Microsoft announces a new tablet-friendly taskbar for Windows 11

Photo by Becca Farsace / The Verge

Soon, the Windows 11 taskbar will be a little friendlier for tablets. The software giant has started testing a new taskbar that is designed for tablets and only shows critical information like the time and date.

The Start button is hidden, which makes the tablet's taskbar less cluttered. A new setting will hide the taskbar when you use a device as a tablet, and it will provide more screen space for Windows 11 tablet users. If you wipe up, you can see the full taskbar, the Start button, search, and app icons.

Image: Microsoft

Changes to the taskbar and how widgets work in Windows 11 will be made soon by Microsoft. The new test build includes more information and dynamic content.

The Windows Insider team says that this should make it easier for you to discover and engage with new content through your feed.

Image: Microsoft

The troll, beans, and melting face are just a few of the new emoji that are being tested by Microsoft in Windows 11.

Microsoft Edge tabs will be included in the latest Windows 11 test build to make it easier to snap the most relevant windows next to each other. When you try to snap a window, you will now see the three most recent Edge tabs, and this can be disabled in the Windows 11 settings section.

The new features of Windows 11 will be tested and may not be available for months. Microsoft will add more features to Windows 11 in the coming months instead of waiting for a big annual release, according to the company's Windows and devices chief.

Over time, you will see us release new features into Windows 11 for end users more frequently. Our goal is to provide you with the best experiences year-round.