Microsoft testing adjustable taskbar, Start menu in Windows 11

Source: Bleeping Computer

Microsoft has finally brought back the resizable taskbar and Start menu to Windows 11 in the latest preview version rolling out to Insiders in the Experimental channel.

Starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8493, the taskbar can now be configured to use smaller buttons and moved to the bottom, top, left, or right side of the screen.

“The ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen has been one of the most requested features, and we are bringing it to Windows 11,” said Diego Baca, partner director of Microsoft Design.
“With this update, when small taskbar is enabled, you get smaller icons, a shorter taskbar, and more vertical space for your apps (see video below). No restart or sign‑out is required.”

Taskbar improvements

• To change the taskbar position, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select the desired location.
• The taskbar size can be adjusted in the same dialog by checking Show smaller taskbar buttons, which reduces the height of both the icons and the taskbar.

Start menu improvements

Microsoft is also rolling out changes that give users more control over the Start menu, allowing them to toggle off recommended content and customize its size.

“These controls are designed to work together. If you want a Start menu with just your pinned apps, you can turn off Recommended and All. If you want a full Start that shows everything, you can leave it all on. The goal is simple: it is your choice, and it should be easy to make,” said Diego Baca.

• Users can hide recommended content, adjust the menu size, and hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu.
• A list of recently installed apps will still be shown, as it remains a key way for users to discover new applications alongside the Microsoft Store.

New Start menu settings (Microsoft)

Modern Run dialog

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that it is testing a modern Windows Run dialog with dark‑mode support, which should be faster than the legacy version.

• The new Run dialog removes the “Browse” button, a feature used by only 0.0038 % of users in a sample of 35 million Run invocations.
• It will not be enabled automatically; users must turn it on manually in Settings > Advanced Settings.

Other upcoming changes

Windows president Pavan Davuluri outlined several additional improvements in March, emphasizing a broader push to raise Windows 11 quality and performance:

• Reduce unnecessary notifications and simplify the Settings experience.
• Streamline device setup on new PCs to require fewer reboots.
• Improve Windows Search for a more consistent experience across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.

“As part of this effort, we are evolving how Windows is built behind the scenes to raise the quality bar and deliver innovation where it matters most, shaped by the feedback we are hearing from you,” Davuluri said.