Download TaskbarX for Windows

Yes, TaskbarX is safe. The application is open-source under the MIT license, and its full source code is publicly available on GitHub at ChrisAnd1998/TaskbarX. Thousands of users have downloaded it without security issues since its initial release.

The portable ZIP download from the official site (chrisandriessen.nl) weighs about 2.3 MB and contains two small executables totaling roughly 787 KB. Because TaskbarX is a portable application, it does not modify your Windows registry or install background services. It only adjusts the visual position and styling of your taskbar icons while running. Windows Defender and most antivirus programs flag it as clean. The Microsoft Store version goes through additional review by Microsoft before listing.

• Source code is fully auditable on GitHub (MIT license)
• No registry modifications or system-level changes
• Portable app — runs from any folder, leaves nothing behind when deleted
• Listed on the Microsoft Store with verified publisher

Pro tip: If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning on first launch, click “More info” then “Run anyway.” This happens because the free version is not code-signed, which is normal for independent open-source projects.

For the official download, visit our download section.

TaskbarX is completely free from malware and spyware. The application collects no user data, sends no telemetry, and requires no internet connection to function.

Since the code is open-source on GitHub, security researchers and the community have reviewed it extensively. The application is written in C# using .NET Framework, and the compiled executables match the public source code. It has been scanned clean on VirusTotal across all major antivirus engines. The total download size is just 2.3 MB (ZIP), which is too small to bundle any meaningful hidden payload. Independent review sites like AlternativeTo and Softpedia have listed it without security warnings for years.

• No internet connection required — works entirely offline
• No data collection or usage tracking
• Clean on VirusTotal with 0 detections from 70+ antivirus engines
• Open-source code means anyone can verify exactly what it does

Pro tip: Always download TaskbarX from the official source or the Microsoft Store. Third-party download sites sometimes repackage software with adware bundled in, which is not the fault of TaskbarX itself.

Check our features section to see what TaskbarX actually does on your system.

The official TaskbarX download is available from Chris Andriessen’s website at chrisandriessen.nl/taskbarx and from the Microsoft Store.

The free portable version comes as a ZIP file (about 2.3 MB) from the developer’s website. The Microsoft Store version costs around $1-2 as a small donation to support development, and it includes automatic updates. Both versions offer identical functionality. The GitHub repository (ChrisAnd1998/TaskbarX) also has release downloads, though the repo was archived in June 2025 and is now read-only. Version 1.7.8.0 from October 2022 remains the latest stable release.

1. Visit the official developer page or our download section
2. Download the ZIP file for the free portable version
3. Extract to any folder (Desktop, Documents, or Program Files)
4. Run TaskbarX.exe to start — no installer needed

Pro tip: Avoid sites like “taskbarx-download.com” or similar domains that repackage the software. The only legitimate sources are the developer’s personal site, GitHub releases, and the official Microsoft Store listing.

See our Getting Started guide for a full walkthrough of the download and setup process.

TaskbarX does work on Windows 11, though with some limitations compared to Windows 10. The icon centering and taskbar styling features function correctly on most Windows 11 builds.

Windows 11 redesigned the taskbar as a full XAML Islands component, which changed how third-party tools interact with it. TaskbarX version 1.7.8.0 supports Windows 11, but some users on newer builds (particularly 24H2) have reported occasional issues after major Windows updates. The transparency and acrylic effects generally work well, though the centering feature may behave differently since Windows 11 already centers taskbar icons by default. If you mainly want transparency effects on Windows 11, TranslucentTB is another option that receives more frequent updates for newer Windows 11 builds.

• Icon centering works, but Windows 11 centers icons natively (TaskbarX still offers offset control)
• Acrylic, blur, and transparent styles work on most Windows 11 versions
• Some features may break after major Windows 11 updates — reinstalling the latest version usually fixes this
• Multi-monitor support is maintained on Windows 11

Pro tip: On Windows 11, TaskbarX is most useful for its transparency and acrylic effects, custom color tinting, and animation controls, since Windows 11 already handles basic icon centering. Set your preferred style in the Configurator’s Style tab.

Check the system requirements for full compatibility details.

TaskbarX requires Windows 10 version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) or later, including Windows 11. The hardware requirements are minimal.

