Microsoft has released an update to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel that reintroduces the ability to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen. The update also includes options to resize the Start menu and customize its content sections.
Taskbar Changes
- Positioning: Users can dock the taskbar to the bottom, top, left, or right side of the screen.
- Icon Alignment: Icon alignment can be adjusted; the Start menu opens from the selected taskbar location.
- Small Taskbar Option: A "small taskbar" mode with smaller icons is available, particularly for devices with smaller displays. This toggle does not require a system restart.
- Limitations: Some features are not currently supported in non-bottom taskbar positions. These include auto-hide, tablet-optimized layouts, and extended search boxes (which revert to a simple icon). Microsoft has stated it is still evaluating support for drag-and-drop functionality and per-monitor taskbar positioning.
Start Menu Changes
- Layout: Users can select a "Small" or "Large" layout for the Start menu.
- Content Sections: The Start menu now includes independent toggles to show or hide "Pinned" apps, "Recent" items (renamed from "Recommended"), and the "All apps" list.
- Profile Visibility: Users have the option to hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu.
"The ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen has been one of the most requested features, and we are bringing it to Windows 11." — Diego Baca, Partner Director of Product Management at Microsoft
Background and Availability
- Context: Windows 11 launched in 2021 with a taskbar locked to the bottom of the screen, a change from previous versions of Windows that allowed taskbar placement on any screen edge. The Windows 11 taskbar was initially rebuilt for Windows 10X, which was designed for dual-screen devices.
- User Feedback: Moving the taskbar has been one of the most requested features from the Windows Insider community.
- Rollout: The features are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. A wider rollout to all Windows 11 users is scheduled for later in 2025. Microsoft is also developing a smaller taskbar option for a later release.
Related Developments
Microsoft has been progressively reintroducing features from the Windows 10 taskbar. Recent tests include an agenda calendar view within the Windows 11 notification center, a feature absent from Windows 11 at launch but present in Windows 10.