Windows 11 KB5055625 has made its debut on the Dev Channel, introducing a suite of intriguing features that promise to enhance user experience. Among the most notable updates is a revamped Start menu that eliminates the Recommended section, streamlining access to applications. Additionally, users can now take advantage of a new feature called Show smaller taskbar buttons, which allows for automatic scaling of taskbar icons. This option can be found under Settings > System > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviour.
Historically, Windows 11, including the 24H2 version, has not permitted alterations to the taskbar size or the icons displayed upon it. However, with the introduction of KB5055625, users will find that the taskbar can now dynamically adjust the size of app icons when space is limited. This enhancement aims to ensure that all favorite applications remain accessible, even when the taskbar is crowded. Currently, when the taskbar fills up, some app icons become obscured behind a three-dot menu, but this new feature seeks to alleviate that issue.
In upcoming builds of Windows 11, the taskbar icons will automatically resize to accommodate additional applications and windows. This functionality is already being trialed in KB5055625, and a demonstration GIF has been created to showcase its implementation.
During testing, Windows Latest noted the presence of three toggles that dictate how the taskbar settings operate:
- When the taskbar is full: This default setting allows the taskbar to manage icons effectively when space is limited, preventing the need to close applications or navigate through the three-dot menu to access the full list of open apps.
- Never: For those who prefer not to have their icons resized, this option restores the previous behavior, maintaining the current size of the icons. It is particularly suited for users who favor larger taskbar icons, as only the icon sizes will adjust while the width of the taskbar remains unchanged.
- Always: Users who consistently prefer smaller icons can select the “Always” option, ensuring that their taskbar icons remain compact at all times.
As previously mentioned, users can modify how the taskbar manages app icons by navigating to “Taskbar settings” within the “Taskbar behaviours” section and selecting one of the options under “Show smaller taskbar buttons.”
Microsoft, please give us greater control over taskbar
While Microsoft continues to refine the auto-scaling feature for taskbar app icons, the concept is indeed promising and arguably should have been integrated from the outset of Windows 11’s launch. Nevertheless, the opportunity for improvement remains, particularly in granting users enhanced control over the taskbar’s overall scaling, as well as the system tray.
Unlike Windows 10, which allows for manual adjustments to both the taskbar and icon sizes, these capabilities are noticeably absent from the contemporary taskbar design. Furthermore, the inability to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen persists, with Microsoft previously citing concerns over animation flow as the reason for this limitation. Despite these constraints, the hope for a more customizable taskbar experience continues to resonate among users.
