Microsoft Promises More Windows 11 Customization Features This Year

Microsoft says personalization and customization remain core parts of Windows, and the company now plans to expand Windows 11 customization features throughout the year, according to new statements highlighted by Windows Latest.

The upcoming changes mainly target the taskbar and Start menu, two areas that received heavy criticism after Windows 11 removed several options users relied on in Windows 10.

Microsoft shifts focus back to Windows personalization

Windows users have increasingly criticized Microsoft for prioritizing AI features and Copilot integrations over core Windows improvements. However, despite the AI focus, the Copilot adoption remains low, according to a former Microsoft executive.

Microsoft added Copilot across Windows 11 and even integrated AI features into apps like Notepad, despite many users asking for better usability and customization instead.

The criticism intensified after former Microsoft executives claimed Copilot adoption remains extremely low despite aggressive promotion across Windows and Microsoft 365 products.

Back in March 2026, Microsoft publicly acknowledged broader Windows quality concerns and announced new internal efforts to improve the operating system. One of those efforts reportedly includes the K2 initiative, which focuses on fixing long-standing usability complaints.

Windows chief Pavan Davuluri recently said personalization and customization are part of Windows’ DNA and confirmed Microsoft has been listening to Windows Insider feedback.

Personalization and customization is in Windows' DNA. It always has been. Reading through your feedback and meeting with Windows Insiders over the past few months reminded us just how deeply people care about this. You wanted more control, more customization with taskbar and… https://t.co/YpexnoDyGD

— Pavan Davuluri (@pavandavuluri) May 16, 2026

Windows 11 removed many customization features

One of the biggest complaints around Windows 11 involved the removal of familiar customization features that existed in Windows 10.

Users criticized Microsoft for limiting taskbar flexibility, reducing Start menu controls, and simplifying interface customization compared to previous Windows versions.

Microsoft now appears ready to reverse parts of that strategy.

The company recently started testing a movable taskbar internally and through preview builds. Microsoft is also experimenting with a smaller taskbar layout, although the feature reportedly still contains visual and usability bugs during testing. Microsoft says those issues will be resolved before wider rollout.

Start menu customization is expanding

Microsoft is also bringing back Start menu size options in Windows 11.

Current testing versions allow users to switch between small and large Start menu layouts, with additional size configurations potentially arriving later.

Another major change involves the ability to hide individual Start menu sections.

This means users could eventually create simplified Start menus that only display pinned apps or only show the full apps list, depending on personal preference.

The change could help reduce clutter and make Windows 11 feel more customizable again after years of complaints about the operating system becoming too restrictive.

More taskbar changes are planned

Microsoft is also exploring deeper taskbar resizing controls.

The current smaller taskbar option only works as a preset layout, but future versions of Windows 11 may let users resize the taskbar manually by dragging it, similar to how the feature worked in Windows 10.

These changes are expected to roll out gradually over the coming months as Microsoft continues testing new customization features with Windows Insiders.