Microsoft Tests Adjustable Taskbar and Customizable Start Menu for Windows 11
Microsoft is testing significant interface customization features for Windows 11 within its Experimental Insider channel. Addressing long-standing user feedback, the update restores the ability to position the taskbar on any screen edge and introduces resizable options. The Start menu receives enhancements including adjustable sizes, section visibility toggles, and a renaming of "Recommended" to "Recent." Additional privacy controls allow users to hide profile details during screen sharing. These changes aim to improve personalization and usability, with a gradual rollout to insiders for feedback before a potential wider public release.
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Microsoft Lets Insiders Customize Windows 11 Start Menu Size and Taskbar Position
Microsoft has begun testing new customization features for Windows 11, specifically targeting the Start menu and taskbar, available to users in the Windows Insider Experimental channel. Addressing user feedback regarding the Start menu's increased size following a previous update, the company now allows users to select between Small and Large menu sizes. This setting remains consistent across multiple displays. Additionally, users gain granular control over menu content through section-level toggles for Pinned, Recommended, and All apps, enabling a simplified interface. New privacy features include the ability to hide the user's name and profile picture within the Start menu, useful for screen sharing scenarios. The update also introduces significant taskbar flexibility, permitting placement on any screen edge—top, bottom, left, or right. Icon alignment options vary based on taskbar position, offering centered or side-aligned choices. These experimental features aim to enhance personalization and usability before a potential wider public release. Windows Insiders can access these builds by registering with a Microsoft account and providing feedback to help refine the features.
Engadget - Technology News & Expert ReviewsMicrosoft Lets Insiders Customize Windows 11 Start Menu Size and Taskbar Position
Microsoft has begun testing new customization features for Windows 11, specifically targeting the Start menu and taskbar, available to users in the Windows Insider Experimental channel. Addressing user feedback regarding the Start menu's increased size, the update introduces options to select between Small and Large menu versions. Users can also utilize section-level toggles to show or hide specific parts of the menu, such as Pinned apps, Recommended items, and All apps, allowing for a simplified interface. Additional privacy controls enable users to hide their name and profile picture within the Start menu, which is beneficial for screen sharing scenarios. Furthermore, the update restores the ability to position the taskbar on any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. Depending on the taskbar's position, users can choose between centered or aligned icon arrangements. These features are being rolled out gradually to Insiders, who can provide feedback to Microsoft before a wider public release. This move signifies Microsoft's responsiveness to long-standing user requests for greater desktop personalization and flexibility in the Windows 11 environment.
Engadget - Technology News & Expert ReviewsMicrosoft Tests Movable Taskbar and Flexible Start Menu for Windows 11
Microsoft is currently testing a significant interface update for Windows 11 within its Experimental Insider channel, addressing long-standing user complaints regarding limited customization. The most notable change is the return of a movable taskbar, allowing users to position it at the top, bottom, or vertically along the sides of the screen, reversing the rigid design introduced in earlier Windows 11 versions. Additionally, the update introduces variable taskbar sizes, including a compact mode suitable for smaller devices. The Start menu is also receiving flexibility enhancements, enabling users to resize it and toggle between different layouts. Microsoft is refining the menu's content controls, allowing users to customize visible sections such as pinned apps and recommendations. Notably, the vague "Recommended" section is being renamed to "Recent" for better clarity. Privacy improvements include options to hide profile photos and account names during screen sharing. These changes signal Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback about personalization, with the updates expected to roll out to testers in the coming weeks.
Digital TrendsMicrosoft Tests Movable Taskbar and Flexible Start Menu for Windows 11
Microsoft is currently testing a significant interface update for Windows 11 within its Experimental Insider channel, addressing long-standing user complaints regarding limited customization. The most notable change is the return of a movable taskbar, allowing users to position it at the top, bottom, or vertically along the sides of the screen, reversing the rigid design introduced in Windows 11. Additionally, the update introduces variable taskbar sizes, including a compact mode suitable for smaller devices. The Start menu is also receiving enhancements, such as resizable layouts and improved control over visible sections like pinned apps and recommendations. In a move towards clarity, the "Recommended" section is being renamed "Recent" to better reflect its function of displaying recently used files and new installations. Privacy improvements include options to hide user profile photos and account names from the Start menu, aiding discretion during screen sharing. These changes signal Microsoft's responsiveness to feedback about Windows 11's restrictive interface, aiming to restore personalization options familiar to longtime Windows users. The updates are expected to roll out to testers in the coming weeks.
Digital TrendsWindows 11 Tests Adjustable Taskbar Positions and Resizable Start Menu
Microsoft has begun testing significant interface customization features for Windows 11, specifically targeting users in the Experimental Insider channel. The update introduces the ability to reposition the taskbar to any side of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right—marking a return to flexibility seen in earlier Windows versions. Additionally, users can now select a smaller taskbar size, which is particularly beneficial for devices with limited screen real estate. The Start menu is also receiving notable adjustments, including options to toggle the visibility of Pinned, Recommended, and All sections. Microsoft is renaming the Recommended section to Recent to better reflect its content, such as recently installed apps and files. Furthermore, users can hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu, a feature designed to enhance privacy during screen sharing or presentations. These changes are part of Microsoft's broader strategy to rebuild user trust by delivering steady, visible improvements to core operating system components. The features are expected to roll out over the coming weeks, allowing insiders to test and provide feedback on these personalization options before a wider public release.
The Verge