Windows 11 Taskbar Now Movable to Top, Left, or Right in New Preview Build

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview build lets users move the taskbar to any screen edge and enables a compact mode. Available now in the Experimental channel.

Windows 11 Taskbar Now Movable to Top, Left, or Right in New Preview Build

Microsoft has introduced a new preview build of 11 that allows users to move the taskbar to any edge of the screen. The taskbar can now be placed at the top, left, or right side, in addition to the traditional bottom position.

Compact mode reduces taskbar size

The update also adds a compact taskbar mode that reduces vertical space and shrinks app icons. In compact mode, the date is hidden from the system clock. The taskbar automatically switches to compact mode when it becomes full.

The preview build is available now in the Experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced when the updated taskbar will be generally available for all users.

Some features are still broken in this build. The calendar flyout and notifications remain tied to the bottom-right corner, though fixes are planned. The touch-optimized taskbar, gestures, and auto-hide animation are currently not working. The Win+X menu is also broken in compact mode.

Windows 11 compact taskbar with smaller icons
Compact mode reduces vertical space and hides the date.

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