Windows 11 to Bring Back Long-Awaited Taskbar Feature in Upcoming Update

Windows 11 users may finally get a long-awaited feature back in the operating system, according to recent reports. Microsoft is said to be working on reintroducing a popular taskbar customization option that was present in Windows 10 but mysteriously absent from the Windows 11 launch.

While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed which specific feature is making a comeback, multiple sources suggest it's related to taskbar functionality that many users have been requesting since Windows 11's debut in 2021. The most likely candidate appears to be the ability to move the taskbar to different edges of the screen—a feature that allowed users to position the taskbar on the left, right, or top edges of their display.

This customization option was a staple of Windows for decades and proved particularly useful for users with ultrawide monitors or those who preferred alternative workflow setups. Its removal in Windows 11 was one of the more controversial changes, with many power users expressing frustration at being locked into the bottom-centered taskbar configuration.

The taskbar has been a focal point of criticism for Windows 11 since its release. Beyond the positioning limitations, users have complained about the centered layout, which moved app icons from the left side to the middle of the screen. While Microsoft has made some adjustments through updates—including options to move icons slightly left—the inability to relocate the taskbar entirely has remained a sticking point.

Microsoft's apparent decision to revisit this feature suggests the company is listening to user feedback and willing to course-correct on design decisions that haven't resonated with its audience. This move could help improve Windows 11's perception among power users and long-time Windows enthusiasts who felt the OS was moving away from the flexibility that defined previous versions.

The timing of this change is noteworthy, as Windows 11 continues to evolve through regular updates. Microsoft has been gradually refining the operating system based on user input, and bringing back a popular customization option could be seen as a win for user choice and personalization.

For developers and IT professionals, this change could have practical implications. Many enterprise users and creative professionals have workflows that benefit from taskbar positioning flexibility. Graphic designers, video editors, and developers often prefer having their taskbar on the side to maximize vertical screen real estate, especially on modern widescreen displays.

While an exact timeline for this feature's return hasn't been announced, it's likely to arrive through one of Windows 11's regular feature updates. Microsoft typically tests significant changes through the Windows Insider Program before rolling them out to the general public, so we may see previews of the feature in the coming months.

The potential return of this taskbar customization option represents a broader trend in Microsoft's approach to Windows 11—balancing new design philosophies with the practical needs and preferences of its diverse user base. As Windows continues to evolve, the company appears to be finding ways to modernize the interface while preserving the flexibility that users have come to expect from the platform.

For now, Windows 11 users will have to wait for official confirmation and details about how this feature will be implemented. Given the strong demand for taskbar customization, its return could be one of the more significant user experience improvements in Windows 11's ongoing development.