For years, the taskbar of Windows 10 served as a benchmark for users dissatisfied with Windows 11. Each new feature introduced by Microsoft often led to nostalgic comments urging a return to the previous operating system. However, with Microsoft gradually reinstating features that were removed in 2021, a closer examination of both taskbars reveals significant progress in Windows 11, albeit with some lingering shortcomings.
Taskbars in Windows 10 and 11 look very different out of the box
The most immediate distinction between the two taskbars is the alignment of icons. Windows 11 adopts a centered layout by default, a departure from the left-aligned icons of Windows 10. This change sparked considerable backlash upon its introduction in 2021. Despite the criticism, I was intrigued to experience the new layout, anticipating a refreshing shift from the familiar.
Another notable difference lies in the search functionality. Windows 10 features a prominent “Type here to search” bar that occupies a significant portion of the taskbar, while Windows 11 opts for a more compact search button or a narrower search box, depending on user settings. However, the right-click menu presents a more substantial contrast. Windows 11’s minimalistic approach requires users to navigate to settings for customization, whereas Windows 10 offers a plethora of options directly from the right-click menu.
While I appreciate the sleek design of Windows 11’s right-click menu, I find myself missing the robust customization capabilities of its predecessor. Windows 10 allows for the addition of toolbars and various search settings, which enhance user experience without the need to delve into the settings menu. In contrast, Windows 11 restricts right-click options, requiring multiple clicks to access search settings.
Taskbar size – Windows 10 had a toggle, Windows 11 just got one back
Windows 10 has long provided a “Use small taskbar buttons” toggle, enabling users to reduce the taskbar height significantly. This feature was notably absent in Windows 11 at launch, much to the dismay of users who preferred a more compact interface. After years of feedback, Microsoft has finally reintroduced this option, allowing users to shrink the taskbar and its contents proportionally, a welcome return after five years.
Repositioning the taskbar in Windows 10 and Windows 11
One area where Windows 10 retains an advantage is in taskbar repositioning. The process is swift and intuitive—simply drag the taskbar to the desired edge of the screen. In contrast, Windows 11 initially removed this functionality, citing layout disruptions for apps. However, after considerable user demand, Microsoft has now enabled taskbar repositioning, albeit through the settings menu rather than a simple drag-and-drop method.
Combining taskbar buttons and hiding labels in Windows 10 is better than in Windows 11
In Windows 11, app icons are combined by default, with labels hidden. While this can streamline the visual experience, it complicates navigation when multiple instances of the same application are open. Windows 10, on the other hand, offers clearer visual cues, allowing users to see stacked instances of applications without hovering over icons, enhancing usability.
Words can’t explain how different the Start menu experience is
The Start menu represents a significant divergence between the two operating systems. Windows 10 allows for a resizable Start menu, providing users with the flexibility to adjust its dimensions. In contrast, Windows 11 launched with a fixed-size Start menu, though Microsoft is currently testing a resizable option in Insider Preview builds. However, this new functionality will not replicate the fluid resizing of Windows 10.
Moreover, Windows 10’s Start menu featured Live Tiles, which displayed real-time information, a feature absent in Windows 11. Instead, Windows 11 opts for a grid of pinned apps and a recommended section, lacking the dynamic content that Live Tiles provided.
News and Interests vs Widgets
Windows 10 introduced News and Interests, a feature that expanded into a panel of MSN cards. While not without its flaws, it was easily dismissible. Windows 11’s Widgets board, although more capable, has proven to be intrusive, often interrupting workflows with unsolicited news and ads. Recent updates have attempted to mitigate these issues, but the core complaints remain largely unaddressed.
Quick Settings and the notification centre
Windows 11 excels in its Quick Settings feature, which separates quick toggles and notifications into two distinct panels, allowing for seamless adjustments without navigating away from the current task. This division enhances user experience, making it easier to manage settings on the fly. However, Windows 10’s clock flyout offered a native agenda view, a feature that has been removed from Windows 11, although it is set to return in a less efficient format.
Windows 11 has a performance trick for taskbar flyouts that Windows 10 never needed
Windows 11 introduces a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts, designed to improve responsiveness on budget hardware. This feature, which boosts CPU performance temporarily, aims to address the lag that some users experience. In contrast, Windows 10’s native shell code ensured quick access to features without the need for such optimizations.
What Windows 11 still has that Windows 10 does not
Despite the challenges, Windows 11 introduces innovative features, such as the Resume function that allows users to pick up Android activities on their PC. This integration reflects advancements in connectivity that were not available in Windows 10, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to evolving the user experience.
What is next for the Windows 11 taskbar
Looking ahead, Microsoft is actively developing AI integrations for the Windows 11 taskbar, including features that will allow users to monitor AI agents directly from the taskbar. This forward-thinking approach contrasts sharply with Windows 10’s more traditional design, which lacks such capabilities. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, the taskbar may evolve into a more complex yet potentially more powerful tool for users.
