taskbar enhancements Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft starts testing Windows 11 taskbar icon scaling

Microsoft is testing a taskbar icon scaling feature for Windows 11 that automatically reduces the size of taskbar icons to accommodate more applications. This feature is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Beta (Build 26120.3671) and Dev (Build 26200.5518) channels as part of the 24H2 version. Users can customize the scaling settings with three options: when the taskbar is full (default), never, or always. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a test remediation package for Windows Insiders that enables the use of the Quick Machine Recovery tool, which will be installed automatically when test mode is activated. Users can check the installation status in Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Microsoft is also testing a basic search history feature for its AI-powered Recall functionality, which will expand to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs starting in December.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 11 Patch Tuesday arrives with taskbar changes, but not the ones you want

Microsoft has released its Patch Tuesday updates for all supported Windows systems, including Windows 11 24H2 (KB5051987) which addresses security issues and introduces enhancements such as improved Taskbar app previews and animations, a new system tray icon for apps using Windows Studio Effects, and a new simplified Chinese font, Simsun-ExtG. Additional File Explorer features include a “New Folder” option in the context menu, restoration of previously open tabs, and activation of specific settings for restartable apps. Security updates for Windows 10 and earlier versions focus primarily on system integrity rather than new features. The updates are available for various Windows versions, including Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, and Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, all accessible via the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 get KB5046732 with File Explorer, Start menu improvements, and more

The latest non-security update for Windows 11, designated as KB5046732, is available for users on versions 23H2 and 22H2 (Enterprise and Education editions), with build numbers 22621.4541 and 22631.4541. This update introduces several new features and fixes: - The feature formerly known as Tailored Experiences is now called Personalized Offers, accessible via Settings > Privacy & Security. - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, and clicking on it allows access to notifications. - The search box appears as an icon when the taskbar is set to auto-hide. - The IME toolbar automatically hides in full-screen mode when typing in Chinese or Japanese. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - Users can share content directly to an Android device from File Explorer if Phone Link is configured. - Fixed excessive space between items in the left pane of File Explorer and the search box being cut off in smaller windows. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures allows disabling left or right screen edge touch gestures. - Users can turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust scrolling direction in mouse settings. - A placeholder message appears in the Dynamic Lighting Settings Page when no compatible device is connected, with brightness and effects controls turned off. - The Wave effect in Dynamic Lighting now includes additional directional options. - Holding Shift and CTRL while clicking a jump list item opens it with administrative privileges.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

Windows 11 multitasking is about to get even better

Windows 11's recent KB5046716 update enhances multitasking capabilities, particularly through the Snap Layouts feature. The update introduces new text options for a more intuitive experience, allowing users to choose app layouts, window movements, and arrangements. The Snap Layouts interface has been simplified, showing application icons and text, and the keyboard shortcut has been streamlined to Windows key + Z. Additionally, the update improves File Explorer with labels for actions like paste, copy, and delete, and adds share support to the Start menu for easier file sharing from Taskbar jump lists. Users can access a share icon by right-clicking Taskbar icons. A new gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard allows Xbox controllers to be used for typing and navigation. Accessibility features, particularly the Narrator tool, have also been upgraded to allow users to bypass links in text files and jump directly to lists or tables of contents.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Google testing recent apps on the taskbar for Android tablets and foldables

In 2022, Google introduced a taskbar in Android 12L for tablets and larger screens, allowing access to six pinned apps and two suggested ones. Investigations suggest that upcoming updates in Android QPR Beta 2 may redesign the taskbar to replace suggested apps with recently used apps, similar to features in devices from Samsung and OnePlus. The timeline for this update is uncertain, and it is unclear if it will be included in Android 15. Currently, the feature is not activated, and there is no official announcement regarding its public availability. Additionally, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is rumored to introduce features like quick keyword switching and lock screen widgets, which are still in testing.

Winsage

October 7, 2024

Microsoft is bringing smaller taskbar icons to Windows 11

Microsoft is working on enhancements for the Windows 11 taskbar, including a new feature that allows users to adjust the size of taskbar items. This feature, currently available to Insiders on the Beta Channel, includes a toggle in the Taskbar section of Windows Settings to show smaller taskbar buttons with three options: Always, Never, and When the taskbar is full. The feature is still being refined and may not work perfectly yet. It is expected to be available to the general public in November or December.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

It’s time for Insiders to update Windows 11 if they want to try the latest clock app and version of the Microsoft Store

Windows 11 Build 27718 has been released to Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update includes an enhanced lock screen experience, new taskbar options, and updates to the Narrator tool. Insiders in both the Canary and Dev Channels can access an improved Microsoft Store with app categories. The Clock app has received updates introducing new widgets. The lock screen now displays media controls when media is playing, and users can drag apps from the Pinned section to the taskbar. The taskbar supports first letter navigation for open or pinned apps. Users can disable suggestions for turning off notifications from specific apps. Minor UI changes have been made to the Windows share window. The Narrator scan mode has improved performance, especially in Microsoft Edge. A notification will prompt users to plug in their laptops when the battery drops to 20% with Energy Saver set to “Always On.” Design improvements have been made to the Windows update dialog. A new section in the Settings menu allows management of touch screen edge gestures. Upcoming security features will protect admin rights with just-in-time privileges, which will be off by default.