Microsoft has released Windows 11 builds 26300.8493 For 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 widgets behavior, expands Fluid Dictation language support, and introduces a redesigned set of system spinners.
The ability to move the taskbar was a frequently requested feature since Windows 11 removed taskbar positioning options in 2021.
The change was part of the Windows K2 initiative, Microsoft’s effort to address long-standing complaints about Windows 11.
Movable taskbar and new mini mode
The taskbar can now be moved to different locations via Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar Behavior. You can choose to place it at the bottom, top, left, or right of the screen.
Tooltips, flyouts, and animations still originate from the taskbar in each case. Most customization options, including the smaller taskbar setting and the option to never combine icons, work in all locations.
However, some features are not yet available in alternative situations. Touch gestures, search box, and Ask CoPilot are still under development. Auto-hidden and touch-optimized taskbar modes are not supported when moving the taskbar.
A new option to show smaller taskbar buttons is now available in Settings under Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar Behavior. When enabled, it reduces both the icon size and the overall height of the taskbar. Keep the Start, Search, and system tray scales together to keep everything aligned.
The default taskbar appearance remains unchanged for users who do not enable this setting. Microsoft has indicated that further adjustments to the size of the taskbar are currently in development.
Widget updates and improved Windows Search
Widget badging 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, which includes turning off taskbar badging.
Microsoft has begun rearranging search box results so that files and apps appear before web suggestions when the user’s query matches them more closely.
Fluid Dictation upgrades and new system spinner
Fluid Dictation now supports Spanish and French for Windows Insiders. This feature automatically corrects grammar, punctuation, and filler words during voice dictation. It runs on the smaller on-device language model and can be used via Windows Voice Access or voice typing with Win+H.
Microsoft has replaced the old loading visuals on the boot, logon, restart, shutdown, and update screens with a similar solid donut spinner. Each scenario now includes a spinner as well as status text, which displays messages such as “Restarting,” “Working on an update,” and “Welcome.”
Reliability improvements and performance improvements
This build introduces the first in a series of ongoing logon performance optimizations that Microsoft plans to release over the next few months.
It also brings several other improvements, including increased reliability when switching between multiple desktops, more consistent notifications from the Simple Service Discovery Protocol, and greater stability of the dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth commands.
Additionally, there are also fixes for issues like PC not staying idle after update and Properties window not opening correctly for Recycle Bin and some other scenarios. The Refresh Run dialog now navigates through history with the arrow keys on first launch.
Build 26300.8493 is currently being rolled out on the experimental channel. Microsoft has not announced when these changes will be available to wider Windows 11 users.
