Microsoft is rolling out a fresh wave of personalization features for Windows 11, targeting two of its most used elements: the Taskbar and Start menu. The update, now available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, brings long-requested customization options that aim to improve both usability and flexibility.
The changes are part of Microsoft’s broader effort to improve Windows quality, with a focus on performance, reliability, and user experience. In a recent Windows Insider Blog post, Microsoft detailed how it is prioritizing user feedback to shape these updates.
Taskbar Finally Gets Flexible Positioning
One of the biggest highlights is the return of taskbar repositioning—a feature many users have been asking for since Windows 11 launched.
With this update, users can:
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Move the taskbar to the top, left, right, or bottom of the screen
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Adjust icon alignment depending on taskbar position
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See Start and system flyouts adapt dynamically to the new location
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Use vertical taskbars with ungrouped app labels for better multitasking
This is especially useful for developers and power users who want more vertical screen space or prefer alternative layouts for productivity. Microsoft says the goal is to make the taskbar feel more like a customizable workspace rather than a fixed UI element.
However, there are still a few limitations. Features like auto-hide, touch gestures, and search boxes are not fully supported in alternate taskbar positions yet.
Smaller Taskbar Option Arrives
Microsoft is also addressing complaints about the taskbar taking up too much space—particularly on smaller displays.
A new “smaller taskbar” setting reduces both the height of the taskbar and the size of icons. This gives users more usable screen real estate without requiring a restart or sign-out.
The feature can be enabled via:
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
Start Menu Gets Long-Overdue Controls
The Start menu is also getting a major overhaul focused on simplicity and control.
New customization options include:
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Toggle visibility for Pinned, Recommended (now “Recent”), and All sections
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Disable file recommendations without affecting File Explorer history
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Choose between small and large Start menu layouts
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Hide profile name and picture for privacy
These changes make it much easier to tailor the Start menu experience without digging through multiple settings menus.
Smarter Recommendations in Start
Microsoft is also refining how content appears in the Start menu.
The “Recommended” section is being renamed to “Recent,” with improvements to:
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File relevance and ordering
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Visibility of recently installed apps
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Overall accuracy of suggestions
This aims to reduce clutter while still helping users quickly access important files and apps.
Rolling Out Now to Insiders
All of these features are rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with some already available in the latest builds.
Microsoft notes that this is still an early phase, with additional improvements—like per-monitor taskbar positioning and drag-and-drop enhancements—currently under evaluation.
As always, Insider feedback will play a key role in shaping the final experience before these features make their way to the general public.
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