Windows 11 can show its taskbar on additional monitors through Taskbar behaviors. If you want another row of shortcuts on the same screen, that is a different requirement: a separate toolbar application can provide it, but it does not become another complete Windows taskbar.
Show the Windows taskbar on multiple displays
- Connect and enable the additional monitor in Settings → System → Display.
- Open Settings → Personalization → Taskbar.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Turn on Show my taskbar on all displays, where available.
- Review the accompanying choice for where application buttons appear.
Microsoft‘s taskbar customization guide documents the multiple-display option. It is the first route to try when you simply need a taskbar on a second monitor.
Which kind of extra bar do you need?
| Goal | Suitable starting point |
|---|---|
| A Windows taskbar on another monitor | The built-in all-displays setting. |
| Another row of application or folder shortcuts | A separate shortcut toolbar, if you choose to use one. |
| More room for favorite applications | Review pinned apps, Start and the existing taskbar before adding software. |
| Make a game or program open on the correct screen | Check the main display and the application’s window position. |
Using a separate toolbar such as Linkbar
Linkbar’s project page describes it as a Windows desktop toolbar. It can be useful for a bar of shortcuts. Check the project’s current documentation and the compatibility of the package you intend to use with your Windows installation.
- Read the project’s setup instructions and identify its intended download.
- Create or choose a folder for the shortcuts that the toolbar will display.
- Run the appropriate application and follow its new-toolbar setup.
- Add application or folder shortcuts, then adjust position, size and hiding behavior through its controls.
- Test it before deciding whether to start it automatically with Windows.
A separate launcher does not automatically reproduce Windows’ Start menu, system tray, window grouping or every feature of the original taskbar. Do not assume an older download linked by a tutorial is the current recommended build, or that every Windows 11 update has been tested with it.
If the extra taskbar is missing
Confirm that Windows detects the other screen and that the all-displays setting is enabled. With a third-party toolbar, check whether the application is running, whether its shortcut folder still exists and whether it is hidden off-screen.
Our guide to opening programs on the main monitor can help if a window keeps appearing on the wrong display. If a separate toolbar causes problems, close that application and use the built-in taskbar while checking its support information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Linkbar just to show a taskbar on another monitor?
No. Try Windows 11's built-in Show my taskbar on all displays setting first.
Is a shortcut toolbar a second complete Windows taskbar?
No. It can hold launch shortcuts without reproducing all of Windows' taskbar features.
Why is the all-displays option unavailable?
Check whether Windows detects and enables the additional display, and whether device or organization settings limit the feature.
Will a separate toolbar fix where programs open?
Not necessarily. The main-display setting and each program's window position are separate. Check those directly.