Windows 10: Windows 11 Build 26300.8493 Brings Movable Taskbar, Smaller Taskbar Mode, and Fluid...

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26300.8493 to the Experimental channel. This update introduces the option to move the Taskbar to any edge of the screen for the first time since Windows 11’s launch. It also adds a smaller Taskbar option, updates Widgets behavior, expands Fluid Dictation language support, and features a redesigned set of system spinners.

The ability to move the Taskbar was a frequently requested feature since Windows 11 removed the Taskbar positioning options in 2021.

This change was part of the Windows K2 initiative, Microsoft's effort to address long-standing complaints about Windows 11.

Movable Taskbar and New Smaller Mode


The Taskbar can now be moved to different positions through Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar behaviors. You can choose to place it at the bottom, top, left, or right of the screen.

Tooltips, flyouts, and animations still originate from the Taskbar in each position. Most customization options, including the small Taskbar setting and the option to never combine icons, work across all locations.

However, some features are not yet available in the alternative positions. Touch gestures, the Search box, and Ask Copilot are still being developed. Auto-hidden and touch-optimized Taskbar modes are not supported when the Taskbar is moved.

A new option to show smaller taskbar buttons is now available in Settings under Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar behaviors. When enabled, it reduces both the size of icons and the overall height of the Taskbar. Start, Search, and the system tray scale together to keep everything aligned.

The default Taskbar appearance remains unchanged for users who do not enable this setting. Microsoft has indicated that further adjustments to Taskbar resizing are currently in development.

Widget Updates and Smarter Windows Search


The color of widget badging now matches the Windows accent color instead of always appearing red. Microsoft says this change helps reduce the sense of urgency for non-critical updates.

The company is also testing a feature where users with low widget engagement will automatically experience a quieter widget experience, which includes turning off taskbar badging.

Microsoft has started rearranging Search Box results so that files and apps appear before web suggestions when the user's query matches them more closely.

Fluid Dictation Upgrades and New System Spinners


Fluid Dictation now supports Spanish and French for Windows Insiders. The feature automatically corrects grammar, punctuation, and filler words during voice dictation. It runs on small on-device language models and can be used through Windows voice access or Voice typing with Win + H.

Microsoft has replaced the old loading visuals with uniform solid donut spinners across the Boot, Logon, Restart, Shutdown, and Update screens. Each scenario now includes status text alongside the spinner, displaying messages like "Restarting," "Working on updates," and "Welcome."

Reliability Improvements and Performance Fixes


The build introduces the first in a series of ongoing logon performance optimizations that Microsoft plans to release over the next few months.

It also brings several other improvements, including enhanced reliability when switching between multiple desktops, more consistent notifications from the Simple Service Discovery Protocol, and greater stability of the dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command.

Additionally, there are fixes for issues such as a PC not staying asleep after updates and problems where the Properties window was not opening correctly for the Recycle Bin and some other scenarios. The refreshed Run dialog now navigates through history with arrow keys on first launch.

Build 26300.8493 is currently being rolled out to the Experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced when these changes will be available to broader Windows 11 users.

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Movable taskbar on Windows 11.

Yes, this is exactly my same problem. It has ruined my workflow. Everyone please add your support to the existing Feedback hub suggestion

Press Windows key + F to open the Feedback Hub

1. Enter your feedback

2. Choose a category (Suggestion > Desktop Environment > Taskbar )

3. Find similar feedback (scroll to find the existing following suggestion: 'Bring back the ability to move the taskbar to the top and sides of the screen on Windows 11')

4. Add more details (optional)

Submit

 

Movable taskbar on Windows 11.

A 3rd party open-source tool, called Explorer Patcher, restores the Windows 10 taskbar functionality in Windows 11:

GitHub - valinet/ExplorerPatcher: This application aims to bring back a productive working environment on Windows 11, by restoring dormant functionalities from Windows 10 in the newest OS builds.

 

Movable taskbar on Windows 11.

As one friend suggested "<insert bad word here> everyone knows the taskbar belongs on the right!".

I say, like currently they have "Desktop Mode" and "Tablet Mode"

they should just add "Apple Mode" and/or "Android Mode" options

OR "What we think is the only way to go" vs "What you want" option.

For me, taskbars on bottom or top just take up precious vertical screen space.

For me, if not "Desktop Mode", Windows 11 is a no go ... and Windows 10 forever.

That said, will be interesting to see what they finally end up with 7 months from now.