After a prolonged wait, Windows 11 users are finally receiving the long-anticipated feature that allows for taskbar relocation. The latest Insider Preview builds have introduced the ability to move the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen. This feature is expected to be part of the September Patch Tuesday update, but those in the Release Preview Channel can take advantage of it immediately.
The update also includes an option to reduce the size of the taskbar, which is particularly beneficial for users with smaller devices, maximizing their screen space. These enhancements are just a few of the many improvements set to roll out this fall, aligning with ongoing developments in Windows 11.
New Features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267
- [Taskbar] This update enhances taskbar customization, allowing users to position it at the bottom, top, left, or right of the screen. Key features include:
- New positioning options while maintaining functionality such as tooltips and animations.
- A smaller taskbar option to optimize screen space, reducing icon size and height while keeping essential features accessible.
- Expanded Taskbar behaviors settings for easier navigation.
- Improved reliability for loading the system tray on non-touch devices.
- [Start Menu] Enhancements to the Start menu include:
- Options for small or large menu sizes, alongside the existing automatic setting.
- Renaming the Recommended section to Recent for clarity.
- The ability to hide your name and profile picture for a more streamlined appearance.
- A redesigned settings page for better customization of pinned and recent items.
- [Windows Search] Improvements to Windows Search focus on usability:
- A simplified search home interface to reduce clutter.
- Enhanced clarity regarding the source of search results.
- New settings to control the appearance of web and Microsoft Store suggestions alongside local results.
- Automatic indexing of frequently used folders to improve search efficiency.
- [File Explorer] Updates to File Explorer include:
- Faster launch times and improved responsiveness for File Explorer Home.
- Touch scrolling support for the Recommended section, enhancing file browsing.
- [General Design] A modernized experience is introduced with updated progress indicators across various Windows functions.
- [Windows Share] Users can now discover and install relevant apps directly from the share window when signed in with a work or school account.
- [Administrator Protection] This feature enhances security by allowing administrative tasks to be performed with just-in-time privileges, aimed at preventing elevation-of-privilege attacks.
- [Multiple Desktops] Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops enhances user experience.
- [Display and Graphics] Updates improve reliability and persistence of brightness settings and navigation within display settings.
- [Task Manager] Reliability improvements for displaying app history information.
- [Windows Setup] Streamlined selection process for secondary keyboards during setup.
- [Windows Update] Enhanced restart behavior for PCs that were manually put to sleep after updates.
- [Network] Improvements in resiliency and recovery from VPN-related issues.
- [Input] Enhanced reliability for typing with the Japanese IME and persistence of voice typing settings.
- [Cryptography] Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange.
- [WMIC] The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility will no longer be included in future versions of Windows 11.
As these updates gradually roll out, users can expect a more refined and personalized experience with Windows 11, paving the way for enhanced productivity and usability.
