n a major reversal of one of its most controversial design decisions, Microsoft has officially confirmed it is bringing back the ability to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top and sides of the screen.
The announcement was made on March 20, 2026, by Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Lead of Windows and Devices, as part of a broader “Quality and Performance” roadmap for the year. This feature has been missing since Windows 11 launched in 2021, after the taskbar was rebuilt from scratch.
Key Details of the Update
The change is a direct response to over five years of user backlash and more than 24,000 upvotes on the Windows Feedback Hub.
- Repositioning Options: You will soon be able to pin the taskbar to the Top, Left, Right, or Bottom of your display.
- Quick Switching: A new right-click context menu on the taskbar will reportedly show “Top,” “Left,” and “Right” buttons, allowing you to move it without opening the Settings app.
- Resizable Taskbar: Alongside positioning, Microsoft is adding the ability to adjust the taskbar’s height/width (smaller or larger), a feature reminiscent of the macOS Dock.
- Orientation Logic: Microsoft is reportedly refining all “flyouts” (the Calendar, Wi-Fi, and Notification menus) to ensure they emerge correctly from the taskbar regardless of its position.
The “2026 Quality Reset”
The movable taskbar is the flagship feature of a massive effort to win back “power users” who felt alienated by Windows 11’s rigid interface. Other confirmed improvements for 2026 include:
| Feature | Change in 2026 Update |
| Copilot | Being “scaled back” from Notepad, Photos, and Snipping Tool to reduce clutter. |
| Windows Update | Users can now pause updates indefinitely and skip them during restarts. |
| File Explorer | Promised 40% faster launch times and reduced “UI flicker.” |
| RAM Usage | A new “Lean Mode” to help Windows run better on 8GB RAM devices. |
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When Can You Get It?
- Windows Insiders: The feature is rolling out in preview builds starting in late March and April 2026.
- General Public: A stable, wide release is expected as part of a major feature drop in Summer 2026.
“Repositioning the taskbar is one of the top asks we’ve heard from you,” Davuluri stated. “We are introducing the ability to reposition it to the top or sides… making it easier to personalize your workspace.”
