You can finally change the size and position of the taskbar in Windows 11

It seems Microsoft is steadily making good on its Project K2 promise to improve Windows 11. As part of that ongoing initiative, Microsoft has already delivered several notable changes, including improved responsiveness for WinUI 3 apps, a new Low Latency Profile mode, and meaningful Windows Update improvements. Now, Microsoft is turning its attention to one of the most frequently requested features in Windows 11's history: a movable taskbar.

According to a blog post published by the Windows Insider team on May 15, Microsoft is rolling out the ability to reposition and resize the taskbar to users in the Experimental channel. Windows supported moving the taskbar for decades before the feature was removed with the launch of Windows 11, and it is now making a return as one of the first Project K2 changes to enter testing.

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With this update, users can place the taskbar on any edge of the screen: top, bottom, left, or right. Icon alignment is also adjustable for each position, and flyouts such as Start and Search will open relative to the taskbar's location. This is a notable improvement for users who prefer a different layout.

Developers wanting more vertical space for their code can move the taskbar to the side, while users with accessibility or ergonomic needs can move it to the top. Those using a vertical taskbar with ungrouped, labeled buttons will also be able to see every open window at a glance, making it easier to manage multiple apps.

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To change the position, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. It is worth noting that some features are not yet available in alternate positions, including auto-hide, touch gesture support, and the Search box, though Microsoft says these are in progress.

A compact taskbar option is also being introduced for users on smaller screens. When enabled, it reduces icon size and taskbar height to free up more vertical space for apps, with no restart or sign-out required. This can be toggled under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Show smaller taskbar buttons.

The Start menu is also getting some changes alongside the taskbar. Microsoft is adding section-level toggles to show or hide Pinned, Recommended independently, and All sections independently, along with a separate control for file recommendations that no longer ties Start suggestions to recent files in File Explorer. Users will also be able to lock the Start menu to a preferred size and hide their name and profile picture for privacy while presenting or screen sharing.

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Additionally, the Recommended section is being renamed to Recent to reflect better what it actually shows, and Microsoft says it is also improving which files appear there and in what order.

All of these changes are currently available in Windows 11 Build 26300.8493 for users enrolled in the Experimental channel of the Windows Insider Program, with a broader rollout expected over the coming weeks. Users can submit feedback directly through the Feedback Hub using Win + F.