The application uses very little system resources. The total installed size is under 5 MB, and it typically consumes less than 15 MB of RAM while running. There are no specific CPU or GPU requirements because TaskbarX only repositions taskbar icons and applies visual filters that Windows already supports natively. The .NET Framework dependency is already included with Windows 10 and 11, so no additional runtime installation is needed. Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.

• OS: Windows 10 version 1709 or later, or Windows 11
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (TaskbarX itself uses under 15 MB)
• Disk: ~5 MB of free space
• CPU: Any processor that runs Windows 10
• Runtime: .NET Framework (pre-installed on Windows 10/11)
• Architecture: 32-bit and 64-bit supported

Pro tip: If you are running an older Windows 10 build, press Win+R, type “winver” and hit Enter to check your version. Anything from version 1709 onward (build 16299 or higher) will work with TaskbarX.

View the full breakdown on our system requirements page.

No, TaskbarX is exclusively a Windows application. It does not support macOS, Linux, or any other operating system.

TaskbarX is built in C# using .NET Framework and interacts directly with the Windows taskbar through Windows-specific APIs. The concept of “centering taskbar icons” is inherently tied to the Windows desktop shell, and there is no equivalent component on macOS or Linux. macOS already has a centered dock by default, while Linux desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, and XFCE each have their own panel customization tools built in. If you use macOS and want dock customization, the built-in System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS Ventura and later) lets you resize, reposition, and adjust auto-hide behavior. On Linux, tools like Dash to Dock for GNOME or Latte Dock for KDE provide similar centered-icon layouts.

• Windows 10 (v1709+) and Windows 11 only
• macOS users: Dock centering is a built-in feature
• Linux users: Dash to Dock (GNOME), Latte Dock (KDE), or Plank are alternatives

Pro tip: If you run Windows in a virtual machine on macOS or Linux, TaskbarX will work inside that VM since it sees a standard Windows taskbar.

Learn more about what platforms TaskbarX supports in our features overview.

Yes, TaskbarX is completely free. The portable version from the official website costs nothing and includes every feature.

TaskbarX is released under the MIT open-source license, which means you can use it freely for personal or commercial purposes. There is no trial period, no feature gating, and no advertisements. The Microsoft Store version is listed at approximately $1-2, but this is a voluntary donation to the developer Chris Andriessen — not a purchase of extra features. The Store version has the same capabilities as the free portable download; the only practical difference is that the Store version receives automatic updates through the Microsoft Store infrastructure.

• Portable version: 100% free, all features included
• Microsoft Store version: $1-2 (donation to developer), same features
• MIT open-source license — free for personal and commercial use
• No ads, no trial, no premium tier, no subscriptions

Pro tip: If you appreciate the software and want to support future development, the Microsoft Store purchase is the easiest way to contribute. You also get the convenience of automatic updates through the Store.

Grab the free version from our download section.

There is no feature difference. Both the free portable version and the paid Microsoft Store version include identical functionality.

The free portable version is a ZIP archive (~2.3 MB) that you extract and run directly. You handle updates manually by downloading the latest version. The Microsoft Store version costs about $1-2 and bundles automatic updates through the Store, a cleaner install/uninstall experience, and sandboxed execution under Windows Store app policies. Both versions give you all 42 animation types, every taskbar style option (transparent, blur, acrylic, solid), multi-monitor support, position offsets, Task Scheduler integration, and the full Configurator interface.

• Free portable: Manual updates, extract-and-run, no installer needed
• Store version ($1-2): Auto-updates, cleaner install/uninstall, supports the developer
• Both include all 42 animations, all style options, multi-monitor, and the Configurator
• Neither version has ads, feature locks, or time limits

Pro tip: The portable version is better for power users who want full control over file placement and version management. The Store version is better for casual users who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it experience.

Read our Getting Started guide for help choosing the right version for your setup.

TaskbarX is a portable application, so there is no traditional installer. You download a ZIP file, extract it, and run the executable directly.

The entire process takes under two minutes. The ZIP download is roughly 2.3 MB and extracts to a folder containing TaskbarX.exe (the main application) and TaskbarX Configurator.exe (the settings interface). You do not need administrator privileges to run it, and it makes no changes to your Windows registry. The application works from any directory on your system.

