Microsoft is testing major customization updates for Windows 11, including the return of a movable taskbar and improved Start menu controls. The new features are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel.
Since the launch of Windows 11, many users have criticized the operating system for limiting personalization features that were available in earlier Windows versions. One of the biggest complaints was the inability to move the taskbar freely around the screen.
Now, Microsoft appears ready to respond to years of user feedback with a series of new customization options.
Windows 11 Taskbar Can Soon Move Again
According to the latest Insider test builds, Microsoft is experimenting with a movable taskbar that can be repositioned to the top, left, or right side of the screen instead of remaining fixed at the bottom.
For longtime Windows users, this marks a major shift. Previous versions of Windows allowed flexible taskbar placement, but Windows 11 introduced a more rigid design focused on a cleaner and modern interface.
Microsoft is also testing different taskbar sizes, including a compact version aimed at laptops and tablets with smaller displays. The smaller taskbar could help users maximize screen space while maintaining quick access to apps and shortcuts.
Start Menu Gets More Personalization Features
The Start menu is also receiving several important improvements. Users will reportedly be able to resize the Start menu and switch between larger or smaller layouts depending on personal preference.
In addition, Microsoft is refining parts of the Start menu that many users considered cluttered. New settings will allow users to choose which sections appear, including pinned apps, app lists, and recently opened files.
One notable change is the renaming of the “Recommended” section to “Recent.” The updated name better reflects the section’s actual purpose, which mainly displays recently used files and newly installed apps.
Microsoft Focuses on User Feedback
The update also introduces privacy-focused options, including the ability to hide account names and profile photos from the Start menu during presentations or screen sharing.
Microsoft said these features will gradually become available to Insider testers over the coming weeks. The company’s latest move suggests it is taking user criticism more seriously and recognizing that the Start menu and taskbar remain central parts of the Windows experience.