Microsoft finally fixes long-term Windows 11 issues

Microsoft debuted Windows 11 in 2021 with an updated look and feel to Windows 10, with a fresh lick of paint and a translucent design that still holds up in 2026, particularly given Apple's decision to implement its 'Liquid Glass' design language across all its types of devices.

However, Windows diehards were disappointed to see that Windows 11 took away some tools that allowed users to tinker with the taskbar and Start menu in previous Windows versions 10 and 8, leaving the latest Windows operating system with a clunkier, less personalised feel.

Given just how much one has to interact with the taskbar and Start menu in Windows, this has always felt like a regression. That could be why Microsoft has - finally - announced it is bringing back ways to customise these much used tools in Windows 11.

This includes allowing users to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen, which Microsoft's Diego Baca said in a blog post was "one of the most requested features" from users.

"Start and taskbar are some of the most visible and frequently used experiences in Windows, so we are focused on improving their quality and giving you more flexibility to personalize them to meet your needs," Baca said.

As well as the position of the taskbar on any edge of your screen, you'll also be able to choose the icon alignment for every taskbar position; for example, top-aligned or centred when the taskbar is on the left or right, and left-aligned or centered when the taskbar is on the top or bottom.

"For people who value vertical screen space, like developers who want to see more of their code at once, moving the taskbar to the side can help reclaim precious room on the screen," Baca said.

"If accessibility or ergonomics make the top of the screen easier to reach, you can place the taskbar there. If you rely on the taskbar to keep track of your work, a vertical layout with ungrouped icons can help you stay organized. The choice is yours."

These changes are rolling out to Windows 11 users who are signed up to the Windows Insider Preview track, which sends out software updates with new features to test before Microsoft pushes them global to everyone.

If you install the update, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors

to change the taskbar settings.

Despite this upgrade, Microsoft said the taskbar would not auto-hide in every position yet, and touch gestures and search boxes are still works in progress for full support.

But you will be able to make the taskbar a little smaller, an option you may want to use if you are using a particularly small screen.

Meanwhile, changes to the Start menu include easier ways to toggle off sections such as Recommended, Pinned or All, in an attempt to tidy up the now very busy software. Recommended is also being renamed to Recent, which makes far more sense, and Microsoft will keep recently installed apps visible in Start for long, and is promising to improve file relevancy, though doesn't say now.

You'll also be able to choose between Small or Large Start, which until now has always been automatically set depending on your display size. No more!

"These controls are designed to work together," Baca said. "If you want a Start menu with just your pinned apps, you can turn off Recommended and All. If you want a full Start that shows everything, you can leave it all on. The goal is simple: it is your choice, and it should be easy to make."

Windows insiders will see all these changes from updates in the Experimental channel "over the coming weeks".