taskbar design Archives

Winsage

November 20, 2025

5 tools I still use on Windows 11 that I wish Microsoft included natively

Windows 11 has introduced updates to its native applications, including the Snipping Tool's new OCR capabilities, Paint's additional utilities, and improvements to File Explorer such as expanded archive format support, a tabbed view, and a revamped Home page. However, users still find a lack of essential features that should be included by default. Key tools that could enhance Windows 11 include: - Monitorian: A minimalist app that allows users to adjust display brightness for external monitors directly from the system tray. - Bulk Crap Uninstaller: A tool that enables batch removal of applications, including Store apps, which is not supported in Windows 11's Settings app. - VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports a wide range of formats and simplifies playback without the need for additional codecs. - ExplorerPatcher: A tool that restores the movable Taskbar design from Windows 10, allowing for greater customization. - WinDirStat: A storage management tool that provides a comprehensive view of disk usage and allows users to identify and delete large folders and files easily. These tools highlight the potential for Windows 11 to improve user experience by integrating basic functionalities that are currently missing.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

I made the Windows 11 taskbar truly my own with these customizations

Windows 11 offers taskbar customization options that enhance user experience. TranslucentTB is a free tool that allows users to change the taskbar's color and transparency, adapting its appearance based on different scenarios. ExplorerPatcher enables users to restore the Windows 10 taskbar design, providing individual buttons for features and customizable flyouts. Windhawk is a modding tool that offers unique themes for the taskbar, transforming its appearance into styles reminiscent of other operating systems. Start11 allows users to pin folders to the taskbar for easier access. Windhawk also provides mods to enhance taskbar labels and customize the clock. ObjectDock offers a macOS-style dock as an alternative to the traditional taskbar, featuring animations and visual customization options.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

How to show app labels in the Taskbar for Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to enable or disable app labels in the Taskbar. To show app labels using the Settings app, users can navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and choose from three options: "Never" to always show labels, "When the taskbar is full" to show labels only when space is limited, or "Always" to hide labels. Alternatively, users can modify the Registry by navigating to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced and adjusting the TaskbarGlomLevel DWORD value: set to 2 to always show labels, 1 to show labels when space allows, or 0 to hide labels.

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

February 25, 2025

Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all

The desktop PC is often associated with personal memories and experiences tied to various operating systems (OS). Windows XP is remembered fondly for its nostalgic connection to school days and online gaming. Windows 98 had issues like crashes and a clunky interface, while Windows 2000 faced similar frustrations. Windows XP marked a significant improvement, leading to a golden era of gaming and online communities. Windows Vista presented its own challenges during teenage years, and Windows 10 is regarded as one of Microsoft's best OS offerings. Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar design that has caused mixed reactions among users but allows for customization. The Start Menu can be tailored to reduce clutter, making it more efficient. Windows 11 is seen as an improvement over Windows 10, offering a smoother experience on modern hardware, though it has its flaws, such as ads for Microsoft services and the requirement for TPM 2.0, which may render older systems obsolete. This raises concerns about sustainability and the economic impact on users, particularly government agencies with limited resources. In comparison to other operating systems, Windows 11 is preferred despite its challenges, while alternatives like ChromeOS, macOS, and Linux each have their own limitations.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 laptops are getting an improved battery indicator

Microsoft is introducing a revamped battery indicator for Windows 11 laptops as part of Build 26120.2510, currently available only to Insiders on the Dev Channel. The new battery indicator features a larger, more vibrant design, displaying a green hue when charging and yellow when Power Saving Mode is activated. Currently, this design is visible in the taskbar, while the traditional icon remains on the lock screen. The updated design is expected to be available on the lock screen after testing. The build also includes enhanced experiences for Copilot+ on AMD and Intel hardware.