In a recent announcement, Microsoft reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the Windows experience by focusing on performance, reliability, and craftsmanship. The company is committed to transparency regarding the updates being rolled out, detailing the reasons behind feature prioritization and acknowledging areas that still require attention.
The Start menu and taskbar, as integral components of the Windows interface, are receiving particular focus. Microsoft aims to elevate their quality while providing users with greater flexibility for personalization. This initiative is set to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel over the coming weeks, with some features already available today.
Bringing more personalization to the taskbar
The taskbar serves as the heart of the PC experience, akin to a well-organized workspace that fosters productivity. To enhance this experience, Microsoft is introducing several new customization options.
Taskbar positions
Recognizing the importance of location, Microsoft is now allowing users to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen—an enhancement that has been highly requested by users. Starting today, Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel can:
- Position the taskbar on any edge of the screen: Choose from the top, bottom, left, or right.
- Customize icon alignment: Opt for top-aligned or centered icons based on the taskbar’s position.
- Utilize Start, Search, and other flyouts based on taskbar location: For instance, when the taskbar is at the top, the Start menu opens from there.
- View every window at a glance: With a vertical taskbar and ungrouped icons, each app window appears as a separate labeled button, simplifying navigation.
This flexibility allows users, especially those who prioritize vertical screen space, to tailor their workspace to their needs. Whether for developers needing more code visibility or for those seeking ergonomic ease, the choice of taskbar placement is now in the hands of the user.
To adjust the taskbar position, users can navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, where the new options are readily available.
While this update brings exciting new features, Microsoft acknowledges that some functionalities are still in development, including:
- Auto-hide and tablet-optimized taskbar for alternate positions.
- Touch gestures for alternate positions.
- Search boxes will currently appear as a search icon in alternate positions.
Additionally, Microsoft is exploring further enhancements, such as different taskbar positions for multiple monitors and drag-and-drop capabilities, all while ensuring a straightforward and reliable user experience.
Smaller taskbar
With the introduction of a more spacious taskbar in Windows 11, Microsoft recognizes that on smaller screens, this extra height can detract from usable workspace. To address this, users will soon have the option to switch to a more compact taskbar, which will feature smaller icons and a reduced height, thereby maximizing vertical space for applications.
To enable this feature, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Show smaller taskbar buttons. No restart or sign-out will be necessary to apply this change.
Putting you in control of Start
The Start menu is uniquely personal, catering to varied preferences—whether users desire a minimalistic setup with just pinned apps or a comprehensive view of recent files and applications. Microsoft is making strides in two key areas to enhance this experience: simplifying customization and improving the quality of default content.
More control over your layout
Customizing the Start menu has often required navigating multiple settings. To streamline this process, upcoming updates will provide:
- Section-level toggles: Easily show or hide Pinned, Recommended, and All sections with a single toggle for each.
- A separate control for file recommendations: Users can disable file recommendations in Start without affecting recent files in File Explorer.
- Start menu size settings: Choose between Small or Large sizes for a consistent experience across displays.
- The option to hide your name and profile picture: Enhance privacy when sharing your screen or streaming.
These controls are designed to work harmoniously, allowing users to create a Start menu that aligns with their preferences, whether they want a minimal setup or a fully featured interface.
Improving recommendation quality
For those who choose to keep the Recommended section active, Microsoft is enhancing the content displayed. The section will be renamed Recent to more accurately reflect its purpose, showcasing recently installed apps and files. This change aims to improve the relevance of the recommendations, ensuring that users see what they have been working on most frequently.
What’s next
These features will gradually be rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with several updates already available. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of user feedback in shaping the Windows experience and encourages the community to share insights through the Feedback Hub using WIN + F. As these features evolve, collaboration with users remains a cornerstone of the development process.
