Windows 11 Taskbar Finally Gets Movable and Compact Modes in New Preview Build

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview build introduces a movable taskbar and compact mode. Users can now place the taskbar on any screen edge and reduce icon size.

Windows 11 Taskbar Finally Gets Movable and Compact Modes in New Preview Build

Microsoft has introduced a new preview build of 11 in the Experimental channel that allows users to move the taskbar to the top, left, or right edge of the screen. The update also adds a compact taskbar mode that reduces vertical space and icon size.

Taskbar position settings now in Personalization

The taskbar position can be changed in Settings under Personalization, Taskbar, and Taskbar behaviors. In compact mode, app badges switch from counters to small dots for missed notifications. The compact taskbar works with side-mounted taskbars and supports app labels.

Windows 11 taskbar moved to top edge of screen
The taskbar can now be positioned at the top, left, or right.

The preview build is available now in the Experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced a general availability date for all users.

Some features are still being refined. The calendar flyout and notifications remain tied to the bottom-right corner, and the touch-optimized taskbar, gestures, and auto-hide animation are currently broken. The Win+X menu is also broken in compact mode. Microsoft has stated that fixes are planned for these issues.

Windows 11 compact taskbar with smaller icons and hidden date
Compact mode reduces vertical space and uses dot badges.

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