14 DAY TRIAL // The next Windows 11 preview build is expected to come with an impressive pack of new features, and among them, there’s also a set of refinements specifically aimed at the taskbar.
Windows 11 launched last year with an important overhaul of the taskbar, but for some reason, Microsoft also removed certain capabilities that just made sense.
For example, the drag and drop functionality is no longer there, so anyone who just wants to drag an icon to the taskbar for quick pinning can no longer do this. Needless to say, it makes little sense to no longer have this functionality given it was previously available in Windows 10, so it has quickly become one of the most requested features from users who updated to Windows 11.
According to WindowsCentral, Microsoft is currently working on bringing this feature back, with the next Windows Insider back to make the drag and drop support on the taskbar available for insiders.
At the same time, the report reveals that Microsoft wants to add a new UI for overflowing app icons, as well as an option to have the taskbar automatically hidden when using the tablet mode bundled with Windows 11.
New update coming this month
All these features could go live for non-insiders later this year, while some could be part of the next major Windows 11 update codenamed Sun Valley 2.
In the meantime, Microsoft is now giving the finishing touches to the first Windows 11 update that’s scheduled to go live as soon as this month. It will also include some good news for the taskbar.
“Next month we’re bringing new experiences to Windows that include a public preview of how you can use Android apps on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store and our partnerships with Amazon and Intel, taskbar improvements with call mute and unmute, easier window sharing and bringing weather to the taskbar, plus the introduction of two new redesigned apps, Notepad and Media Player,” Microsoft announced in January.