Windows 11 Preview Builds Reveal Smaller and Resizable Taskbar

New Windows 11 preview builds reveal smaller taskbar support, resizing controls, and movable taskbar functionality in testing.

Microsoft appears to be bringing back more classic taskbar functionality to Windows 11. As Windows Latest reports, the company is internally testing a smaller taskbar mode with proper resize controls, similar to the behavior users had in Windows 10.

The changes were reportedly spotted in Windows 11 preview build 26300.8346, where Microsoft continues experimenting with multiple taskbar improvements. Internal builds already show smaller UI elements, including a more compact Widgets button.

Smaller taskbar mode is finally coming

Unlike the current Windows 11 option that only shrinks taskbar icons, the upcoming implementation reportedly reduces the size of the entire taskbar. That means users could soon get a more compact desktop layout similar to older Windows versions.

Microsoft also appears to be working on resizable taskbar support. Internal testing reportedly allows users to drag the taskbar edges and adjust its size manually, another feature that existed in previous Windows releases but disappeared with Windows 11.

Movable taskbar support is also in testing

Movable taskbar functionality is also partially working internally. While the feature does not appear complete yet, it suggests Microsoft may finally restore additional customization options many users requested since Windows 11 launched.

These changes are part of a broader effort to improve the Windows 11 experience and bring back missing functionality from Windows 10.

Microsoft is also making File Explorer faster

Microsoft is also reportedly working on a new Low Latency Profile designed to speed up app launches and improve responsiveness across the operating system.

Other upcoming improvements include a modern File Explorer Properties dialog, a redesigned Run dialog, and additional File Explorer optimizations. Microsoft recently started testing preloading techniques that keep parts of File Explorer cached in memory, helping folders and windows open faster.

The company continues refining Windows 11 under its broader quality and reliability initiatives, and these taskbar updates could become one of the platform’s most noticeable usability improvements in years.