Sorry Microsoft, Windows 10 taskbar is still better than Windows 11, and here’s why
For years, the taskbar of Windows 10 served as a benchmark for users dissatisfied with Windows 11. Each new feature introduced by Microsoft often led to nostalgic comments urging a return to the previous operating system. However, with Microsoft gradually reinstating features that were removed in 2021, a closer examination of both taskbars reveals significant progress in Windows 11, albeit with some lingering shortcomings.
Taskbars in Windows 10 and 11 look very different out of the box
The most immediate distinction between the two taskbars is the alignment of icons. Windows 11 adopts a centered layout by default, a departure from the left-aligned icons of Windows 10. This change sparked considerable backlash upon its introduction in 2021. Despite the criticism, I was intrigued to experience the new layout, anticipating a refreshing shift from the familiar.
Another notable difference lies in the search functionality. Windows 10 features a prominent “Type here to search” bar that occupies a significant portion of the taskbar, while Windows 11 opts for a more compact search button or a narrower search box, depending on user settings. However, the right-click menu presents a more substantial contrast. Windows 11’s minimalistic approach requires users to navigate to settings for customization, whereas Windows 10 offers a plethora of options directly from the right-click menu.
While I appreciate the sleek design of Windows 11’s right-click menu, I find myself missing the robust customization capabilities of its predecessor. Windows 10 allows for the addition of toolbars and various search settings, which enhance user experience without the need to delve into the settings menu. In contrast, Windows 11 restricts right-click options, requiring multiple clicks to access search settings.
Taskbar size – Windows 10 had a toggle, Windows 11 just got one back
Windows 10 has long provided a “Use small taskbar buttons” toggle, enabling users to reduce the taskbar height significantly. This feature was notably absent in Windows 11 at launch, much to the dismay of users who preferred a more compact interface. After years of feedback, Microsoft has finally reintroduced this option, allowing users to shrink the taskbar and its contents proportionally, a welcome return after five years.
Repositioning the taskbar in Windows 10 and Windows 11
One area where Windows 10 retains an advantage is in taskbar repositioning. The process is swift and intuitive—simply drag the taskbar to the desired edge of the screen. In contrast, Windows 11 initially removed this functionality, citing layout disruptions for apps. However, after considerable user demand, Microsoft has now enabled taskbar repositioning, albeit through the settings menu rather than a simple drag-and-drop method.
Combining taskbar buttons and hiding labels in Windows 10 is better than in Windows 11
In Windows 11, app icons are combined by default, with labels hidden. While this can streamline the visual experience, it complicates navigation when multiple instances of the same application are open. Windows 10, on the other hand, offers clearer visual cues, allowing users to see stacked instances of applications without hovering over icons, enhancing usability.
Words can’t explain how different the Start menu experience is
The Start menu represents a significant divergence between the two operating systems. Windows 10 allows for a resizable Start menu, providing users with the flexibility to adjust its dimensions. In contrast, Windows 11 launched with a fixed-size Start menu, though Microsoft is currently testing a resizable option in Insider Preview builds. However, this new functionality will not replicate the fluid resizing of Windows 10.
Moreover, Windows 10’s Start menu featured Live Tiles, which displayed real-time information, a feature absent in Windows 11. Instead, Windows 11 opts for a grid of pinned apps and a recommended section, lacking the dynamic content that Live Tiles provided.
News and Interests vs Widgets
Windows 10 introduced News and Interests, a feature that expanded into a panel of MSN cards. While not without its flaws, it was easily dismissible. Windows 11’s Widgets board, although more capable, has proven to be intrusive, often interrupting workflows with unsolicited news and ads. Recent updates have attempted to mitigate these issues, but the core complaints remain largely unaddressed.
Quick Settings and the notification centre
Windows 11 excels in its Quick Settings feature, which separates quick toggles and notifications into two distinct panels, allowing for seamless adjustments without navigating away from the current task. This division enhances user experience, making it easier to manage settings on the fly. However, Windows 10’s clock flyout offered a native agenda view, a feature that has been removed from Windows 11, although it is set to return in a less efficient format.
Windows 11 has a performance trick for taskbar flyouts that Windows 10 never needed
Windows 11 introduces a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts, designed to improve responsiveness on budget hardware. This feature, which boosts CPU performance temporarily, aims to address the lag that some users experience. In contrast, Windows 10’s native shell code ensured quick access to features without the need for such optimizations.
What Windows 11 still has that Windows 10 does not
Despite the challenges, Windows 11 introduces innovative features, such as the Resume function that allows users to pick up Android activities on their PC. This integration reflects advancements in connectivity that were not available in Windows 10, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to evolving the user experience.
What is next for the Windows 11 taskbar
Looking ahead, Microsoft is actively developing AI integrations for the Windows 11 taskbar, including features that will allow users to monitor AI agents directly from the taskbar. This forward-thinking approach contrasts sharply with Windows 10’s more traditional design, which lacks such capabilities. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, the taskbar may evolve into a more complex yet potentially more powerful tool for users.