Windows 11 to Restore Movable Taskbar Functionality
Microsoft is restoring the ability to move the Windows taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. This update is part of broader changes for Windows 11, which address feedback regarding the operating system's performance, reliability, and user experience.
Responding to User Feedback
Pavan Davuluri, Windows chief, stated that repositioning the taskbar was a frequent user request, and its reintroduction will facilitate workspace personalization.
Rollout Schedule and New Options
The movable taskbar will first become available to Windows Insiders in the coming weeks, with a wider rollout to all Windows 11 users scheduled for later this year. Microsoft is also developing a smaller taskbar option to be released later in the year.
A Return to Previous Functionality
Previously, Windows operating systems had a movable taskbar for decades, a functionality that was removed upon Windows 11's launch in 2021. The Windows 11 taskbar was initially rebuilt for Windows 10X, which was designed for dual-screen devices before being adapted for laptops as Windows 11.
Broader Reintroduction of Features
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 also absent from Windows 11 at launch but present in Windows 10.