14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 11 comes with a new taskbar design that has been received with mixed reactions by users out there. The icons are now centered, along with the Start menu, and this has somehow made some people feel lost when updating to the new operating system.
The new taskbar is inspired by Windows 10X, the operating system that Microsoft has already abandoned. But at the same time, it’s not a secret that the software giant is working on further refining the taskbar with new capabilities.
And most recently, Microsoft teased what looks like a floating taskbar at Ignite, though the company hasn’t shared any specifics about this idea. However, the concept isn’t entirely new, and a floating taskbar has also been spotted before, only that Microsoft never acknowledged it officially.
As far as the company is concerned, a floating taskbar is something that’s not in the works, so we shouldn’t hold our breath for this feature to see the daylight.
Microsoft, instead, praises the existing version of the taskbar, with the company explaining in the original Windows 11 announcement that the current implementation is based on the feedback it received from users.
“We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful. From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease. We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier, even if it was on an Android or iOS device,” Microsoft said.
If the floating taskbar is indeed in the works, expect to it show up sooner or later as part of the preview builds released in the Windows Insider program.