In a recent development, Microsoft appears to be reconsidering its stance on the Windows 11 taskbar, with reports indicating plans to reintroduce the ability to relocate and resize it. This feature, once a staple since the inception of Windows 95, was unexpectedly removed in Windows 11, leading to considerable user dissatisfaction and backlash.
Among those voicing their discontent is Mikhail Parakhin, a former executive and Corporate Vice President of Technology at Microsoft. Parakhin has been vocal about his opposition to the removal of the vertical taskbar, which he believes enhances productivity. In a post on X dated February 13, 2026, he expressed his frustration:
“Vertical taskbar is the best for productivity. I fought hard against the decision to take it away back then – hopefully it will be undone.”
Former Microsoft executives were against some of Windows 11’s design decisions
Parakhin’s insights reflect a broader sentiment among users who appreciated the customization options available in previous versions of Windows. The removal of these features, including the ability to change the taskbar’s location and size, has left many longing for the flexibility that Windows 10 provided. Reports suggest that Microsoft is now actively working to restore these capabilities.
Parakhin’s tenure at Microsoft included roles such as President of Web Experiences and CEO of Advertising and Web Services, during which he continued to advocate for user-centric design. He is not alone in his criticism; Andy Young, a former senior software engineer at Microsoft, has also expressed dissatisfaction with Windows 11’s design choices. In a post from 2024, Young described the new Start Menu as “comically bad,” highlighting performance issues even on high-end hardware:
“This machine has a 00 Core i9 CPU and 128 GB of RAM, and this is the performance I often get. What is going on in Redmond?”
Young’s remarks, accompanied by a video demonstrating sluggish search performance, underscore the frustrations of many long-time Windows users regarding the perceived lack of polish in Windows 11’s features. While he clarified that his critique was specifically aimed at the Start Menu, it reflects a larger concern about the overall optimization of the operating system.
As Microsoft contemplates the reintroduction of taskbar customization, the company faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its user base. Windows president Pavan Davuluri has acknowledged the need to address various “pain points” within Windows 11, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen. As the tech giant navigates this feedback, the future of Windows 11 may hinge on its ability to adapt to the needs and preferences of its users.
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