Windows 11 Adds Long-Requested Taskbar and Start Controls

Windows 11 Adds Long-Requested Taskbar and Start Controls

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 preview update gives users more control over the taskbar, Start menu, Search, and File Explorer. The improvements are practical, but known issues mean you may want to wait before installing the update on an essential PC.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 9, 2026

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One of the most common complaints about Windows 11 has been its limited customization. Microsoft’s August 2026 preview update addresses several of those frustrations by restoring flexible taskbar positioning and adding more control over the Start menu.

Here’s a Cool Tip: Wait for the wider rollout unless you need the new controls now.

The optional KB5120998 update applies to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.

It advances those systems to OS builds 26100.9278 and 26200.9278, respectively.

Microsoft released the update on August 27, 2026, and identifies it as a non-security preview containing quality improvements.

The main attractions are a taskbar that can move to any edge of the screen, a smaller taskbar option, adjustable Start menu sizes, clearer Search results, and a more responsive File Explorer Home.

Some features are being released gradually, so two eligible PCs may not receive every change at the same time.

Feature Explanation

The biggest change is the return of flexible taskbar positioning.

Users can place the Windows 11 taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right side of the display.

Most customization options continue to work in each position, including the option to keep taskbar buttons from combining.

Search and the smaller taskbar setting currently work only when the taskbar is at the top or bottom.

A new small taskbar size reduces the height of the bar and its icons.

That can provide extra working space on compact laptops or any display where vertical room is limited.

The Start button, Search, and system tray remain available in the smaller layout.

The Start menu also receives more useful controls.

Users can select Small, Large, or Automatic sizing, hide their account name and profile image, and manage the visibility of the Pinned, Recent, and All sections independently.

Microsoft is also renaming the Recommended section to Recent.

Windows Search receives a cleaner home screen and clearer source labels.

Results can identify whether an item is an app, setting, file, web result, or Microsoft Store suggestion.

A privacy option can hide web and Store suggestions, while another setting allows Windows to find and index additional commonly used locations automatically.

File Explorer Home should open faster and respond more quickly after the update.

Its Recommended carousel also supports touch scrolling on compatible devices.

What You’ll Gain

Reclaim screen space with a smaller taskbar.
Position the taskbar to suit your monitor and workflow.
Reduce Start menu clutter by hiding sections you do not use.
Understand Search results faster through clearer source labels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Windows

Install the Optional Preview Update

Open Start and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Select Advanced options.
Choose Optional updates.
Look for KB5120998 under Optional updates available.
Select the available download and installation option.
Restart the PC if Windows requests it.

Microsoft also provides KB5120998 through the Microsoft Update Catalog for users and administrators who need a standalone installation package.

Choose the package that matches the PC’s Windows version and x64 or Arm64 architecture.

Move the Taskbar

Open Settings.
Select Personalization.
Choose Taskbar.
Expand Taskbar behaviors.
Open Taskbar position.
Select Top, Bottom, Left, or Right.

fig. 1 - Select a Taskbar Location

Change the Taskbar Size

Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
Expand Taskbar behaviors.
Select Taskbar size.
Choose the available size that fits your display.

What you should see: Selecting the smaller option reduces the taskbar height and icon size.

Customize the Start Menu

Open Settings.
Select Personalization.
Choose Start.
Open Start menu size.
Select Small, Large, or Automatic.
Review the controls for the Pinned, Recent, and All sections.
Adjust the option for displaying your account name and profile picture.

Adjust Windows Search

Open Settings.
Go to Privacy & security.
Select Search.
Review the setting for web and Microsoft Store suggestions.
Review Automatically find additional relevant locations and choose whether Windows may index more frequently used folders.

Cool Example:

An employee searching for a quarterly spreadsheet can identify local file results more easily instead of confusing them with web pages or Microsoft Store suggestions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Restores taskbar placement options that many Windows users missed.
Provides more working room on smaller laptop displays.
Makes the Start menu easier to simplify and personalize.
Adds clearer labels to Windows Search results.
Improves the responsiveness of File Explorer Home.

Cons:

KB5120998 is an optional preview, not a security update.
Some features use a gradual rollout and may not appear immediately.
Search and small taskbar options have placement limitations.
Microsoft lists known issues involving mouse customization, desktop settings, and some Arm-based devices.

Feature Access

KB5120998 applies to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and produces OS builds 26100.9278 and 26200.9278.
Microsoft released it on August 27, 2026, as an optional, non-security preview update.
Some improvements use a gradual rollout, which means availability varies by device.
Platform: Windows 11.
Supported Versions: 24H2 and 25H2.
Subscription: No separate subscription specified.
Release Status: Optional preview.
Rollout: Combination of gradual and normal rollout.
Business Access: May be managed or restricted by organizational update policies.

Score

Criterion |  Score (0–10) |  Justification

Value |  8
Taskbar placement and Start menu controls solve genuine usability frustrations. The smaller taskbar can also make a meaningful difference on compact displays.

Usability |  8
The controls use familiar Windows Settings paths, although gradual availability may confuse users who do not see them immediately.

Wow Factor |  6
These changes are welcome and overdue, but they refine Windows rather than transform it.

Total: 22/30 | 👍 Good
KB5120998 adds useful customization, but the known issues make waiting the sensible choice for many users.

Compared with earlier Windows 11 releases, this update restores some of the interface flexibility that users previously had in Windows 10.

Key Takeaways

KB5120998 gives Windows 11 users more control over the taskbar, Start menu, Search, and File Explorer.

The changes are useful, especially for people with small or ultrawide displays, but the current known issues make this preview better suited to nonessential PCs.

Cool Tip Snapshot

Feature Name: Windows 11 KB5120998 Preview Update.
Platform(s): Windows 11.
Quick Benefit: More taskbar, Start menu, and Search control.
Best For: Power users, business users, students, and multitaskers.
Access Type: Preview, Rolling Out.
Difficulty: Easy.

Try It Yourself

If you have a nonessential Windows 11 PC, try the new taskbar and Start menu controls and tell us which layout works best for you.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026