Microsoft is finally bringing the movable taskbar to Windows 11 - here's who can try it now

2026-05-18 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Operating System Features · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Microsoft is rolling out significant updates to Windows 11 insiders, reintroducing the ability to move the taskbar to any screen edge (top, bottom, left, or right), a feature previously available in Windows 10. This change is part of the latest experimental build and aims to improve screen space utilization, particularly for developers, and enhance accessibility. Alongside taskbar repositioning, users will gain more control over Start button alignment and taskbar icon behavior, including a "Show smaller taskbar buttons" option. Additionally, four key tweaks are coming to the Start menu, allowing users to independently show/hide Pinned and Recommended sections, disable file recommendations without affecting other areas, manually set Start menu size, and hide their name/profile picture for privacy. These updates are currently in the Experimental channel and are expected to reach the general public within several months to a year.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals and power users evaluating Windows 11 deployments, these upcoming taskbar and Start menu customizations address long-standing usability complaints. You should consider joining the Windows Insider Program's Experimental channel to test these features, especially if screen real estate optimization or enhanced privacy for presentations are critical. This signals Microsoft's renewed focus on core OS functionality, potentially making Windows 11 a more viable upgrade for those prioritizing desktop flexibility.

Key insights

Windows 11 is regaining taskbar flexibility and Start menu customization, addressing user feedback for improved usability.

Principles

• User feedback drives feature reintroduction.
• Customization enhances user productivity.
• Accessibility considerations improve OS design.

Method

Install the latest Experimental Windows 11 Insider build, then right-click the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and adjust "Taskbar behaviors" for position and size.

In practice

• Move taskbar to side for more vertical screen space.
• Shrink taskbar buttons to maximize display area.
• Hide Start menu profile for screen sharing privacy.

Topics

• Windows 11 Taskbar
• Movable Taskbar
• Windows Insider Program
• Start Menu Customization
• User Interface Enhancements

Best for: Tech Journalist, IT Professional, Software Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.