Microsoft has been actively refining Windows 11, with a focus on user feedback and feature enhancements. The tech giant previously indicated its intention to reintroduce a smaller taskbar and resize controls reminiscent of Windows 10. Early indications of these changes are already emerging in preview builds, hinting at a more customizable user interface.
Upon the launch of Windows 11 in 2021, Microsoft made the controversial decision to eliminate the ability to move and resize the taskbar. This move was met with significant backlash, particularly due to the absence of the drag-and-drop feature, which was later reinstated following user outcry. Now, five years later, it appears that Microsoft is poised to restore the full suite of Windows 10 taskbar functionalities to its latest operating system.
As highlighted by Phantom on X, Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 showcases early iterations of the anticipated smaller taskbar. A notable example can be seen in the updated Widgets button, which sports a more compact design, including a reduced weather icon size. This prototype, while still in development, confirms that Microsoft is actively testing this feature internally.
Currently, Windows 11 does offer a smaller taskbar option, but it differs from the Windows 10 experience. Users can navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and find a toggle under the new “Taskbar behaviors” section that allows for smaller taskbar buttons. However, this feature only shrinks the buttons themselves rather than the taskbar as a whole.
Fortunately, Microsoft appears to have gained a clearer understanding of user preferences, as the forthcoming updates promise to enable a smaller taskbar akin to that of Windows 10 and earlier versions.
Microsoft is moving fast with Windows 11 development, as it’s already testing most of the promised features
On March 20, Microsoft acknowledged its previous missteps with Windows 11 and committed to a comprehensive list of enhancements, including improved performance, reduced advertising, and a more efficient File Explorer. While these promises sound promising, skepticism remains among users due to the company’s historical reputation for delayed or unfulfilled commitments.
This is not the first instance of Microsoft attempting to regain the trust of Windows users, having made similar pledges in the past that often resulted in slow or incomplete rollouts. However, the current trajectory suggests a more proactive approach, as tangible improvements are being rolled out to testers. The movable taskbar, for instance, is already present in preview builds, albeit in a hidden and unfinished state, indicating that Microsoft is diligently working towards a public release.
Documentation reviewed by Windows Latest also hints at dedicated settings for the resizable and smaller taskbar, allowing users to adjust its size by hovering the cursor around its edges, much like the experience offered in Windows 10.
Up to 18 major changes are planned for Windows 11
Microsoft is reportedly testing up to 18 significant changes for Windows 11, with potential for even more to be introduced. Some of these enhancements have already been implemented in Windows 11 Build 26200.8328 (KB5083631), part of the optional update released in April 2026.
This update has brought improvements to the system tray loading process, enhanced the reliability of Windows Hello for fingerprint recognition, and addressed performance issues within File Explorer, among other enhancements. Additional changes on the horizon include fewer advertisements, streamlined Copilot integration, a more user-friendly out-of-box experience, a native Start menu in WinUI as the company transitions away from React, a more consistent dark mode, and preloading capabilities for File Explorer.
