After nearly five years of complaints from power users, Microsoft is finally bringing back some of the most requested taskbar features to Windows 11 with the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update.
When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft redesigned the taskbar from scratch. While the cleaner centered interface looked modern, it also removed several advanced customization options that longtime Windows users relied on every day.
Now, according to new Windows 11 preview discoveries, Microsoft appears to be reversing course by restoring many of those missing features in Windows 11 25H2.
Windows 11 25H2 Could Finally Bring Back the Taskbar Users Loved
The upcoming update is expected to reintroduce several highly requested capabilities, including:
- Movable taskbar support
- Vertical taskbar layouts
- Top taskbar positioning
- Proper small taskbar mode
- Improved “Never combine” functionality
- Better Start menu alignment
- Cleaner multitasking workflows
- Improved ergonomics for ultrawide displays
For years, power users criticized Microsoft for removing these options from Windows 11 despite them existing for decades in previous Windows versions.
The backlash became especially strong among productivity-focused users who depend on customized desktop layouts for multitasking, development work, editing, and ultrawide monitor setups.
Microsoft Removed These Features in 2021
When Microsoft introduced Windows 11, the company explained that rebuilding the taskbar experience required simplifying older functionality. At the time, Microsoft claimed some legacy features would “disrupt the experience.”
Instead, the removal created frustration across the Windows community.
Users quickly noticed missing features like:
- Drag-and-drop limitations
- Inability to move the taskbar
- Lack of vertical taskbar support
- Reduced customization options
- Less efficient multitasking layouts
Many users even avoided upgrading from Windows 10 because of these missing productivity features.
Vertical Taskbar Support Looks Surprisingly Good
One of the most exciting additions appears to be the return of the vertical taskbar.
On ultrawide monitors especially, a vertical taskbar can dramatically improve workspace efficiency by freeing up valuable vertical screen space while making app switching easier.
Early previews suggest the new implementation looks cleaner and more modern than older Windows versions while still keeping the flexibility power users want.
For users with large monitors, multi-monitor setups, or productivity-heavy workflows, this could become one of the best Windows 11 improvements yet.
Small Taskbar Mode Is Also Making a Comeback
Another major addition is the return of a proper small taskbar mode.
Windows 11’s current taskbar design often feels oversized compared to Windows 10, especially on laptops and compact displays. A smaller taskbar option will help users maximize usable screen space while keeping the desktop cleaner and less cluttered.
Combined with movable and vertical layouts, the update could significantly improve daily usability.
Windows 11 Is Slowly Becoming More User-Friendly Again
Over the past two years, Microsoft has gradually restored several removed Windows features after community feedback.
The return of taskbar customization in Windows 11 25H2 suggests Microsoft is finally listening to longtime Windows users who prioritize flexibility and productivity over minimal design restrictions.
While the features are still hidden in preview builds for some users, the direction is clear: Windows 11 is becoming far more customizable again.
For many users, this may finally remove one of the biggest reasons they stayed on Windows 10.
Could This Be the Best Windows 11 Update Yet?
If Microsoft fully ships movable taskbars, vertical layouts, and improved multitasking support in Windows 11 25H2, it could become one of the most important quality-of-life upgrades since Windows 11 launched.
And honestly, the vertical taskbar setup looks surprisingly clean — especially on ultrawide monitors and productivity-focused desktops.
The real question now is:
Would you switch back to a vertical taskbar layout once Windows 11 25H2 arrives?
Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 and keep reading our full coverage here.
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