Windows 11 build 26300.8289 has introduced a series of intriguing updates on the Experimental channel, featuring four undisclosed changes alongside the previously announced enhancements to Windows Update. These updates were brought to light by Windows Central and the well-known leaker @PhantomOfEarth. Among the highlights is a long-awaited Taskbar repositioning feature and a refreshed Run dialog that has remained relatively unchanged for nearly three decades.
Movable Taskbar and Redesigned Run Dialog in Windows 11
The standout feature in this build is the early support for repositioning the Taskbar. Users can now access new options in the Taskbar context menu, allowing them to place the bar at the top, left, or right of the screen. This addition comes after the original release of Windows 11, which saw the removal of the ability to dock the Taskbar in any position other than the bottom—a change that has been frequently requested by users.
In addition to the Taskbar update, the Run dialog is receiving its first significant visual overhaul in approximately 30 years. The new design embraces Fluent Design principles, showcasing rounded corners, semi-transparent elements, and improved spacing. It also supports both light and dark themes. Notably, the text field has been enlarged, and the interface now displays recent commands along with corresponding apps and paths as users type.
Microsoft has made the new Run dialog optional; users can enable it through Settings by navigating to System, then Advanced, where they can toggle a dedicated switch. Currently, this updated design is available in the Experimental channel without requiring the toggle to be activated.
New Login Animation and Storage Volume Unit Toggle
In another noteworthy change, the animated dots that appear during sign-in, sign-out, shutdown, and restart have been replaced with a solid spinning icon. This new animation aligns with the one used during the boot process, creating a more cohesive experience across various use cases, as confirmed by Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s head of Windows design and research, on X.
A minor yet practical update can be found in the Settings under Storage, specifically in the Disks and Volumes section. Users now have the option to toggle between megabytes and gigabytes when changing the size of a volume, simplifying the process of resizing volumes measured in gigabytes.
At present, none of these four features are accessible to regular Windows Insiders. Their inclusion in this build indicates that active development is underway, paving the way for broader testing in the future.
