Can I extend my taskbar across multiple monitors in Windows 8?

In Windows 7 I can only have my taskbar on my main display. Can I extend the taskbar across multiple monitors in Windows 8?

Solution 1:

Yes. Windows 8 allows taskbars to be shown on all displays. To do this:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties.
2. Under Multiple displays, select Show taskbar on all displays.

You can also choose where to display pinned and open applications. This allows you to show taskbar buttons only on the display where the window is open, on all taskbars, or on the main taskbar and the display where the window is open.

Note that, as per this question, it is not possible to pin shortcuts on secondary displays without third-party software.

Solution 2:

Yes, just choose the "Extend these displays" option in the Screen resolution context menu (right click anywhere on desktop).

Solution 3:

Windows 8 includes support for taskbars on multiple monitors.

If it does not show, right-click on the taskbar, and select Properties. Here, you can select Show taskbar on all displays. You can also configure where buttons are displayed. For example, if you have Notepad open, whether, it is displayed on all taskbars, only on the monitor the window is on, or optionally, also on the main taskbar:

Be aware that you can only pin to the main taskbar. See Is it possible to pin an application to the taskbar on a secondary display? for details.

Sources:

• http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8-includes-enhanced-multi-monitor-support/20521
• http://www.howtogeek.com/111488/how-to-tweak-the-new-multi-monitor-taskbar-in-windows-8/
• http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/270156-dual-monitor-questions-with-windows-8