InDesign unpinnable context bar

[Tom ato]

Every time I open InDesign, I find the context bar in the center of the screen. Even when I use the 'unpin' command, I move the context bar where I want it, and "pin" it. However, the bar keeps returning to the center, and the 'pin context bar' command doesn't seem to work.

Screenshot attached.

[leo.r]

All I know is I can't reproduce it here on Mac with the latest InDesign 2026. Try these general troubleshooting steps, especially resetting caches:

https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

Will it make a difference?

[Tom ato]

Hi leo, already done, same situation.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Tom ato,

Thanks for the update. To help narrow this down, could you please confirm the exact InDesign version and your Windows OS version? Also, please let me know if you're seeing this behavior while using a custom workspace. If so, try switching to a different workspace and check whether the Context Bar still jumps back to the center.

If the issue persists, please try resetting the workspace and then testing again. You can follow the steps outlined here: https://adobe.ly/3Nb6kpB.

Let me know how it goes and share your observations.

Abhishek

[Tom ato]

Hi Abhishek,

This is happening on both the 20.5.1 x64 and 21.0.2 x64 ID versions.

I'm using:

I'm using:
- Win 10 Pro  64 bit 22H2 (build SO 19045.6466). 16 GB RAM
- a desktop PC

- a USB cable Logitech mouse.

- two identical monitors Philips 27" 27M1N5500ZA/00. On the first one, I use InDesign, on the second one Word/Bridge

See attached screenshot for more info on my system.

thanks

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Tom ato,

Thanks for sharing the details. Could you try running InDesign under a different administrator account (Windows / macOS) and checking if the problem persists?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Tom ato]

Hi Anubhav,

Even running the program as administrator, the problem persists in the same manner.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Tom ato,

Thanks for the confirmation. I have sent you a DM. Kindly check.

Anubhav