Microsoft is testing an update to the Start menu, too.
Microsoft is making waves in the latest Insider Preview Beta for Windows 11 by introducing a game-changing feature that could revolutionize how we interact with the taskbar: resizable taskbar icons. This fresh update enables users to customize the size of taskbar icons, shrinking them automatically as more apps are opened, or allowing them to remain smaller even when the taskbar is filled to the brim. This move mirrors the dynamic behavior seen on macOS, where icons on the dock scale down to fit more apps and minimize clutter.
Customization at Your Fingertips: Resizing Taskbar Icons
In this latest update, Windows 11 users on the Insider Preview Beta now have the ability to tweak how taskbar icons behave. Found under Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors, the new “Show smaller taskbar buttons” option allows you to select from three different modes:
- Always: Taskbar icons will always be smaller, providing more space on your taskbar.
- Never: Icons will retain their default size, ensuring they’re always easily visible and recognizable.
- When taskbar is full: Icons shrink automatically when the taskbar becomes too crowded, ensuring no app gets hidden behind a secondary menu.
This third option is particularly exciting because it solves a common issue users face as they juggle multiple apps. When the taskbar fills up, icons shrink to fit within the available space, ensuring no app is left out. For those familiar with macOS, this behavior will feel very familiar. Just as the macOS dock dynamically resizes icons as more windows are minimized, Windows 11 is introducing a similar, flexible experience.
A Nod to macOS: Taskbar Icons That Adapt
The introduction of resizable taskbar icons is not just about providing more options for users—it’s about enhancing the overall Windows experience. By introducing a feature reminiscent of macOS, Microsoft is acknowledging that users want a more adaptive, fluid interface. The ability to automatically adjust the size of icons based on available space will undoubtedly appeal to power users who frequently work with multiple apps and windows. It’s a neat way to keep everything organized and accessible, without the need for constant manual adjustments.
A Revamped Start Menu and More Surprises
But that’s not all. The new Insider Preview Build also brings a revamped Start menu layout. One of the most notable updates is the ability to hide the “Recommended” section of recent apps. This change allows users to have a cleaner, more straightforward Start menu that can now showcase all of your apps on one page. Whether you prefer a more minimalist look or simply want to declutter your Start menu, this update offers greater flexibility.
A Few Caveats: What’s Missing in This Build
While the Insider Preview Build introduces some exciting features, there are a few notable omissions to be aware of. Specifically, users who update to this build might notice that the new battery charge status icons, which were introduced in January, are temporarily missing. Microsoft has acknowledged this and confirmed that these icons will be brought back in a future Insider update. It’s a minor hiccup in what is otherwise an impressive new set of features, but one that users should be aware of when considering whether to update.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Windows 11
The introduction of resizable taskbar icons and other usability improvements in this latest Insider Preview Beta marks another step toward making Windows 11 a more customizable and user-friendly operating system. With the ability to tailor the taskbar experience to fit personal preferences and workflows, Microsoft is making it clear that they are listening to user feedback and refining the interface in meaningful ways.
As Windows 11 continues to evolve, it’s clear that Microsoft is aiming to provide a flexible, adaptive operating system that caters to a wide range of user needs. Whether you’re a power user managing multiple apps at once or someone who simply wants a cleaner, more organized desktop, these new features promise to make the Windows experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Conclusion: Windows 11 Gets Smarter and More Adaptive
This latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Beta gives us a glimpse of a more streamlined, adaptive, and user-centric operating system. With features like resizable taskbar icons, an updated Start menu, and the promise of future improvements, Microsoft is moving in the right direction. These tweaks might seem small, but they signify a larger trend toward making the OS more customizable and responsive to the diverse needs of its users. For those eager to try out these new features, the Insider Preview Beta is now available, with more updates likely on the horizon.
As Windows 11 continues to evolve, users can expect even more enhancements and innovations designed to improve productivity, accessibility, and the overall user experience. The future of Windows looks brighter than ever, and these recent updates are just the beginning.
