Microsoft is reportedly planning to address one of the most frequent criticisms leveled at Windows 11: the locked taskbar. According to a fresh report, the company is working to allow users to position and resize the taskbar on all edges of the screen.
Microsoft is planning to bring back a feature familiar to Windows users for decades – a freely positionable taskbar. Microsoft intends to allow users to dock the taskbar not only at the bottom or left side of the screen, but also at the top or right, according to Windows Central, citing internal sources.
The Windows team is also reportedly working to restore the ability to adjust the taskbar’s size – a standard feature in Windows 10. This would grant users more control over how much screen space the taskbar occupies. The Windows 11 Start Menu has also recently undergone revisions.
When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft rebuilt the taskbar from the ground up. This overhaul resulted in the removal of several functions, including free positioning. The decision has been regularly criticized since then. At the time, Microsoft argued that certain customizations were difficult to implement with the new architecture, and that additional options could negatively impact the user experience. This move signals a potential shift in Microsoft’s approach to user customization.
Further Windows Customizations Planned
This apparent about-face comes as a welcome surprise for many users. According to the sources, development is already underway and, barring any changes to the plans, is expected to be unveiled this summer. The project is reportedly a high priority within the Windows team.
The taskbar changes are part of a larger package of improvements. Microsoft appears to be responding to criticism of Windows 11’s reputation. In addition to concerns about the integration of AI features and the close ties to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, performance issues and weaknesses in File Explorer are also key areas of focus. Improvements are also expected in these areas. Microsoft has not yet commented on the reports.
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