Windows 11 is undergoing a significant transformation as Microsoft moves to overhaul its taskbar and Start menu, addressing years of user feedback regarding customization, performance, and screen real estate. According to reports, the company is rolling out native taskbar repositioning, a more compact taskbar design, and granular Start menu controls to improve the desktop experience.
Why is Microsoft finally allowing users to move the Windows 11 taskbar?
The ability to reposition the taskbar—moving it to the top, left, or right of the screen—is arriving in Windows 11 after years of requests from users, including high-profile calls from figures like Tim Sweeney and Elon Musk. This feature, which was a staple in Windows 10, is currently available in the Insider Experimental channel and is expected to reach all PCs in the coming weeks.
When the taskbar is moved to the vertical sides, users can align icons to the top or center, while top-positioned taskbars support left-aligned or centered icons. Furthermore, a “Never combine” mode for open apps will allow users to keep windows labeled and easily identifiable, a move that restores functionality previously lost in the transition from Windows 10.
What changes are coming to the Start menu customization?
Microsoft is introducing section-level toggles for the Start menu, allowing users to independently show or hide the Pinned, Recent, and All Apps sections. This change directly addresses criticisms regarding the menu’s large footprint and lack of personalization. Users can now choose between a “Small” layout with six app columns or a “Large” layout with eight, moving away from the rigid, automatic scaling that dominated vertical screen space.
Additionally, the “Recommended” section is being renamed to “Recent” to more accurately reflect its function of displaying recently installed apps and used files. A new privacy mode will also allow users to hide their account name and profile picture from the Start menu, which is particularly useful for screen sharing or presentations.
How is the Windows 11 interface becoming more efficient?
Beyond layout changes, Microsoft is focusing on performance and a “quieter” user experience. The company is disabling the MSN feed in the Widgets board by default, ending the practice of triggering a panel of ads and tabloid news simply by hovering over the weather widget. Notification badging, such as red dots or animated stock alerts, is also being removed to prevent unwanted distractions.
Performance is being bolstered by a transition to a modular WinUI engine. A “Low Latency Profile” CPU boost, designed to reduce micro-stutters in the Start menu, arrived with the May optional update and is rolling out to all users in the June Patch Tuesday release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use the compact taskbar mode from Windows 10?
Yes. Microsoft is introducing a “Show smaller taskbar buttons” toggle that, when set to “Always,” reduces both the icon size and the physical height of the taskbar to save vertical screen space.
Will disabling the “Recommended” section in the Start menu delete my file history?
No. New controls decouple the Start menu feed from the File Explorer jump list, meaning you can clear the Start menu recommendations without wiping your recent files elsewhere.
When will these updates be available for my PC?
Taskbar repositioning and Start menu customization are currently in the Insider Experimental channel and are expected to roll out to all PCs in the next few weeks.
Are you looking forward to reclaiming your screen space with these new taskbar controls? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more Windows 11 optimization tips.
