Taskbar customization Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Change these 4 Windows settings for a more minimalist look

The text discusses ways to enhance the Windows user experience to make it more aesthetically pleasing and organized, similar to a Mac. Key modifications include: - Using the application TranslucentTB to make the taskbar transparent or hiding it in desktop mode. - Decluttering the taskbar by removing unnecessary icons through the right-click menu. - Shrinking desktop icons by selecting "Small icons" or hiding all icons for a cleaner look. - Pinning frequently used applications to the Start Menu for easier access and unpinning less essential apps to reduce clutter. - Emphasizing that a cleaner desktop can improve focus and productivity by minimizing distractions.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

KB5055625 tests Windows 11’s Show smaller taskbar buttons feature

Windows 11 KB5055625 introduces several new features, including a redesigned Start menu that removes the Recommended section and a new option called Show smaller taskbar buttons, which enables automatic scaling of taskbar icons. Users can find this option under Settings > System > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviour. The update allows the taskbar to dynamically adjust the size of app icons when space is limited, aiming to keep favorite applications accessible even when the taskbar is crowded. Currently, some app icons can become obscured behind a three-dot menu when the taskbar is full. The update includes three toggles for taskbar settings: "When the taskbar is full," which manages icons effectively; "Never," which maintains the current icon size; and "Always," which keeps icons compact. Users can modify these settings in the "Taskbar behaviours" section. The update highlights a need for greater user control over taskbar customization, as current limitations prevent manual adjustments to taskbar and icon sizes, and repositioning the taskbar is not allowed.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

7 ways to customize the Windows taskbar for maximum productivity

The Windows 11 taskbar can be customized for better functionality and personalization through various adjustments. Users can disable unnecessary icons by accessing Taskbar settings, which allows for more space to pin preferred applications. Disabling taskbar grouping can enhance navigation by displaying individual windows instead of grouping them under a single icon. The Windhawk application offers customization options for taskbar labels, including adjusting width, text size, and padding. Volume control can be made easier with Windhawk's Taskbar Volume Control mod, allowing users to adjust sound levels by scrolling over the taskbar. The Middle click to close on the taskbar mod lets users close applications directly from the taskbar instead of opening new instances. Users can reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen using Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher. Finally, Start11 allows users to pin folder menus to the taskbar, transforming it into a file navigation tool.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Start11 vs OpenShell: Do you really need to pay to customize the Start menu?

The Windows 11 Start menu has received criticism for being rigid and unhelpful, prompting the development of alternatives like Start11 from Stardock and OpenShell. Start11 is a paid option that offers extensive customization with seven distinct Start menu styles, robust organizational features, and the ability to display File Explorer folders directly within the Start menu. It also allows for significant taskbar customization, including color, texture, and positioning options. In contrast, OpenShell focuses on restoring traditional Start menu designs, offering three major style options (Windows 95, XP, or 7) and around a dozen skins. While OpenShell provides granular control over settings, its design options may feel outdated compared to Start11. Start11 is recommended for users seeking a dynamic experience, while OpenShell serves those who prefer a nostalgic interface.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Winhance transforms Windows 11 (and Windows 10) into the bloat-free, faster operating system you always wanted

User sentiment towards Windows 11 has led to the development of third-party tools to enhance the experience. Talon can debloat Windows 11 with just two clicks, removing unnecessary pre-installed applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot, and Clipchamp. Winhance is another tool that debloats and optimizes Windows 11, also compatible with Windows 10 (22H2). Winhance features include: - Software & Apps: - Install Software - Permanently Remove Windows Apps (e.g., Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot) - Optimize: - Set UAC Notification Level - Disable/Enable Windows Security Suite - Privacy Settings - Gaming Optimizations - Windows Updates - Power Settings - Scheduled Tasks - Windows Services - Customize: - Toggle Windows Dark or Light Mode - Taskbar Customization - Start Menu Settings - Explorer Options - Notification Preferences - Sound Settings - Accessibility Options - Search Configuration To use Winhance, users must open PowerShell as Administrator, confirm privileges, enable script execution, and run a specific command to download and execute the application from GitHub. Winhance has received significant updates since its release in February, with version 2 introducing UI/UX improvements, critical fixes, and bug resolutions, including issues with Windows Search and OneDrive folder cleanup. A demonstration video is available for viewing.

Winsage

September 22, 2024

5 Windows 11 settings you should change now

Windows 11 offers several quality-of-life settings that can enhance user experience: 1. Dark Mode: Switch from Light mode to Dark mode to reduce eye strain and improve aesthetics. 2. Taskbar Customization: Adjust the taskbar's icon alignment and position (left, right, or top) to suit personal preferences. 3. Hidden Files: Enable the option in File Explorer to view hidden files for better system management. 4. Widgets Panel: Remove the News & Weather panel by toggling off the widgets option in the Taskbar settings for a cleaner workspace. 5. Power Plan Settings: Select the appropriate Power Plan based on the device type; use Power Saving mode for laptops and High Performance mode for desktops. 6. Notifications and Ads: Disable personalized ads and suggestions by adjusting settings in the Privacy & Security tab and unchecking the notification option for tips and suggestions. 7. Start Menu Customization: Streamline the Start Menu by disabling settings for recently added apps, most used apps, and recommendations, while adding frequently used folders and programs for easier access.

Winsage

June 22, 2024

Windows 11 22635.970 adds new taskbar customization features

In Windows 11 build 22635.3790, users can customize the taskbar by disabling features such as the shortened date format and notification bell. These features can be enabled using the ViVeTool app, as shared by Twitter user @PhantomOfEarth.