Five years later, Windows 11 brings back much-missed taskbar options (and more)

Since its debut in 2021, Windows 11 has captured attention with its sleek design, featuring rounded corners and translucent menus that mark a departure from the flat aesthetics of Windows 8 and 10. However, users have voiced their frustrations over the new taskbar and Start menu, which introduced several functional limitations compared to their predecessors. In response to this feedback, Microsoft has rolled out a new Windows Insider Preview build that aims to address these longstanding issues while also introducing fresh features. A key highlight of this update is the ability to dock the taskbar on any edge of the screen, whether it be left, right, top, or bottom. This flexibility, present in Windows 10 and earlier versions, was notably absent at Windows 11’s launch. Users will now have the option to customize taskbar behavior based on its position, allowing for different icon alignments and settings for labels and icon groupings. This personalized approach means that Windows can remember these preferences for each taskbar location. However, some features are still in the pipeline. Currently, the taskbar does not support auto-hide functionality in alternative positions, and the tablet-optimized taskbar—designed for larger touch-friendly icons and spacing—is not yet available. Additionally, touch gestures and the Search box remain unsupported at this stage. Microsoft has indicated that these features are on the horizon and is actively considering enhancements for multi-monitor setups, including unique taskbar positions for each display.