Windows 11 is once again leveling up its user experience with new features being tested in the latest Insider Preview builds. As a Windows enthusiast, I always look forward to these updates, and this one has caught my attention for some very practical reasons. The big news? Microsoft is introducing resizable taskbar icons, along with a fresh look for the Start menu—features that could make managing your workspace much more efficient.
Resizable Taskbar Icons: A Touch of macOS
If you've ever used macOS, you’re probably familiar with how the Dock shrinks icons as you open more apps. Microsoft’s new taskbar behavior feels similar but adds an important twist. In the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview, you can now customize taskbar icon sizes. By navigating to Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors, you’ll see three options under “Show smaller taskbar buttons”:
- Always: Icons are smaller by default.
- Never: Icons retain their usual size.
When taskbar is full: This is the best of both worlds, allowing icons to shrink only when your taskbar is packed with open apps.
This feature is perfect for those who juggle multiple applications at once, preventing the taskbar from getting cluttered or having icons hidden in a secondary menu. I find it particularly useful when I'm working on several projects and need a cleaner, more organized workspace.
New Start Menu Layout and Customization
Along with the taskbar updates, Microsoft has revamped the Start menu layout. The updated design gives you more control over what you see and how you interact with your apps. The key improvements include:
- A larger layout, which provides more space for your pinned apps.
- The ability to hide recommended apps in the "Recent Apps" section, streamlining the menu for faster access to your frequently used programs.
- A new full app list view, so you can quickly find all your apps without scrolling through endless tiles.
This change is another step towards making Windows 11 more adaptable to individual workflows, and I’m excited to see how it impacts daily productivity. It’s clear that Microsoft is paying close attention to user feedback and making improvements where they count most.
What's Missing and What's Coming Next
One small downside to this Insider Build is that the new battery charge status icons, which were introduced earlier this year, may temporarily disappear. However, Microsoft has promised that these will return soon, so it’s just a minor hiccup in an otherwise solid update.
For those on the beta, these new features are available now, and it's always worth testing them out to see how they fit into your work routine. As always, I’ll be keeping an eye on how these updates evolve, and I’ll update this post with any further changes or features that roll out in the coming weeks.
The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build shows that Microsoft is making some thoughtful changes, particularly with the resizable taskbar icons and the new Start menu options. These updates don’t just add visual appeal; they aim to improve the overall functionality and efficiency of the system. If you’re part of the beta program, these tweaks are worth exploring—especially if you’re someone who often finds themselves multitasking across several apps.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates as I continue testing and exploring what’s new in Windows 11. The future of Windows is looking more customizable than ever, and these updates are just the beginning.
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