Microsoft is making strides to enhance the Taskbar experience in Windows 11, bringing back features that users have long missed. With the latest preview build from the Experimental channel for version 25H2, the Taskbar can now be repositioned to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right—restoring a level of flexibility reminiscent of Windows 10.
Windows 11 regains position for the Taskbar
Upon the initial release of Windows 11, the redesigned Taskbar came with a modern aesthetic but stripped away basic functionalities, including the ability to change its position. In response to user feedback, Microsoft is now acknowledging the value of these features. Starting with build 26300.8493, users can easily relocate the Taskbar, which also adapts the interface elements accordingly. For instance, when positioned at the top, the Start menu and Search interface open downward, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Additionally, the alignment of buttons, system tray icons, and other elements remains consistent, regardless of the Taskbar’s location. However, it is worth noting that when the Taskbar is set vertically, the year is displayed in an abbreviated format, and seconds are omitted from the time display.
Users can access the new “Taskbar position” option through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, under the “Taskbar behaviors” section. Each option provides a live preview of the desktop background, enhancing the customization experience. While Microsoft is working on further improvements, the auto-hide feature currently has some issues, and the tablet-optimized Taskbar is still limited to the bottom position.
Windows 11 regains resize feature for the Taskbar
Another significant enhancement is the return of the ability to resize the Taskbar, a feature that was notably absent in the original release of Windows 11. The Taskbar now offers a new option to reduce its height and button size, allowing users to reclaim valuable screen space. This subtle yet impactful change brings back a sense of familiarity for those who preferred the smaller Taskbar design from Windows 10.
Resizing the Taskbar does not require a system restart, a feature that aligns with the user-friendly approach of Windows 10. The existing “Show smaller taskbar buttons” option has been repurposed to control both the icon and Taskbar size, simplifying the process. Users can find this setting under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
Windows 10 had a better implementation
Despite these welcome additions, the implementation still feels somewhat incomplete compared to the more intuitive experience offered by Windows 10. In the previous version, users could effortlessly drag the Taskbar to their preferred location as long as it was unlocked. In contrast, Windows 11 requires navigating through the settings to make such adjustments, which may feel cumbersome to some users.
Moreover, while Windows 10 allowed for flexible resizing of the Taskbar by dragging its edge, Windows 11 lacks this capability, limiting users’ options for organizing their pinned and running applications. Although the new approach is not without merit, it does not fully embrace the level of customization that many users have come to expect.
Windows Central’s Take
The reintroduction of these Taskbar features signals that Microsoft is beginning to listen to user feedback, a welcome shift from the previous restrictive design philosophy. The ability to reposition and resize the Taskbar may seem minor, but these customization options are essential for many users. While the new implementation is a step in the right direction, it still feels cautious and somewhat limited compared to the more flexible experience of Windows 10.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, it is clear that the company is slowly recognizing the importance of user preferences and the need for a more adaptable operating system. The changes made thus far reflect a growing awareness of the value of customization, and many users will undoubtedly appreciate the return of these features.
More resources
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