Microsoft has finally brought back the resizable taskbar and Start menu to Windows 11 in the latest preview version rolling out to Insiders in the Experimental channel.
Starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8493, the taskbar can now be configured to use smaller buttons and moved to the bottom, top, left, or right side of the screen.
“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,” said Diego Baca, partner director of Microsoft Design.
“With this update, when small taskbar is enabled, you get smaller icons, a shorter taskbar, and more vertical space for your apps (see video below). No restart or sign-out is required.”
To change the taskbar position, Insiders have to go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, where they will find this new option alongside the taskbar icon alignment option.
The taskbar size can be adjusted in the same dialog by checking the “Show smaller taskbar buttons” option, which reduces the height of both the icons and the taskbar.
Microsoft is also rolling out changes to give Windows users more control over the Start menu, allowing them to toggle off recommended content and customize its size.
“These controls are designed to work together. If you want a Start menu with just your pinned apps, you can turn off Recommended and All,” Boca added. “If you want a full Start that shows everything, you can leave it all on. The goal is simple: it is your choice, and it should be easy to make.”
However, Microsoft will maintain a list of recently installed apps, as it is a key way for users to discover new applications alongside the Microsoft Store.
Furthermore, Microsoft is improving file relevance by adjusting how files are displayed and ordered to prioritize the most relevant items, and will also allow users to hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu.
Earlier this month, Microsoft also announced that it’s testing a modern Windows Run dialog with dark mode support, which should be faster than the legacy version.
This new Run dialog will also remove the “Browse” button, which was used by only 0.0038% of users in a sample of 35 million who opened Windows Run. Microsoft says the modern Run will not be enabled automatically, and users will need to turn it on manually in Settings > Advanced Settings.
Windows president Pavan Davuluri announced some of these changes in March, when Microsoft pledged to improve Windows 11 system performance and make it more responsive and consistent.
In addition to taskbar and Start menu improvements, the company plans to reduce notifications, simplify Windows settings, and ensure that device setup on new Windows PCs requires fewer reboots.
Microsoft is also working on improving Windows search, aiming for a more consistent experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.
“As part of this effort, we are evolving how Windows is built behind the scenes to raise the quality bar and deliver innovation where it matters most, shaped by the feedback we are hearing from you,” Davuluri said.
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