microsoft has released windows 11 Build 26300.8493 to the Experimental channel. This update introduces the option to move the taskbar to any edge of the screen for the first time since the launch of Windows 11. It also adds a smaller taskbar option, updates widget behavior, expands support for Fluent Dictation Language, and introduces a redesigned set of system spinner controls.
The ability to move the taskbar was a frequently requested feature since Windows 11 removed taskbar location options in 2021.
This change was part of the Windows K2 initiative, Microsoft’s effort to address long-standing complaints about Windows 11.
Mobile taskbar and new smaller mode
The taskbar can now be moved to different positions via Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, and taskbar behaviors. You can choose to place it at the bottom, top, left or right of the screen.
Tooltips, side menus, and animations still originate from the taskbar in each position. Most customization options, including the small taskbar settings and the option to never combine icons, work in all locations.
However, some features are not yet available in the alternative positions. Touch gestures, search box and Ask Copilot are still being developed. Auto-hidden and touch-optimized taskbar modes are not supported when the taskbar is moved.
A new option to display smaller taskbar buttons is now available in Settings under Personalization, Taskbar, and Taskbar Behaviors. When enabled, reduces both the size of the icons and the overall height of the taskbar. Home, Search, and the system tray are scaled together to keep everything aligned.
The default appearance of the taskbar remains unchanged for users who do not enable this setting. Microsoft has indicated that further adjustments to taskbar resizing are currently being developed.
Smarter Windows Search and Widget Updates
The widget badge color now matches the Windows accent color instead of always appearing red. Microsoft says this change helps reduce the sense of urgency for non-critical updates.
The company is also testing a feature where users with low widget engagement will automatically experience a quieter widget experience, including disabling taskbar credentials.
Microsoft has started rearranging search box results so that files and apps appear before web suggestions when the user’s query most closely matches them.
Fluent dictation updates and new rotary systems
Fluid Dictation now supports Spanish and French for Windows Insiders. The feature automatically corrects grammar, punctuation, and filler words during voice dictation. It runs on small language models on the device and can be used via Windows Voice Access or voice typing with Win + H.
Microsoft has replaced the old loading images with solid, uniform rotating rings on the startup, login, restart, shutdown, and refresh screens. Each scenario now includes status text next to the spinner, displaying messages such as “Restarting,” “Working on updates,” and “Welcome.”
Reliability improvements and performance fixes
The build features the first in a series of ongoing sign-in performance optimizations that Microsoft plans to release in the coming months.
It also brings several other improvements, including improved reliability when switching between multiple desktops, more consistent Simple Service Discovery Protocol notifications, and greater stability of the dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command.
Additionally, there are solutions for issues like a PC not staying idle after updates and issues where the Properties window was not opening correctly for the Recycle Bin and some other scenarios. The updated Run dialog now navigates history with the arrow keys on first startup.
Build 26300.8493 is currently rolling out to the Experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced when these changes will be available to broader Windows 11 users.
