The taskbar is where we can see every app opened or add shortcuts to open frequently opened apps. We cannot imagine Windows without a taskbar. That’s how important and useful it is. Windows 10 taskbar has some great features that let us customize, add shortcuts, and do many things with a few clicks on the taskbar. But on Windows 11, taskbar a lot of great features that we loved are lost. Let’s see what they are.
Windows 11 Taskbar lost these features
The following are the features that we find on Windows 10 but lost on Windows 11. Let’s get into each one in detail.
1] Taskbar position is fixed
On Windows 11, the position of the taskbar is fixed only to the bottom of the screen. Earlier, we can change its position to left, right, top, and bottom. The options to do that is now completely removed, making the taskbar limited to its position at the bottom of the screen.
2] No Taskbar Icons Size options
When we feel the size of Taskbar icons is looking bigger, we can change their look to Small. Now on Windows 11, the size of the icons on the taskbar is fixed and we cannot change them into small icons.
3] Cannot ungroup open Windows
The taskbar on earlier Windows versions has options to see open Windows in multiple icons or ungroup the open windows. The ungrouping feature mainly helps users in browsing multiple web pages on different tabs. This feature is now completely removed on the new Windows 11 taskbar.
4] Dragging files onto apps on Taskbar to open them is disabled
We can drag a file onto the icon of an app on the taskbar to open the file using that app. This is one of the best features on the Windows 10 taskbar. Sadly, we cannot drag files now onto the taskbar. We see a cross mark when we try to do it.
5] Time and date is shown only on a single monitor
When we are using multiple monitors, we used to see the time and date on both the monitors on Windows 10. But on Windows 11, the time and date are shown only on a single monitor. It poses a problem when we play games and hide the taskbar. We cannot see the time and date on the second monitor.
6] Cannot add Quick Launch toolbar to the taskbar
Besides the Start button, there used to be a Quick Launch button where we can see shortcuts of some programs like Control Panel, Network, etc. The quick launch toolbar is non-existent on the Windows 11 taskbar. We even cannot add it as we don’t have an option to do so. NOW READ: Things you can do in Windows 10 that you can’t do in Windows 11.
7] No fixed position for the Start button
The fixed position for the Start button at the bottom left of the screen is used to position for all Windows users. It is fixed to that and we cannot change it unless the position of the taskbar is changed. But, on Windows 11, we see options to see them in the center or left of the taskbar. This is good as it gives folks an option! Read: How to customize Windows 11 Taskbar.
8] No Taskbar Context Menu
There used to be a big context menu on the Taskbar using which we can open Task Manager, Powershell, Command Prompt, etc. On Windows 11 taskbar, it only features Taskbar Settings. The big context menu is now limited to its settings.
9] Show Desktop button is removed
There used to be a button to show the desktop at the end of the taskbar. The button is completely removed from the taskbar on Windows 11. It is one of the best features that are available on Windows 10, where we can peek at the desktop easily. Now you need to just move the cursor there and click in the corner to show the desktop.
10] No option to lock Taskbar
The taskbar on Windows 10 can be locked. That means it cannot be moved or the icons. But on Windows 11, there is no option to lock. Anyone can change the location of taskbar icons easily to the left or center anytime. We could have avoided it if there is an option to lock the taskbar. These are some of the main features that we lost on the Windows 11 taskbar. Read: How to customize Windows 11 Start Menu.
How do I move the taskbar in Windows 11?
By default, there are no options available on Windows 11 to move or change the position of Taskbar. But there are hacks that can be done in the registry editor. A few tweaks in the Registry Editor lets you move the taskbar in Windows 11.
How do I make my taskbar transparent Windows 11?
You can make the taskbar transparent in Windows 11 by turning on the Transparency effects. You can do so in the Settings. Open the Settings app, click on Accessibility, and then on Visual effects. In the Visual effects settings, toggle the button beside Transparency effects. It is a system-wide effect that applies to the taskbar as well. Related Read: How to customize and use Windows 11 Explorer.