14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that the most recent preview build of Windows 11 comes with taskbar goodies for users running the operating system on tablets.
More specifically, the taskbar now supports two additional modes called collapsed and expanded, and their purpose is to make it easier to interact with the taskbar or to work on the desktop without interfering with whatever you do on the screen.
“We’re introducing a new taskbar state that’s specifically designed to make you feel more confident and comfortable using your device as a tablet. Your taskbar will automatically transition to this optimized version when you disconnect or fold back the keyboard on your 2-in-1 device. This feature only works on devices that can be used as tablets. It does not work on laptops or desktop PCs,” Microsoft announced today in the release notes of Windows 11 build 22563.
Rollout in stages even for insiders
“There are two states of this taskbar: collapsed and expanded. In the collapsed state, the taskbar gets out your way, gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar when you’re holding your tablet. In the expanded state, the taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch. You can easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device.”
The new taskbar improvements are currently available only for a limited number of users enrolled in the Windows Insider program. Microsoft, however, says it’s already working on bringing it to more devices out there, though it all depends on the received feedback.
Microsoft says that users need to go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors to look for the settings that would allow them to enable and configure this feature. Needless to say, its behavior should be further polished as the testing makes more progress.