Microsoft is testing a movable and resizable taskbar alongside a more configurable Start menu in Windows 11 [1].
These changes address some of the most persistent complaints from users since the operating system's launch. By restoring layout flexibility, Microsoft is responding to years of demand for personalization options that were present in previous Windows versions but absent at the start of the Windows 11 era [1, 2].
The new features arrived on May 18, 2026 [1], appearing first for users in the Insider "Experimental" channel. Specifically, the updates are available starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8493 [3]. This build allows users to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen, a feature that has been among the most requested since the software launched [1].
While the taskbar is now movable, the process differs from previous iterations of the OS. In Windows 10, users could simply drag the taskbar from edge to edge, but moving it in Windows 11 requires a trip to Settings [4]. Additionally, Microsoft is testing per-monitor taskbar positioning, which would allow the bar to be placed in different locations on each connected screen [2].
Beyond the taskbar, the company is refining the Start menu. The goal is to provide a more configurable experience that reduces the amount of unwanted recommended content [1, 2]. This move aims to give users more direct control over their workspace, and reduce visual clutter.
"Microsoft has finally brought back the resizable taskbar and Start menu to Windows 11 in the latest preview version rolling out to Insiders in the Experimental channel," the BleepingComputer editorial team said [2].
“The ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen has been one of the most requested features since Windows 11 launched.”
This update signals a shift in Microsoft's design philosophy for Windows 11, moving away from a rigid, centralized interface toward a more user-centric model. By reintegrating legacy customization tools, Microsoft is acknowledging that power users and professional workflows often require non-standard screen layouts to maximize productivity.