1. Visit our download section and download the TaskbarX ZIP file
2. Right-click the ZIP and select “Extract All” to a permanent location (e.g., C:\Tools\TaskbarX or your Documents folder)
3. Open the extracted folder and double-click “TaskbarX Configurator.exe”
4. Choose your preferred taskbar style from the Style tab (Transparent, Blur, Acrylic, or a custom color)
5. Click “Apply” to activate TaskbarX — your icons will center immediately
6. Go to the Taskschedule tab and click “Create” to set TaskbarX to start automatically with Windows

Pro tip: Do not extract TaskbarX to your Downloads folder. If you clean out Downloads later, you will delete the application. Place it somewhere permanent like C:\Tools\ or a dedicated Program Files subfolder.

For a full walkthrough with Configurator settings explained, see our Getting Started guide.

The free version of TaskbarX is portable only — there is no traditional installer. The Microsoft Store version is the closest thing to an “installed” version.

With the portable version, you extract the ZIP and run the application from any folder. Nothing gets written to your registry, no Start Menu shortcuts are created, and uninstalling is as simple as deleting the folder. The Microsoft Store version behaves more like a traditional installed app with automatic updates and proper Add/Remove Programs integration. Both versions create a Task Scheduler entry if you enable auto-start through the Configurator, which is the only system-level change either version makes.

• Portable (free): Best for users who want full control, keep software on USB drives, or use multiple PCs
• Store ($1-2): Best for users who prefer managed installs and automatic updates
• Portable can be moved between folders or drives without breaking
• Both create the same Task Scheduler entry for auto-start

Pro tip: If you put the portable version on a USB drive, you can use TaskbarX on any Windows PC without installing anything. Just run the Configurator, apply your settings, and stop it before ejecting.

Download the portable version from our download section.

Most TaskbarX “installation” errors are actually extraction or permissions issues, since the portable version has no installer to fail.

The most common problem is Windows SmartScreen blocking TaskbarX.exe on first run because the free version is not digitally signed. Another frequent issue is extracting the ZIP to a protected location like C:\Program Files without administrator rights, which prevents TaskbarX from writing its configuration file. Users running older Windows 10 builds (before version 1709) may also see .NET Framework errors because TaskbarX requires features added in the Fall Creators Update.

1. SmartScreen block: Click “More info” then “Run anyway” — this is normal for unsigned open-source software
2. Access denied: Move the TaskbarX folder to a user-writable location like Documents or Desktop
3. .NET error: Run Windows Update to make sure .NET Framework is current, or check your Windows version with Win+R > winver
4. Corrupted ZIP: Re-download the file — the official ZIP is roughly 2.3 MB. If it is significantly smaller, the download was interrupted
5. Antivirus blocking: Add the TaskbarX folder to your antivirus exclusions list

Pro tip: If you extracted the files but the Configurator shows a blank window, try right-clicking TaskbarX Configurator.exe, selecting Properties, and checking “Unblock” at the bottom of the General tab. Windows sometimes blocks files extracted from downloaded ZIPs.

Review the full setup process in our Getting Started guide.

If TaskbarX is not opening or crashes immediately, the issue is almost always a conflict with another taskbar tool, a corrupted config file, or a missing .NET dependency.

TaskbarX version 1.7.8.0 is stable on most systems, but conflicts with tools like TranslucentTB, StartAllBack, or Rainmeter skins that modify the taskbar can cause crashes. The Configurator stores settings in a file next to the executable, and if that file becomes corrupted (often from a hard shutdown while TaskbarX was writing), the application may fail to start. Running multiple instances of TaskbarX simultaneously also causes freezing.

1. Close conflicting tools: Quit TranslucentTB, StartAllBack, or any other taskbar customization app before launching TaskbarX
2. Delete the config: In the TaskbarX folder, delete the configuration file (TaskbarX.ini or any .cfg file), then restart the Configurator — it will recreate defaults
3. Restart Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab, right-click it and select “Restart”
4. Check Task Manager: Look for duplicate TaskbarX.exe processes and end them before relaunching
5. Redownload: Your copy may be corrupted. Download a fresh ZIP from the official source

Pro tip: If TaskbarX used to work but stopped after a Windows update, delete the entire TaskbarX folder, extract a fresh copy of the latest version, and start from scratch. Carrying over old config files across Windows builds sometimes causes silent failures.

Still stuck? Our Getting Started guide covers the correct setup process from scratch.

