ID-only devices:
  • Ensure the device syncs properly with Intune policies.
• Test on a Windows 11 machine to ensure the taskbar aligns to the left.

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Since Entra ID is primarily for identity and access, taskbar alignment directly depends on tools like Intune or GPOs. Let me know if you’d like more help setting up these configurations!