Microsoft is taking significant steps to address long-standing user feedback regarding Windows 11, particularly in the realm of taskbar and Start menu customization.
Reviving Customization
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has captivated users with its modern aesthetic, featuring transparent elements and a sleek design that remains relevant in 2026. However, the transition from Windows 10 and 8 left some users yearning for the customization options they had previously enjoyed. The taskbar and Start menu, central components of the user experience, were notably criticized for their lack of flexibility, leading many to feel that Windows 11 was less personal and more restrictive.
In a recent announcement, Microsoft has revealed plans to reinstate several of these sought-after features. A key highlight is the newfound ability to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen, expanding beyond its traditional bottom placement. Diego Baca, a representative from Microsoft, emphasized in a blog post that this feature has been among the most requested by users.
“Start and the taskbar are among the most visible and used experiences in Windows, so we’re focused on improving their quality and giving you more flexibility to customize them to your needs,” Baca stated.
With this update, users will have the freedom to place the taskbar on any edge of the screen and choose how icons are aligned. For instance, when positioned on the left or right, icons can be arranged at the top or center; conversely, when at the top or bottom, they can be aligned to the left or centered.
This flexibility is particularly advantageous for users seeking additional vertical screen space, such as developers who benefit from viewing more code simultaneously. Baca noted, “If accessibility or ergonomics make the top of the screen easier to reach, you can place the taskbar there. If you use the taskbar to keep track of your work, a vertical layout with ungrouped icons can help you stay more organized. The choice is yours.”
These enhancements are currently being rolled out to participants in the Windows Insider Preview program, where Microsoft tests new features prior to a broader release. Users can adjust these settings by navigating to: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
It is important to note that while these changes enhance customization, the taskbar will not automatically hide in all positions, and touch gestures and search functionalities may not yet be fully supported across all configurations. Additionally, users will have the option to reduce the taskbar size, a particularly useful feature for those with smaller screens.
Changes are also on the horizon for the Start menu. Microsoft plans to simplify the interface by allowing users to disable sections such as Recommended, Pinned, or All, aiming to create a cleaner and more streamlined experience. The Recommended section will be renamed to Recent, providing a clearer indication of its function. Furthermore, recently installed apps will remain visible in the Start menu for a longer duration, and the relevance of suggested files will be enhanced, although specific details on this improvement are yet to be disclosed.
Users will now have the option to select between two sizes for the Start menu: Small and Large, moving away from the previous automatic sizing based on screen dimensions. Baca remarked, “These controls are designed to work together. If you want a Start menu with just pinned apps, you can turn off Recommended and All. If you want a full Start that shows everything, you can leave them all on. The goal is simple: the choice is yours, and it should be easy to make.”
Windows Insider users can expect to see these changes in the Experimental channel over the coming weeks, paving the way for a wider rollout to all Windows 11 users in the near future.
