Windows 11 KB5120998 Preview Update Out With Start Menu, Taskbar, Windows Search & File Explorer Improvements

In addition to releasing Windows 11 version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel, Microsoft also dropped KB5120998 that bumps your 24H2 and 25H2 systems to Build 26100.9278 and 26200.9278. Here, we’ll be talking about improvements pushed to Taskbar, Start Menu, Windows Search, File Explorer, and more. It is worth noting that unlike Patch Tuesday updates, this one is optional.

Windows 11 Taskbar gets customization feature with KB5120998

The taskbar can now move to the top, left, right, or bottom of the screen. Most customization options continue working across positions, including never combining taskbar icons.

Search and smaller taskbar options currently work only when the taskbar sits at the top or bottom. You can change its position via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position.

A new Small taskbar size also reduces icon and taskbar height. Start, Search, and the system tray remain available. The setting lives under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size. The Taskbar behaviors section now opens expanded by default. Microsoft is also improving system tray loading reliability on non-touch PCs. That should make the tray feel more dependable during everyday use.

Start menu gets smaller, cleaner options in Windows 11

Windows 11 now lets users choose between Small, Large, or Automatic Start menu sizes. The option appears under Settings > Personalize > Start > Start menu size. The Recommended section is also being renamed Recent across Start and its settings page. Users can additionally hide their name and profile picture from Start.

The Start settings page now includes separate controls for Pinned, Recent, and All sections. That gives users more control over what appears in the menu.

Windows Search and File Explorer also get updates

Windows Search is getting a cleaner home with less visual clutter. Recent searches should also become easier to reach. Search results now identify whether something comes from an app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion. A new privacy setting can hide web and Store suggestions beside local results.

Windows can also automatically index frequently used folders. Users can control this under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search > Automatically find additional relevant locations.

Last but not least, File Explorer Home should now launch faster and feel more responsive after the KB5120998 update. Its Recommended section also gains touch scrolling, making the file carousel easier to browse on touch devices. Speaking of updates, this month’s Patch Tuesday update, which appeared to have broke multiple games on some systems has now been officially linked to RGB control apps instead.