Microsoft is finally listening to the people who use its software every day. For a long time, Windows 11 users have complained that the interface felt too stiff and restricted. Today, the company started testing several big changes that will let people customize their computers much more than before. These updates are currently rolling out to members of the Windows Insider program who use the Experimental channel. If the tests go well, regular users could see these features on their own screens in the near future.
One of the biggest complaints about Windows 11 involves the Start menu. Many users feel it has become far too bulky and full of things they do not need. To fix this, Microsoft is testing a new setting that lets you choose between a “Small” and a “Large” version of the menu. This is a direct response to feedback from last year. Reports showed that after an update in November, the Start menu became almost 100% larger—essentially twice its original size—for many users. Engineers at Microsoft, a company that spends over $1 billion every year on research and development, are now working to give that space back to the users.
The new update also adds several toggles that let you clean up the clutter. You will soon have the power to show or hide specific sections like “Pinned,” “Recommended,” and “All” apps. For example, if you only care about the apps you have pinned to the top, you can simply switch off the other sections. This creates a much simpler and faster experience. Microsoft plans to roll these specific toggles out slowly over the next few weeks to ensure they work perfectly.
Privacy is another area where Microsoft is making improvements. If you are among the roughly 1.5% of users who frequently stream their gameplay or share their screens during work meetings, you will appreciate a new privacy feature. You can now choose to hide your name and profile picture within the Start menu. This small change keeps your personal account details away from prying eyes while you are showing your desktop to others. There is also a new separate control to turn off file recommendations in the Start menu specifically, without affecting other parts of the system.
The most exciting news for many longtime fans is the return of taskbar flexibility. When Windows 11 first launched, the taskbar was stuck at the bottom of the screen. This frustrated millions of people who had spent decades keeping their taskbar at the top or on the sides. Microsoft is finally testing the ability to move the taskbar to any of the four edges of the screen. Whether you want it on the left, right, top, or bottom, the choice is finally yours again.
Along with moving the taskbar, you can also change how the icons look. If you decide to put your taskbar on the left or right side, you can choose to have the icons centered or aligned to the top. If you prefer the taskbar at the top or bottom, you can pick between the classic left-aligned look or the newer centered style. These options give users the kind of control that was a standard part of Windows for years before the latest version arrived.
To get an early look at these features, you have to join the Windows Insider program. This requires you to sign up with your Microsoft account and opt into the Experimental channel. It is important to remember that these features are still in the “experimental” phase. This means they might have a few bugs or cause the system to act strangely. Microsoft uses this group of volunteers to find and fix those problems before the software reaches hundreds of millions of regular users around the world.
Microsoft clearly wants to make Windows 11 feel more personal. For a long time, it felt like the company was forcing everyone to use their computer in the exact same way. By bringing back the ability to move the taskbar and resize the Start menu, they are giving power back to the individual. These changes might seem small to some, but for people who spend eight hours a day in front of a monitor, they make a huge difference in comfort and productivity.