This is the most reported issue with TaskbarX. Major Windows updates sometimes change how the taskbar shell works, which breaks third-party tools that hook into it.

Windows 10 and 11 feature updates (like 22H2, 23H2, or 24H2) periodically restructure the taskbar component. When this happens, TaskbarX may stop centering icons, lose its transparency settings, or fail to start entirely. The GitHub issues page for TaskbarX has numerous reports of this pattern, particularly after Windows 11 builds that moved the taskbar to full XAML Islands rendering. Since the GitHub repository was archived in June 2025, there are no new official patches for recent Windows builds.

1. Stop TaskbarX from the Configurator (click “Stop”)
2. Delete the TaskbarX folder entirely
3. Download the latest version (1.7.8.0) fresh from the official source
4. Extract to a clean location and run the Configurator
5. Apply your preferred settings and recreate the Task Scheduler entry
6. Restart Windows Explorer: open Task Manager > right-click “Windows Explorer” > Restart

Pro tip: After a major Windows update, always restart your PC fully before troubleshooting TaskbarX. Some taskbar changes only take effect after a complete restart, and TaskbarX may start working again without any intervention.

Check our download section for the latest available version.

Settings resetting on restart usually means the Task Scheduler entry is not configured correctly, or TaskbarX does not have write permissions to save its configuration file.

TaskbarX stores its settings in a configuration file inside the same folder as the executable. If the folder is in a read-only or protected location (like C:\Program Files without admin rights), settings get saved to memory but never written to disk. Additionally, the auto-start feature works through Windows Task Scheduler, not the traditional Startup folder. If the Task Scheduler entry was not created or was removed by a system cleanup tool, TaskbarX will not start with your saved settings on boot.

1. Move the TaskbarX folder to a user-writable location like C:\Users\YourName\Tools\TaskbarX
2. Open the Configurator and apply your settings
3. Go to the “Taskschedule” tab and click “Create” to build a proper Task Scheduler entry
4. Set the startup delay to 5-10 seconds (this gives Windows Explorer time to load first)
5. Restart your PC to verify the settings persist

Pro tip: Open Task Scheduler manually (search “Task Scheduler” in the Start menu), navigate to Task Scheduler Library, and confirm there is an entry called “TaskbarX”. If a system cleaner like CCleaner removed it, you will need to recreate it from the Configurator.

See the full configuration walkthrough in our Getting Started guide.

Updating the portable version requires downloading the new ZIP and replacing your existing files. The Microsoft Store version updates automatically.

The latest version of TaskbarX is 1.7.8.0, released in October 2022. Since the GitHub repository was archived in June 2025, this is likely the final official release. For the portable version, there is no built-in auto-update mechanism. You need to check the official download page periodically and replace your existing files manually. The Microsoft Store version handles this automatically through the Store’s update system. Your settings are preserved during manual updates as long as you extract the new files into the same folder without deleting the configuration file.

1. Stop TaskbarX by opening the Configurator and clicking “Stop”
2. Download the latest ZIP from the official source
3. Extract the new files over your existing TaskbarX folder, replacing old files
4. Relaunch the Configurator and click “Apply”
5. Verify your settings are intact — they should carry over from the config file

Pro tip: Before overwriting, back up your TaskbarX configuration file. Copy the entire folder to a backup location so you can restore your settings if the update changes the config format.

Get the current version from our download section.

The latest version is 1.7.8.0, released in October 2022. It includes stability fixes and compatibility updates for Windows 11.

Version 1.7.8.0 refined the Windows 11 taskbar detection and improved the multi-monitor centering behavior. Earlier major updates added the Configurator UI (replacing the old XML config approach), introduced all 42 animation types, and added the acrylic and blur taskbar styles. The transition from the original “FalconX” name to “TaskbarX” happened around version 1.5, which also brought the Task Scheduler integration for cleaner auto-start behavior. The GitHub repository was archived in June 2025, making 1.7.8.0 the final official release from developer Chris Andriessen.

• v1.7.8.0 (Oct 2022): Windows 11 compatibility fixes, multi-monitor improvements
• v1.7.x series: Configurator UI, Task Scheduler integration
• v1.5+: Renamed from FalconX to TaskbarX, 42 animation types added
• Original features: Acrylic/blur/transparent styles, position offsets, vertical taskbar support

Pro tip: Community forks of TaskbarX may appear on GitHub since the code is MIT-licensed. If you need compatibility with the newest Windows 11 builds, check GitHub for active forks that may have updated the codebase beyond the official 1.7.8.0 release.

