When Windows 11 was launched, fans of Windows 10 had quite a few complaints about the new operating system. It was too different, too new, and lacked familiar features – to name but a few. One major annoyance, for example, was the lack of options to customise and personalise Windows to suit one’s own preferences, such as a movable taskbar.
In recent months, Microsoft has addressed this issue and, in February, unveiled concrete plans to make the taskbar repositionable again. In August, the moment finally arrived when Windows users’ wishes came true: the repositionable taskbar was rolled out.
Unfortunately, Microsoft tucked the feature away in the Windows 11 settings, which dampened the excitement about the new feature somewhat. In Windows 10, the taskbar could still be moved using drag and drop, but according to Microsoft, this was no longer possible. Restrictions in the Windows 11 code were cited as one of the reasons.
However, the website Windows Latest has now discovered something that could change everything: a hidden menu in a preview version of Windows 11 allows users to reposition the taskbar. All it takes is a right-click on the taskbar, followed by a click on ‘Taskbar settings’, and you’re done. This makes going via the Settings menu unnecessary.
In fact, this menu isn’t really new at all. Back in April, a video showing this very menu was accidentally posted online. A Microsoft developer had intended to use it to test the repositionable taskbar, but the evidence was quickly taken offline again.
Is this very menu now making a comeback? Perhaps. In any case, the menu is present in Windows Build 26340.9750 from the Experimental channel, where new features can be tested in advance. Officially, however, users shouldn’t havie access to the menu just yet. Windows Latest first had to enable it manually (though, unfortunately, they didn’t explain how).
Important to note: even with the new menu, the taskbar can only be positioned in four fixed locations: at the bottom, top, right or left edge of the screen. Unfortunately, that’s as far as it goes. So the taskbar is still not completely customisable, as it is in Windows 10.
Unfortunately, we do not know if or when Microsoft will enable this menu for all users. It would, however, be desirable for this new feature to become available soon – simply to make moving the taskbar at least a little more intuitive again.