Microsoft is Making Taskbar and Start more personal in Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out fresh customization options for the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar. These updates give users more control to tailor the workspace.
You can personalize your Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu by navigating to Settings Personalization In Taskbar settings, you can adjust the taskbar ’s position, icon alignment, and choose a smaller taskbar size. The Start menu allows for more control over its layout and pinned apps.
Making the Taskbar More Personal
The taskbar sits at the bottom of the screen by default, housing open apps and quick shortcuts. Microsoft wants users to have more say in how this utility looks and functions.
Taskbar Positions
Taskbar placement is no longer locked to the bottom edge. Users can now relocate the Windows 11 taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the display, matching individual workflow preferences.
Starting now, users can:
- Put the taskbar on the top, bottom, left, or right side of your screen. (See Figure 1).
- Choose how icons line up on the taskbar . When the taskbar is on the left or right, icons can be on the top or in the center. When the taskbar is on the top or bottom, icons can be on the left or in the center.
- Have Start, Search, and other menus open near the taskbar . For example, if the taskbar is at the top, the Start menu will open from the top. (See Figure 2).
- See every window clearly. If you have the taskbar on the side and choose “Never combine” for taskbar buttons, each app window will show up as its own button. This makes it easier to find and switch between apps. (See Figure 3).
Moving the Windows 11 taskbar to the side offers more screen space for code. Placing it at the top can improve ergonomic comfort. A side taskbar with separate buttons for each app window helps users track multiple tasks and stay organized.
To reposition the taskbar, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. New configuration controls for placement and icon alignment live inside this menu.
Microsoft continues refining these features for better appearance and performance. A few features are still in development and will arrive in a later update:
- The taskbar automatically hiding and how it works with touch screens are not ready for these new positions.
- Touch gestures for these new positions are still being worked on.
- Search boxes are not ready for these new positions. For now, you will see a search icon instead.
Microsoft is also exploring other possibilities, like enabling different taskbar positions across multiple monitors and allowing drag-and-drop actions on the taskbar. Ensuring core stability remains the primary focus before wider rollout.
Smaller Taskbar
Bulky elements can clutter smaller displays. Shrinking the Windows 11 taskbar scales down both the icons and the taskbar height, freeing up valuable screen real estate for active programs.
This update allows users to choose a compact taskbar footprint. The adjustment applies immediately without requiring a system restart.
Testers enrolled in the Windows Insider program can trial this capability today. To shrink the taskbar, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Show smaller taskbar buttons. Selecting "Always" scales down both the icons and the taskbar height.
Putting You in Control of Start
Personal workflows vary wildly between individuals. Some prefer a minimalist launchpad featuring only pinned programs, while others rely on immediate visibility for recent files. Microsoft is updating the interface to accommodate these different habits.
More Control Over Your Layout
Tailoring the Windows 11 Start menu helps reduce visual noise. Users can hide recommended sections and unpin unwanted applications to build a cleaner launcher.
Microsoft is streamlining this process. Soon, users will be able to:
- Independently show or hide sections like Pinned apps, Recommended items, and All apps. There will be one simple setting for each section.
- Have a separate setting for file recommendations. Right now, turning off "Recommended" in Start also turns off recent files in other places like File Explorer. With this change, you can stop seeing file recommendations in Start without affecting recent files elsewhere.
- Choose the size of your Start menu. You can pick Small or Large. This will help your Start menu look the same size on different screens.
- Hide your name and profile picture in Start. This is good for privacy when you are sharing your screen or streaming.
Windows 11 Start menu settings work together. To show only pinned apps, disable "Recommended" and "All apps" features. To see all apps, keep all features turned on. This approach gives users a flexible way to set up the Start menu for specific needs.
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Summary
Microsoft is adding new personalization options for the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu, letting users move the taskbar anywhere, choose its size, and better control what appears in the Start menu.
What is the default position of the taskbar in 🪟 Windows 11?
Note: Where does the taskbar normally appear in Windows 11? In Windows 11, the taskbar usually sits in the center of the screen. If preferred aligned to the left, check out the 'Change the taskbar alignment' guide.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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