Review all capabilities in our features section.

TaskbarX and TranslucentTB serve overlapping but different purposes. TaskbarX is better for icon centering and layout control, while TranslucentTB is better for advanced transparency effects.

TaskbarX centers your taskbar icons with 42 animation options, offers position offset adjustments, and includes taskbar styling (transparent, blur, acrylic, solid colors). TranslucentTB focuses exclusively on making the taskbar translucent, with advanced features like dynamic transparency states that change when you maximize a window, open the Start menu, or use Timeline. TranslucentTB receives more frequent updates (version 2025.1.0 is the latest) and has stronger compatibility with recent Windows 11 builds. TaskbarX’s last official update was October 2022 (v1.7.8.0).

• Choose TaskbarX if: You want centered icons, animation effects, custom position offsets, or a macOS dock-like layout
• Choose TranslucentTB if: You only want transparency/blur effects and need better Windows 11 24H2 support
• TaskbarX advantages: 42 animations, icon centering, vertical taskbar support, position offsets
• TranslucentTB advantages: Dynamic states (maximize, Start menu), more frequent updates, lighter resource use
• Note: Do not run both simultaneously — they conflict when both try to modify taskbar rendering

Pro tip: If you want both centered icons AND advanced transparency, apply TaskbarX for centering, then configure its built-in acrylic/blur style instead of layering TranslucentTB on top. Running both together causes visual glitches and crashes.

See everything TaskbarX offers in our features section.

Open the TaskbarX Configurator to access all 42 animation types and four taskbar styles through a tabbed interface.

The Configurator has five tabs: Style, Animation, Position, Taskschedule, and Extra. The Style tab controls the taskbar appearance with four modes: Default (no change), Transparent (fully clear), Blur (frosted glass), and Acrylic (modern Windows 10 Fluent effect). Each style has a color picker and transparency slider, letting you tint the taskbar any color at any opacity. The Animation tab has a dropdown with 42 animation presets (linear, bounce, elastic, back, cubic, and more) that control how icons slide to center when apps open or close. The speed slider adjusts animation duration in milliseconds.

1. Launch TaskbarX Configurator.exe from your TaskbarX folder
2. Style tab: Select Acrylic, adjust the transparency slider, pick a tint color using the HEX/RGB picker
3. Animation tab: Choose from the 42 animation types dropdown and set speed (lower = faster)
4. Position tab: Fine-tune icon placement with pixel-level offset controls for primary and secondary monitors
5. Extra tab: Set the refresh rate for how often TaskbarX checks icon positions (lower = smoother but more CPU)
6. Click “Apply” to activate your changes instantly

Pro tip: The “BackEaseOut” animation gives the most natural, macOS-like bounce when icons reposition. Pair it with Acrylic style at 60-70% transparency for the cleanest dock effect. Set a Position offset of -100 to -200 pixels if you want icons slightly left of center.

Review the full feature set in our features section.

Uninstalling the portable version requires stopping the application, removing the Task Scheduler entry, and deleting the folder. No registry cleanup is needed.

Since TaskbarX is portable, it does not register itself in Windows Add/Remove Programs (unless you use the Store version). The only system-level trace it leaves is the Task Scheduler entry for auto-start. If you just delete the folder without removing this entry, Windows will show an error message on every startup saying it cannot find TaskbarX.exe. The Microsoft Store version can be uninstalled like any Store app through Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

1. Open TaskbarX Configurator and click “Stop” to deactivate the taskbar changes
2. In the Configurator’s Taskschedule tab, click “Remove” to delete the auto-start entry
3. Close the Configurator completely
4. Delete the entire TaskbarX folder
5. Restart Windows Explorer: open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find “Windows Explorer”, right-click it and select “Restart”

Pro tip: If you already deleted the folder before removing the Task Scheduler entry, open Task Scheduler manually (search “Task Scheduler” in Start), navigate to Task Scheduler Library, find the TaskbarX entry, right-click it, and delete it. Alternatively, run SCHTASKS /DELETE /TN "TaskbarX" /F in Command Prompt as administrator.

Want to reinstall later? Grab a fresh copy from our download section.