Microsoft Experiments With a Tablet-Optimized Taskbar for Windows 11

Microsoft is improving the Windows 11 taskbar for anyone whose device doubles as a tablet.

In the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (22563), a tablet-optimized taskbar has been introduced. Now, when Windows senses your device has entered its tablet mode, the taskbar will be adjusted automatically to offer two swipe-controlled states: collapsed and expanded.

Collapsed can be classed as the non-interactive state with a much smaller presence on the screen and shows critical icons only. That way other content can grab more of the screen space while important information remains visible. The expanded state is for when you want to interact with the taskbar and makes it significantly larger for easier touch input.

Switching between the two states is achieved by swiping up and down over the bottom of the display where your taskbar sits. It counts as a small tweak to the user interface, but one that should be appreciated by anyone using a 2-in-1 convertible or hybrid laptop who regularly enjoys tablet mode for consuming content.

Microsoft is rolling out the feature to Insiders slowly, so you may not have the option yet even though you are running the latest build. To check, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and a new setting may be visible called "Automatically hide the taskbar when using your device as tablet" that's on by default.

Preview Build 22563 also includes a change to the Widgets to allow more dynamic content by blending in the news feed experience. The Search from Quick Access in File Explorer now includes content from OneDrive, Downloads, and any indexed location, and any files in Quick Access that aren't stored locally show thumbnails and work with OneDrive sharing.

:story: PCMag