Speaking at IFA 2026, MS confirmed that it will add more customization and personalization features to Windows 11, giving users greater control over the operating system. The ability to move the taskbar or resize the Start menu is just the beginning, as the company has pledged to listen to user feedback.
MS’s IFA 2026 presentation included several notable announcements. First, the company promised to make Windows 11 boot faster and reduce its overall memory footprint, helping PCs with 8GB of RAM perform well again.
MS also confirmed that it has no plans to abandon AI. However, users can expect fewer Copilot buttons going forward, as the focus shifts toward running local models on powerful PCs.
MS also teased additional customization options for Windows 11. At IFA 2026, the company highlighted the movable taskbar as an example of how user feedback is influencing Windows. Although it did not explain why such a basic feature was removed in the first place, it made clear that feedback is now shaping the future of Windows.
“We’re helping users customize their machine more,” Linton said. “If you like your taskbar on the left-hand side or at the top, you can do that again.”
“Again” is probably the most important—or perhaps the funniest—word in that statement.
MS made a major event of the Windows 11 launch in 2021, describing it as one of its best operating systems and the most secure version of Windows. However, the launch was a disaster, with several basic features missing.
For those who may not remember, Windows 11 shipped with a completely rebuilt taskbar that lacked several capabilities available in Windows 10. One of those was the ability to move the taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the screen. For months, users also could not drag and drop files between apps on the taskbar.
For years, MS defended the streamlined taskbar experience and justified the removal of basic features, such as the ability to move it, by citing issues that could disrupt workflows and animations.
At one point, MS appeared entirely disconnected from reality, while its designers seemed unaware of what consumers wanted. I would not be surprised if some of those designers were not regularly using Windows.
Thankfully, MS is bringing back the movable taskbar with the September 2026 update, although the company has not explained what has changed over the past five years. It is also adding the ability to resize the Start menu, which has grown larger over the past few years.
“So, we’re listening to customer feedback, continuously improving Windows, and you’ll see those updates as Windows just gets better as the updates come through,” Linton said at IFA 2026.
Windows 10 Still Does Some Things Better
Windows 11 is becoming more customizable and improving overall, but I strongly believe Windows 10 handled some of these features much better.
For example, in Windows 10, users could right-click the taskbar, unlock it if necessary, and then drag it to a different position. In Windows 11, users must open the Personalization settings and select their preferred position.
Likewise, Windows 10 allowed users to hover over the edge of the taskbar and adjust its size, including making it larger than usual. This is not yet possible in Windows 11.
The same limitation applies to the Start menu. In Windows 10, users could resize it by hovering over its edges and dragging it to the desired dimensions.
Windows 11 does not support this behavior. Users can choose between Small, Large, or Adaptive, but they cannot drag the Start menu to adjust its size according to their preferences.
Given how the Start menu is currently built, I do not think this capability will ever come to Windows 11.
Regardless, I am glad that MS is listening to feedback and introducing more customization options. However, for users who simply miss the Windows 10 experience, I do not believe it will ever fully return.
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