Windows 11 is finally getting a movable taskbar | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Windows 11 is finally getting a movable taskbarComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...TechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechMicrosoftCloseMicrosoftPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All MicrosoftWindowsCloseWindowsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All WindowsWindows 11 is finally getting a movable taskbarA smaller taskbar is also on the way later this year.A smaller taskbar is also on the way later this year.by Tom WarrenCloseTom WarrenSenior EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tom WarrenMar 20, 2026, 7:00 PM UTCLinkShareGiftPhoto by Becca Farsace / The VergeTom WarrenCloseTom WarrenPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tom Warren is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.It’s taken almost five years, but Microsoft is finally bringing back the ability to move the Windows taskbar to the top or sides of your screen. The movable taskbar is part of some much bigger changes coming to Windows 11 this year in response to growing criticism of the operating system’s performance, reliability, and user experience.“Repositioning the taskbar is one of the top asks we’ve heard from you,” says Windows chief Pavan Davuluri. “We are introducing the ability to reposition it to the top or sides of your screen, making it easier to personalize your workspace.”You’ll soon be able to move the taskbar around freely. Image: MicrosoftThis taskbar change will be available to Windows Insiders in the coming weeks, before rolling out to all Windows 11 users later this year. Microsoft is also working on a smaller taskbar that will be available as an option later this year.Windows has had a movable taskbar for decades, but Windows 11 removed this functionality at launch in 2021. I initially hated the new Windows 11 taskbar because it lacked functionality like displaying the time and date on multiple monitors, small icons, or the ability to move the taskbar around. The taskbar was so bad because Microsoft rebuilt it for Windows 10X, which was originally going to run on dual-screen devices before being reworked into Windows 11 for laptops.Microsoft has been steadily bringing back most of the good parts of the Windows 10 taskbar, and it also recently started testing an agenda calendar view in the Windows 11 notification center. This was also removed from Windows 11, despite being part of Windows 10.Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Tom WarrenCloseTom WarrenSenior EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tom WarrenMicrosoftCloseMicrosoftPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All MicrosoftTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechWindowsCloseWindowsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All WindowsMost PopularMost PopularMarc Andreessen is a philosophical zombieValve’s huge SteamOS 3.8 update adds long-awaited features — and supports Steam MachineBelkin’s wireless HDMI adapter freed me from a long annoying cable when I travelGoogle Search is now using AI to replace headlinesA rogue AI led to a serious security incident at MetaThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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Microsoft is addressing a longstanding criticism of Windows 11 by introducing the capability to reposition the taskbar, a feature previously absent at launch in 2021. This change, spearheaded by Windows chief Pavan Davuluri, stems from extensive user feedback regarding the operating system’s performance, reliability, and overall user experience. The ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen represents a significant shift from the initial design, aiming to enhance workspace personalization. Initially, the taskbar’s removal was attributed to Microsoft’s efforts centered around Windows 10X, originally conceived for dual-screen devices, which were later adapted for Windows 11 laptops.

Following a period of bringing back elements from a previous taskbar design, Microsoft is testing an agenda calendar view within the Windows 11 notification center – a feature also removed in the initial release and previously present in Windows 10. This iterative approach suggests a concerted effort to rectify past design choices and better align Windows 11 with user expectations. The implementation of this movable taskbar is slated for release to Windows Insiders in the coming weeks, preceding a wider rollout to all Windows 11 users later this year.

Furthermore, Microsoft is developing a smaller taskbar option for later availability. This additional flexibility speaks to a broader commitment to customizing the Windows 11 environment. The decision to revisit this functionality highlights a recognition of the importance of user adaptability and control within the operating system. Tom Warren, Senior Editor at The Verge, initially expressed dissatisfaction with the original taskbar design, citing a lack of functionality— notably the absence of multi-monitor time and date display and the inability to reposition the taskbar – as significant drawbacks. Microsoft's subsequent actions demonstrate a tangible response to these criticisms and a desire to ensure the long-term satisfaction of Windows 11 users.