How to fix
“Docked in the taskbar” option grayed out
on Windows

Hello. For some reason, the "Docked in the taskbar" option is grayed out in Windows. Is there a way to enable it?

When the "Docked in the taskbar" option in Windows is grayed out, it often means that the operating system's language or input settings are incorrect. Users who have added numerous languages or keyboard layouts to their Windows machine are more likely to have this problem. The language bar is docked by default on Windows 11's taskbar, which is often located in the lower-right corner of the screen. However, users may experience a number of annoyances if this option is made unavailable.

One of the main ways that this problem might have an impact on users is by making it more difficult for them to swiftly transition between languages or keyboard layouts. When the taskbar's language bar is grayed out, users may find it difficult to quickly switch between their chosen languages or input methods. The language bar in the taskbar offers a straightforward way to achieve this.

Additionally, having little control over crucial language and input parameters might negatively affect the user experience as a whole. If they are unable to use this feature, users who frequently operate with different keyboard layouts or languages may experience productivity problems.

Users often need to explore the Windows settings and make changes to their language and input setups in order to fix this issue. Reconfiguring language settings, upgrading or reinstalling language packs, and making sure the relevant keyboard layouts are installed properly are all potential answers. While the precise procedures to resolve the issue can vary based on the user's system and the precise source of the issue, it may be necessary in more difficult circumstances to contact Microsoft support.

In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix "Docked in the taskbar" option grayed out in Windows. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-2] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Disable the Desktop Language Bar

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Go to Time & language from the navigation pane.
• Click on Typing.

• Click on Advanced keyboard settings.
• Untick the checkbox for Use the desktop language bar when it's available.
• Restart the computer for the changes to apply.

Solution 2. Download another Keyboard

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Select Time & language from the left sidebar.
• Click on Language & region.
• Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the affected language and select Language options.
• Click the Add a keyboard button next to Installed keyboards.
• Select one from the list and wait for the installation to complete.

• Once done, go back to Typing, and click on Advanced keyboard settings.
• Click on Language bar options.
• Select the Docked in the taskbar option, and click OK to save the changes.

Solution 3. Re-install the Affected Language

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Select Time & language from the left sidebar, and click on Language & region.
• Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the other language, and select Move up.
• Now, click on the ellipsis next to English (United States) and select Remove. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
• Once done, restart the PC for the changes to come into effect.
• Go to Language & region settings, and click on Add a language.

• Select English (United States) from the list, and click Next. Ensure you have ticked the checkbox for all components, then click Install, and wait for the installation to complete.
• Finally, restart the PC, go to Language bar options, and tick the checkbox for Docked in the taskbar.

Solution 4. Modify the Registry Editor

• Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
• Type regedit in the text field and hit Enter.
• Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
• Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter or navigate from the left pane:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CTF\LangBar

• Double-click the ShowStatus DWORD, then under Value data, enter 4, and click OK to save the changes.
• Restart the computer for the changes to apply and check whether the option is enabled.

Solution 5. Create another User Account

• Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
• Type netplwiz in the text field and click OK.
• Click the Add button.
• Click on Sign in without a Microsoft account.
• Now, click the Local Account button.
• Fill out the username, password, and password hints fields.
• Next, select the newly created account, and click on Properties.
• Go to the Group Membership tab.

• Select Administrator, and click OK to save the changes.
• Finally, sign into the new account, and you should be able to dock the language bar to the Windows taskbar.