In windows 11Microsoft recently launched build 26300.8289 in the new Experimental channel, and along with the overhaul of Windows Update settings and changes, the company also quietly made some additional improvements available, including leaks of a couple more features.
For example, as he discovered @fantasmadelatierraThe latest preview quietly introduces the redesign of the Run dialog, and the Storage settings add a new control for switching drives when resizing a volume.
Article continues below.
Run dialog with new modern UI
It’s no secret that Microsoft has been working to modernize the Run dialog with a new interface. However, the new design is now available in the Experimental channel without needing to enable the setting in the operating system.
The new Run represents the biggest update to the feature in the last three decades. The new design integrates Windows 11’s Fluent Design principles with rounded corners, semi-transparent elements, updated spacing, and support for light and dark color modes.
Additionally, the new Run uses a much larger layout with a larger text field and cleaner spacing. As you type inside the text field, you’ll have access to recent commands, and as you type, the interface will display matching apps and routes.
It is important to note that Microsoft will make this new interface optional and you will need to enable it manually in Settings > System > Advancedusing the “Run dialog” toggle switch.
Storage Settings New Drive Option
Microsoft has also made a small change to the Storage settings. As of build 26300.8289, in Settings > Storage > Disks and volumesOn the properties page for a specific volume, the “Change size” The option includes a setting to change the drive MEGABYTE (megabytes) to IS (gigabytes), making it easy to resize the volume.
Login clipping animation redesign
In the latest preview, the company is also replacing the clipping point animation during login, logout, shutdown, and restart with a new solid rotating animation, similar to the one shown during the boot process.
@PhatomOfEarth posted the new change to X, and Marco Ashleader in design and research for Windows and devices at Microsoft, responded: “You’ll see more consistency in most use cases with rotating points.”
Taskbar with relocation options
As part of a broader effort to improve the operating system by addressing user pain points, Microsoft is working on a redesigned taskbar that brings back long-requested features, including the ability to reposition it to the top of the screen.
While previous glimpses of this experience were limited to internal build images, Windows 11 build 26300.8289 features the first (almost) functional integration of the updated taskbar.
In this initial implementation, new options appear in the taskbar context menu, allowing you to move the bar to the top of the screen or to either side of the screen. However, the current integration is still very buggy and trying to dock the taskbar to the side of the screen won’t work.
Also, note that the context menu options are for debugging purposes only. The final product will include the “Taskbar” page settings.
Windows Central’s opinion
This build offers a clear view of where the company is headed with Windows 11, even if many of the biggest improvements are still in the early stages.
The redesigned Run dialog box and updated Storage controls indicate steady progress in improving older parts of the operating system. These changes focus on usability and refinement, showing that Microsoft is paying attention to everyday interactions.
At the same time, the initial support for taskbar relocation is especially notable. Even in its current state, it confirms that the software giant is actively working to address one of the most requested features since the launch of Windows 11.
While some of these additions are still locked to regular users, their presence in the Experimental channel suggests that the company is moving forward with a broader set of improvements behind the scenes.
What do you think about these changes? We are seeing the first signs of Windows 11 changing in response to real user feedbackbut the picture is far from complete. Your experiences matter here. Leave your thoughts below and help shape what the next phase of Windows should look like.
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