taskbar icons Archives

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Back to basics: Microsoft tests overhauled Start menu in Windows 11 beta builds

Microsoft has introduced a feature called "taskbar icon scaling" in a recent beta build of Windows 11, allowing users to reduce the size of taskbar icons to fit more pinned or open applications. This feature is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Beta channel and is expected to be available in the public version of Windows 11 soon. Additionally, changes to the Start menu may be revealed in an upcoming preview build, although there is no guarantee they will be activated.

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

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

April 3, 2025

Windows 11 tests taskbar icons that scale up and down like on a Mac

Microsoft is enhancing the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11, with the latest Insider Preview Beta featuring resizable taskbar icons that can shrink or remain small based on user preferences. Beta participants can adjust settings under Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors, with options to show smaller taskbar buttons as Always, Never, or When taskbar is full. Additionally, the Start menu update allows for a larger layout, enabling users to hide recommended recent apps and display all installed applications. Users updating to this Insider Build may temporarily lose battery charge status icons, which will be reinstated later.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has transitioned to the 26200 series builds, closing the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel. The 26200 series is based on Windows 11, version 24H2. Enhancements to Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs include semantic indexing for more intuitive searches, allowing users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can manage indexed locations in Settings and the feature supports multiple languages and document formats. The improved Windows Search can also locate cloud-stored photos, with users needing to sign into OneDrive for access. A new feature called speech recap has been introduced in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken and providing quick access to the last 500 strings spoken. A streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed. The Copilot can now be launched with Win + C, and users can personalize their experience through Settings. Click to Do is available from the Start menu and supports intelligent text actions in multiple languages. The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and image editing capabilities. Several fixes have been made to improve performance and address issues in Taskbar, File Explorer, Login and Lock, Windowing, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and feature rollouts are monitored for feedback.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 (KB5053658) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), which automatically detects and applies fixes for boot issues, and a speech recap feature in Narrator that allows users to access previously spoken content. The update also introduces a new UI for unexpected restarts, simplifies launching Copilot with the Win + C shortcut, and enhances the Click to Do feature with intelligent text actions in multiple languages. Additionally, the Windows share window now includes a visual preview and image editing capabilities. Various fixes have been implemented for issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, windowing, Windows Update, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. The update includes general enhancements and fixes, a new feature called "top cards" under Settings > System > About that displays essential PC specifications (processor, RAM, storage, GPU), and various bug fixes across File Explorer, Input, Login and Lock, Settings, Printing, and other areas. Known issues include a potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels and a visual issue with the update toggle in Settings. A fix is being worked on for taskbar icon sizing in tablet mode. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds may change and are not aligned with specific Windows releases.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Update KB5053606 makes a mess!

Microsoft has released a Windows Update for Windows 10, designated as KB5053606, which has caused various issues for users. Problems reported during installation include long wait times and error messages like 0x80070020, with some users experiencing the update being installed despite disabling automatic updates. After installation, users face issues such as missing taskbar icons, reset customizations, typing lag, printer connectivity problems, compatibility issues with third-party software like Citrix, and overall reduced system performance. Some users are using Microsoft's Show and Hide Update tool to block the update, while others consider system restore as a potential fix.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. The build introduces improved Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, featuring local semantic search that allows users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can search for local files and cloud-stored photos by describing their content. This feature is available for personal OneDrive accounts and will support third-party cloud services in the future. Fixes include enhanced performance for extracting zipped files in File Explorer, adjustments to the web sign-in icon, and resolution of issues causing slow closure of File Explorer. Known issues include difficulties with Recall and crashes in Settings and File Explorer for some users. A reboot may be necessary to activate the improved Windows Search features.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 users struggle with several problems after March update

Many Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the KB5053606 update, including installation failures with error code 0x80070020, prolonged update processes, and automatic installations despite disabled settings. Users who successfully install the update report problems such as disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop customizations, and slowed system performance. In corporate settings, issues include broken user profiles and problems with the print spooler, leading to program crashes and difficulties with Citrix. Microsoft has acknowledged some issues related to Citrix and USB printers but has not provided solutions for the other problems users are facing.