Lyra Martin Tech 09.08.2022 23:Sep PM EDT

Microsoft's Tablet-Friendly Taskbar Returns in Windows 11 Preview

Microsoft is bringing back its tablet-friendly minimalist taskbar, which displays just vital information when used with the touch interface, which was first launched in February.

Windows 11 Will Have Its Tablet-Friendly Taskbar Back

Microsoft unveiled a less congested taskbar for Windows 11 in February that merely displays the time and date as well as the network and battery health of a device. On this day, September 11, The Verge reported that Microsoft is bringing back this tablet-friendly taskbar after its developers eliminated it in order to create a bigger room for internal upgrades.

According to Microsoft, the optimized taskbar is only accessible for 2-in-1 personal computers, which can be used as a tablet, and will be part of a significant upgrade in Windows Insider. This was stated by the firm through a blog post where it also described what this feature is capable of.

To enable this tablet-friendly taskbar, a Windows 11 user should disconnect their keyboard by flipping it to the back. Once done, the screen will display a wide range of programs, widgets, and the Start button. In such a state, the feature will seem to be excellently suited for touch interfaces.

On the other hand, when it is not in use, the taskbar will disappear on its own to create a more expansive space for necessary things on the desktop's screen. In this state, only vital information will surface, like the time and battery status, among others.

Despite developing new features for its hybrid gadget, Microsoft will not leave its users that are not using its 2-in-1 device. This is because it will also provide other changes compatible with devices that are not foldable in the most current version of the software. These improvements are geared explicitly at the System Tray.

New versions can fix minor problems in Windows function, Task Manager, and Settings, plus animated symbols and visuals to the Settings app sidebar whenever the user explores menu options.

Microsoft's Windows 11 Taskbar Notification Launch in August

Last month, Microsoft successfully rolled out its Windows 11 widgets taskbar notification system to customers (via The Verge). It has updated its taskbar widget to include live animations, which will eventually lead to a fundamental shift in the way that things are done.

When it is cheery and lovely outside, the widget displays a sunny symbol, but when it is gloomy, or the skies have been down pouring, it shows a symbol of an umbrella. Despite the fact that it has undergone updates and been brought back in Windows 11 earlier this year, the widget has, for the most part, retained its traditional and unchangeable form.

Windows 11 allows its users to get alerts from a widget that is shown on their taskbar if something significant takes place in relation to another widget that they have. However, in cases when they decide just to let the alerts come and go, they will eventually disappear and bring back the weather forecast to its display.

On September 20, Microsoft plans to release the third significant upgrade to its operating system. It will be related to Windows 11, which will introduce a variety of new features, including new touch gestures.

Additionally, as The Verge reports it, there is a possibility that Microsoft will be simplifying the name of an upcoming update to ease the long confusion of the terms it uses for its releases. With this, it might call its future system iteration "Windows 11 2022 Update." The name has been speculated around as a potential contender for Microsoft's next big operating system update.