Windows 11’s Taskbar and Start Menu Receive Enhancements and Refinements

Windows 11’s Taskbar and Start Menu Receive Enhancements and Refinements Microsoft is continuously refining and improving Windows 11 to enhance user experience. As part of this ongoing effort, the taskbar and Start menu are receiving a series of tweaks and improvements. Taskbar Enhancements * Animated icons: System tray icons such as Network and Sound will now display small animations when certain actions occur, such as when the network connection changes or the volume is adjusted. * Improved taskbar overflow: When the taskbar reaches maximum capacity, overflowed icons will now be displayed in a vertical popup menu rather than a horizontal overflow area. This improves visibility and accessibility. * Centered taskbar icons: Microsoft is exploring the option to center taskbar icons by default, giving the taskbar a more modern and symmetrical appearance. This feature is currently available as an experimental setting. Start Menu Improvements * New search filter options: The Start menu search bar now includes additional filter options to refine search results. Users can easily filter results by file type (e.g., documents, images, videos) or by app type (e.g., Microsoft Store apps, traditional desktop programs). * Improved pinned apps organization: Pinned apps in the Start menu can now be rearranged and grouped more easily. Users can drag and drop apps to create custom folders or submenus. * Suggested actions: Microsoft is exploring the integration of suggested actions into the Start menu. These actions will provide quick access to common tasks based on past usage and context. Additional Changes * Taskbar drag and drop: Users will soon be able to drag and drop files or folders onto the taskbar for quick access. * Improved context menus: Context menus on the taskbar and Start menu have been redesigned for clarity and ease of use. These enhancements and improvements are expected to be part of the upcoming Windows 11 update, which is scheduled for release later in 2023. Microsoft is committed to listening to user feedback and continuing to improve the Windows 11 experience.Pinning apps to the taskbar from the Start menu has grown more convenient in Windows 11. While it was previously possible to pin apps from the “All Apps” list, it wasn’t supported for the pinned section. However, with the latest Windows 11 preview builds (starting with build 22635.3785), Microsoft has added the ability to drag and pin apps directly from the Start menu’s pinned list to the taskbar.Pinning apps to the taskbar from the Start menu has grown more convenient in Windows 11. While it was previously possible to pin apps from the “All Apps” list, it wasn’t supported for the pinned section. However, with the latest Windows 11 preview builds (starting with build 22635.3785), Microsoft has added the ability to drag and pin apps directly from the Start menu’s pinned list to the taskbar. Additionally, Microsoft has improved the “All Apps” list in build 22635.3785 by providing support for folders, which can be expanded or collapsed just like tile folders in Windows 10. Microsoft is also planning to enhance taskbar customization, with hidden settings discovered in recent Canary builds for toggling the notification bell icon and switching to a shortened date format on the tray clock. These options are currently inactive, but may become functional in future releases.Microsoft Announces Updates to Windows 11 Taskbar and Start Menu Microsoft has announced a series of updates for the taskbar and Start menu in Windows 11. The changes aim to improve the user experience and address feedback from users. Taskbar * App launch bar: The taskbar can now be customized to include a row of frequently used apps, providing quick access to them. * Improved context menus: Right-clicking on apps or the desktop will now provide more relevant options and shortcuts. * New weather widget: A dedicated weather widget is now available on the taskbar, showing real-time weather information. Start Menu * Pinned app list: The pinned app list is now more customizable, allowing users to rearrange and resize apps to suit their preferences. * App groups and folders: Users can now create groups and folders within the Start menu to organize their apps and programs. * Suggested sections: Personalized recommendations and suggestions for apps and documents will now appear in dedicated sections within the Start menu. Other Improvements * Improved drag-and-drop: It is now easier to drag-and-drop files and folders between the taskbar, Start menu, and other windows. * Task grouping: The taskbar can now automatically group similar apps and windows together, making it easier to find and switch between them. * Improved window management: New snap layouts and improvements to the “hover-over” feature make multitasking more efficient. Availability The updates are expected to be released as part of a Windows 11 update in the coming months. Microsoft has not yet provided a specific timeline for their availability.