- Windows 11 users could get the ability to move the taskbar
- This has been a much-wanted feature for a long time now, as it’s always been possible to do this in Windows 10
- If it happens, this is likely to come in with the big 26H2 update towards the end of the year
Rumor has it that Microsoft is finally planning to give Windows 11 users the ability to move the taskbar.
Windows Central claims to have got word from its sources that Microsoft is going to change the taskbar so it isn’t anchored to its default position at the foot of the desktop.
You’ll be able to move the taskbar to the top of the screen, or have it running vertically at either side of the desktop, which is functionality that a lot of people have been desperately wanting for a long time now.
How long? Ever since Windows 11 first came out, when folks were mystified that this functionality did not make the cut to be brought over from Windows 10 (where you could, and still can, have the taskbar in any orientation that takes your fancy).
Along with the ability to reposition, the sources Windows Central spoke to also believe that Microsoft will offer an option to resize the taskbar. If you don’t want the bar running the full width (or height) of the screen – whichever side of the display it might be on – you’ll be able to shorten it.
This would be a very welcome addition in terms of interface customization for Windows 11, but for now, it remains a rumor.
We’re told that work has started on this taskbar revamp, and that the new bar should be revealed “over the summer”, or that’s the intended timeframe for Microsoft. This is looking like functionality that’ll be introduced with the 26H2 update, and could be revealed around the middle of the year.
Analysis: the serious task of making Windows 11 better
Why is Microsoft apparently doing this now? You could argue that it was on the ‘to-do’ list anyway, as there’s a bunch of interface-related stuff that didn’t get ported over from Windows 10, like this, which has been actioned in recent history (such as the ‘never combine’ option with apps on the taskbar).
However, I always had the feeling that moving the taskbar was something that would never happen with Windows 11, and that it was a feature that was being indefinitely delayed. But Microsoft is under a lot of pressure to make Windows 11 better now, and it appears this is an expansion of a recently announced package of measures to appease those who are fed up with various decisions around the desktop OS. Namely, pushing too much in the way of AI features and not fixing the basics of Windows 11.
Those fundamental reparations include addressing sluggish performance in certain areas of the interface, along with stemming the flow of bugs – which has been getting well out of hand again – and adding back basic features that were stripped away, like moving the taskbar.
Apparently, this taskbar functionality is being made a high priority for the Windows team, which is again another sign that Microsoft isn’t messing around here. It would seem that 2026 is the year of trying to recover the reputation of Windows 11, and that’s great to see. Or rather, the results will be great to see – hopefully – assuming Microsoft delivers.
I don’t think the company can fail to deliver, though, if it wants to build back trust in Windows 11. As I’ve discussed before, I think this is vital because of AI – and those AI agents Microsoft wants you to use when they go live within the OS. Because no one will use these agents if they’re afraid that the AI creations are somehow going to misfire and act up.
The best laptops for all budgets
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course, you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
