Microsoft may finally be giving Windows 11 users one of the most requested customization features ever. A new leak tied to Windows 11 Build 26300.8493 reveals hidden support for both movable taskbar positions and a smaller taskbar mode.
The features do not appear to be officially enabled yet, but users have already discovered working ViveTool IDs that unlock them manually.
For longtime Windows users frustrated by Windows 11’s limited taskbar customization, this is a massive development.
Windows 11 Could Finally Bring Back Taskbar Freedom
Since the launch of Windows 11, one of the biggest complaints has been the inability to move the taskbar to different sides of the screen.
Unlike previous Windows versions, Microsoft locked the taskbar to the bottom edge only, removing:
- Top taskbar placement
- Left-side taskbar
- Right-side taskbar
- Compact taskbar modes
Now, Build 26300.8493 appears to quietly reintroduce some of those missing capabilities.
New Hidden Feature Lets Users Move the Taskbar
According to early testing, users can enable experimental taskbar positioning with the following ViveTool command:
vivetool /enable /id:59213768Once enabled, Windows 11 reportedly exposes new taskbar placement options internally.
While the feature still looks unfinished, this is the clearest sign yet that Microsoft is actively working on restoring movable taskbars.
Smaller Taskbar Mode Also Spotted
Another hidden feature ID enables a compact taskbar layout:
vivetool /enable /id:61090762The smaller taskbar mode appears designed to:
- Reduce taskbar height
- Shrink app icons
- Free up screen space
- Improve usability on smaller displays
Compact taskbars were especially popular among power users and laptop owners on older Windows versions.
Features Are Still Hidden in Build 26300.8493
At the moment, neither feature appears enabled by default in the latest internal builds.
That means:
- Microsoft is still testing functionality
- UI elements may be incomplete
- Bugs are likely present
- Wider rollout could still take time
Because these are hidden experimental features, users will need ViveTool to manually activate them.
Why This Matters for Windows 11 Users
Taskbar customization has been one of the biggest criticisms of Windows 11 since launch.
Microsoft removed several classic features in the transition from Windows 10, leading many users to rely on third-party utilities just to restore older functionality.
The return of:
- Movable taskbars
- Smaller taskbar modes
- Additional layout flexibility
could finally address years of user feedback.
Microsoft May Be Listening to Power Users Again
Over the past year, Microsoft has slowly restored several removed Windows features after community backlash.
This latest discovery suggests the company may finally be prioritizing desktop customization again — something enthusiasts and productivity-focused users have repeatedly requested.
If these features eventually ship publicly, they could become some of the most appreciated Windows 11 improvements yet.
How to Enable the Hidden Features
Users testing Build 26300.8493 can try the following commands:
Enable Movable Taskbar
vivetool /enable /id:59213768Enable Smaller Taskbar
vivetool /enable /id:61090762As always, hidden Windows features may be unstable and could change before public release.
Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 and keep reading our full coverage here.
Please follow us on our Facebook page and X account for all latest and breaking Windows and Microsoft related news.
