Microsoft starts testing new Windows 11 taskbar UI changes

Photo by Becca Farsace / The Verge

Changes to the Windows 11 taskbar are being tested. The search bar and notification badges from Windows 10 are being tested out by the software company.

The search button in Windows 11 can be disabled and only shown in the search logo. Three different visual changes are being tested. A small or large search bar is included in two of the three experiments. Microsoft is looking for feedback on the changes before they are rolled out more broadly, and the tests are part of Microsoft's new experimental Windows 11 features

Image: Microsoft

Image: Microsoft

Adding notification badges is one of the things Microsoft is testing after bringing back the Weather Widget. The notifications look similar to the badges found in the Action Center on the right-hand side of the window.

There is a banner at the top of the board that provides more information on what triggered the notification badges. I would expect the notifications to be disabled along with the ability to remove the button.

There will be a new Camera app for Windows 11 that will be tested by Windows Insiders. The design is now compatible with Windows 11. There is a new Media Player update that can be used to rip CDs into various formats.

Image: Microsoft