Windows 11 Tests Resizable Start Menu and Movable Taskbar
Key Takeaways
- Windows Insiders can now choose between Small and Large Start menu sizes
- The taskbar can be positioned on any screen edge with customizable icon alignment
- New toggles let users hide Recommended and All sections, showing only pinned apps
Microsoft is finally addressing one of Windows 11's most persistent complaints: the bloated Start menu. Starting today, Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel can choose between Small and Large versions of the menu. The setting syncs across displays, so your preference sticks whether you're on a laptop screen or an external monitor.
The timing makes sense. Windows Latest reported that the Start menu nearly doubled in size after a November update. Microsoft acknowledged the feedback at the time but offered no immediate fix. This test rollout is the company's response.
What's Actually Changing
The update brings three major customization features to Windows 11.
First, the size toggle. Users can pick Small or Large from Start menu settings. No more guessing based on display resolution or DPI settings. Your choice persists across all connected displays.
Second, section-level controls. New toggles let you show or hide three menu sections: Pinned, Recommended, and All. If you only want to see your pinned apps, switch off the other two. These toggles will roll out over the coming weeks.
Third, a separate file recommendations control. Previously, disabling recommendations turned them off everywhere. Now you can hide file suggestions in Start alone while keeping them active in other Windows features.
Microsoft also added a privacy option: hiding your name and profile picture from the Start menu. Useful if you share your screen in meetings or stream.
The Taskbar Gets Flexible Again
Windows 10 users could drag the taskbar to any screen edge. Windows 11 removed that ability. Now it's back, at least for Insiders.
You can position the taskbar on the top, bottom, left, or right edge of your screen. Icon alignment options vary by position. Place it on the left or right edge and you can choose between top-aligned or centered icons. Put it on the top or bottom and your options are left-aligned or centered.
This flexibility matters for users with ultrawide monitors, vertical screens, or specific workflow preferences. It's a feature that third-party tools like Start11 and StartAllBack have been selling for years. Those apps typically cost around $4.99.
Logicity's Take
How to Get These Features
These changes are only available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. To join, register with your Microsoft account at the Windows Insider Program page. Insiders test preview builds and provide feedback before features reach the general public.
The size toggle and taskbar positioning are rolling out starting today. Section-level toggles will follow over the coming weeks. Microsoft hasn't announced when these features will hit the stable release.
Part of a Broader Quality Push
This update fits into what insiders are calling Microsoft's "quality reset" for Windows. The Start menu has been rebuilt using WinUI 3, replacing the previous React Native implementation. Microsoft claims this should improve responsiveness by around 60%.
“We are doing the foundational work required to win back fans and strengthen engagement across Windows... prioritizing quality and serving our core users better.”
— Satya Nadella, CEO at Microsoft
The message is clear: Microsoft knows Windows 11 frustrated power users. Removing customization options that existed in Windows 10, pushing recommendations aggressively, and bloating the Start menu all contributed to that frustration. These Insider tests suggest the company is course-correcting.
Another example of companies responding to user feedback and quality concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my Windows 11 Start menu size?
Currently, only Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel can change Start menu size. Go to Start menu settings and choose between Small and Large options. The feature hasn't reached the stable Windows 11 release yet.
Can I move the taskbar in Windows 11?
Windows Insiders can now position the taskbar on any screen edge (top, bottom, left, or right). This feature is being tested in the Experimental channel before wider rollout.
How do I join the Windows Insider Program?
Register with your Microsoft account at the Windows Insider Program website. Once enrolled, you can choose your channel (Dev, Beta, or Release Preview) and receive preview builds before public release.
When will these Start menu changes reach regular Windows 11 users?
Microsoft hasn't announced a timeline for the stable release. Features typically spend several weeks to months in Insider channels before reaching the general public.
Need Help Implementing This?
Source: Engadget
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Related Articles
Browse all
Robotaxi Companies Are Hiding How Often Humans Take the Wheel
Autonomous vehicle firms like Waymo and Tesla are under scrutiny for refusing to disclose how often remote operators step in to control their self-driving cars. A Senate investigation reveals major gaps in transparency, raising safety and accountability concerns.
Wisconsin Governor Throws a Wrench in Age Verification Plans
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have required residents to verify their age before accessing adult content online, citing concerns over privacy and data security. This move comes as several other states have already implemented similar age check requirements. The veto has significant implications for the future of online age verification.
Apple's App Store Empire Under Siege: The Battle for the Future of Tech
The long-running feud between Apple and Epic Games has reached a boiling point, with Apple preparing to take its case to the Supreme Court. The tech giant is fighting to maintain control over its App Store, while Epic Games is pushing for more freedom for developers. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the entire tech industry.
Tesla's Remote Parking Feature: The Investigation That Didn't Quite Park Itself
The US auto safety regulators have closed their investigation into Tesla's remote parking feature, but what does this mean for the future of autonomous driving? We dive into the details of the investigation and what it reveals about the technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that crashes were rare and minor, but the investigation's closure doesn't necessarily mean the feature is completely safe.
Also Read
Galaxy S26 Series Hits $200 Off, Motorola Razr 2026 Up for Pre-Order
Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup sees its first significant discounts less than three months after launch, with the S26+ dropping to $890. Meanwhile, Motorola's Razr 2026 foldables open for pre-orders ahead of their May 21 ship date.
Microsoft Rejects Azure Vulnerability, Blocks CVE Assignment
A security researcher says Microsoft quietly patched a critical Azure Backup for AKS privilege escalation flaw after rejecting his report. CERT validated the vulnerability, but Microsoft blocked CVE issuance, leaving the researcher without formal recognition.
Claude vs ChatGPT vs Gemini: Which AI Debugs Code Best?
A developer tested all three major AI assistants with the same buggy JavaScript file containing three distinct errors. Only one found the actual root cause. The results reveal clear differences in how these tools approach code debugging.