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Microsoft Heard Your Complaints, May Let You Move the Taskbar Again

After a Microsoft exec promised 'to improve Windows in ways that are meaningful for people,' Redmond is reportedly fast-tracking a way to re-position the taskbar.

 & James Peckham Reporter

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Microsoft recently announced plans to improve Windows 11 following a series of problems with the operating system. Part of that push may be introducing more ways to configure the taskbar, an option many users have asked for since the operating system's launch.

According to Windows Central, citing anonymous sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans, the brand aims to fast-track development of a movable taskbar and release the feature this summer.

Windows 10 allowed people to drag the taskbar to the side of the screen and position it vertically, but that was removed in Windows 11 for unknown reasons. Sources speaking with Windows Central say the update will let you move the taskbar from the bottom of your display to the top, left, or right sides.

Sources also say Microsoft wants to let users adjust the size of the taskbar on their screen. That sounds like it may let you shorten the bar's height. Windows 11 already lets you resize the taskbar to fit two rows of apps, but it doesn't let you shrink it.

Last month, Microsoft's PowerToys development team said it was playing around with a new feature that adds a "Command Palette Dock" to the top of the Windows 11 desktop with PowerToys shortcuts, media controls, and more, making it easier to access than going through the Quick Settings menu.

This all comes after Microsoft’s president of Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, recently said that the brand wants to spend this year addressing customer complaints. "We need to improve Windows in ways that are meaningful for people," he said, with a focus on “improving system performance, reliability, and the overall experience of Windows.”

About Our Expert

James Peckham

James Peckham

Reporter

I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.

I’ve worked at TechRadar, Android Police, T3, and more, where I broke many tech stories you may have read, including the return of the Motorola Razr when it first became a foldable phone. Based near London, I’ve appeared on BBC News, Al Jazeera, and other TV networks, podcasts, and radio shows as an expert on the latest tech stories and trends.

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