Microsoft is currently in the process of testing an innovative taskbar icon scaling feature designed to enhance user experience on Windows 11. This feature, which automatically reduces the size of taskbar icons, aims to accommodate a greater number of applications when the taskbar becomes congested. The rollout is being conducted gradually among Windows Insiders in the Beta (Build 26120.3671) and Dev (Build 26200.5518) channels as part of the 24H2 version.
Enhanced Accessibility for Users
The Windows Insider team has expressed enthusiasm about this enhancement, stating, “We are starting to roll out taskbar icon scaling to Windows Insiders – an improvement to the Windows taskbar that ensures that you have quick access to more of your favorite apps, even when your taskbar is full.” With this new functionality, users will find it easier to access multiple running applications without the need to navigate through secondary menus, thus streamlining their workflow.
In addition to the automatic scaling feature, Microsoft has provided users with the flexibility to customize their experience. Insiders can select from three options regarding when the taskbar icon scaling should take effect:
- When the taskbar is full: This is the default setting, where taskbar icons will shrink automatically to ensure continued access to more apps.
- Never: For those who prefer a consistent icon size, this option allows users to maintain their original icon dimensions, regardless of the number of open applications.
- Always: Users who favor the aesthetic of smaller icons can opt to have their taskbar icons remain small at all times.
In addition to the taskbar enhancements, Microsoft has introduced a test remediation package aimed at Windows Insiders. This package enables users to explore the full capabilities of the Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool on their devices. According to Microsoft, “The remediation package ‘Quick machine recovery update for Windows 11’ will be automatically installed by QMR when ‘test mode’ is activated.” Users can verify the installation of this package by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Update history. However, it is worth noting that the rollout of this remediation test package will not be instantaneous for all Insiders, as it is being deployed gradually.
Furthermore, Microsoft has unveiled a basic search history feature for its AI-powered Recall functionality, which is currently being tested in the Dev and Beta Channels on Copilot+ PCs. After experiencing delays earlier this year, the first Recall preview was rolled out to Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs in November. Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to extend the testing of Recall to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs starting in December, further expanding the capabilities available to users enrolled in the Windows 11 Insider program.
