Microsoft is finally bringing two of the most requested taskbar features to Windows 11. New preview builds now let users move the taskbar to any edge of the screen and enable a smaller taskbar mode, addressing long-standing complaints about Windows 11’s limited customization compared to Windows 10.
These improvements are currently rolling out to Windows Insider users and represent one of the biggest taskbar updates since Windows 11 launched.
Windows 11 Taskbar Can Finally Be Moved to Any Edge
One of the most requested Windows 11 features is finally arriving. Users can now position the taskbar on any side of the display instead of being locked to the bottom.
Supported positions include:
- Bottom (default)
- Top
- Left
- Right
To change the taskbar location:
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position
This gives users far greater flexibility, especially those with ultrawide monitors, vertical displays, or multi-monitor setups where a side-mounted taskbar can improve productivity.
Although the feature is functional, Microsoft notes that some capabilities are still being completed.
Currently supported
- Taskbar on all four screen edges
- Tooltips
- Taskbar flyouts
- Animations
- Small taskbar mode
- Never combine taskbar icons
- Most existing taskbar customization settings
Still in development
- Touch gestures
- Search box support
- Ask Copilot integration
- Auto-hide taskbar in alternate positions
- Touch-optimized taskbar
This means users can already enjoy the new layouts, while additional refinements will arrive in future Insider builds.
Windows 11 Introduces a Smaller Taskbar Option
      Side-by-side comparison of the standard and smaller taskbar heights on the same device and                     resolution, showing the additional screen space gained.
Microsoft is also adding a brand-new Smaller Taskbar mode designed for users who want to maximize available screen space.
Unlike simply shrinking icons, the new option reduces both:
- Taskbar height
- Taskbar button size
Core UI elements such as:
- Start
- Search
- System tray
automatically scale to maintain a consistent appearance.
This feature is especially useful for:
- Smaller laptops
- Tablets with keyboard
- Compact displays
- Users who prefer a cleaner desktop
To enable it, navigate to:
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Show smaller taskbar buttons
Set the option to Always to activate the compact layout.
More Taskbar Improvements Are Coming
Microsoft says it is also redesigning taskbar settings to make resizing and customization easier in future Windows Insider releases.
The company is actively collecting feedback before these changes become widely available in stable Windows 11 builds.
Users can submit suggestions through:
Feedback Hub (WIN + F) → Desktop Environment → Taskbar
A Big Win for Windows 11 Customization
Since Windows 11 debuted, taskbar customization has been one of the operating system’s biggest pain points. Features like moving the taskbar to the top or sides were available in Windows 10 but disappeared with Windows 11’s redesigned taskbar architecture.
Microsoft is now steadily restoring those capabilities while modernizing the overall experience.
The addition of alternate taskbar positions and a compact taskbar mode gives users more control over how Windows fits their workflow, especially on ultrawide monitors and smaller laptops. With more customization options still under development, Windows 11’s taskbar is becoming significantly more flexible than it has been since the operating system launched.
Final Thoughts
These new taskbar improvements are among the most meaningful usability updates Microsoft has introduced for Windows 11 in recent months. The ability to move the taskbar to any screen edge and reduce its size addresses two of the community’s most requested features.
While some functionality—such as Search, Copilot, auto-hide, and touch gestures in alternate positions—is still being completed, the foundation is now in place for a far more customizable Windows desktop experience.
As Microsoft continues refining these features through the Windows Insider Program, users can expect even more taskbar enhancements before they eventually reach the stable release of Windows 11.
Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 update related news and keep reading our full coverage here.
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