Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu customization to Insiders

Microsoft is introducing significant new customization options for Windows 11, allowing users to reposition the taskbar and adjust the size and layout of the Start menu. These features are now rolling out to participants in the Windows Insider program’s Experimental channel.

The update enables users to move the taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right side of the screen, a functionality that was available in Windows 10 but absent since Windows 11 launched in 2021. For each position, users can choose icon alignment options, such as top-aligned or centered for side taskbars. Start, Search, and other menus will open relative to the taskbar's new location. A new compact taskbar option is also available, reducing the height of the bar and its icons to reclaim screen space, particularly useful for smaller devices.

Concurrently, Microsoft is rolling out enhanced controls for the Start menu over the coming weeks. Users will be able to select a Small or Large size for the menu and use new section-level toggles to independently show or hide the Pinned, Recommended, and All sections. This allows for a streamlined interface, such as a Start menu displaying only pinned applications. A...