Windows 11’s taskbar may get a handy feature from Windows 10

By Arif Bacchus Published February 9, 2022

If you’re a heavy multitasker in Windows 11, you might have noticed that your taskbar might be a little messy when you have too many apps open at once. Windows 10 had a handy overflow feature to help in that situation, and according to a noted Windows leaker on Twitter, it could soon make a comeback on Windows 11.

While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed anything about this just yet, @thebookisclosed is the one who has the specifics of the feature. With it, you should be able to see and access all of your open apps in a new overflow bin in the Windows 11 taskbar.

Recommended Videos

It’s a welcome change, as previously, there was no indicator to let Windows 11 users know of other open apps once the taskbar runs out of space to hold app icons. The return of the overflow area should add an ellipses icon, so you can better select from open apps and not just see one, as before.

Windows 11's app overflow area. — @thebookisclosed/ Twitter

This would just be one useful feature coming to Windows 11 soon. Previously, the same leaker also indicated that Microsoft is working on three big improvements for the new operating system. Those changes include an interesting stickers option for spicing up the look of the desktop wallpaper, the ability to hide the taskbar in tablet mode, and changes to notifications so that notification controls are more upfront.

And that’s just the start. A separate Twitter user recently showcased a fully redesigned Windows 11 Task Manager app. It has a new look based on Windows 11’s design and useful battery health and app health areas so you can better monitor the all-around performance of your PC.

All of these leaked features have been locked away and hidden in the code in recent Windows Insider Dev Channel releases. Microsoft has said these releases aren’t tied to a specific Windows version, so you should not count on seeing them soon.

Microsoft also previously indicated that it might be a possibility that these features will be discovered by more technical users of beta versions of Windows 11, but it doesn’t mean the features will be released. It says this is by design, and it will only communicate about features that we are purposefully enabling for people to try out.

Former Computing Writer

Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…

Topics

Computing

This Windows 11 update makes Start Menu much more desirable and usable again

The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

The Start Menu has been the central element in Microsoft Windows for nearly three decades. Though loved initially for its resourcefulness, the Menu went through some debatable -- I call them abhorrent -- changes with Windows 8, but eventually returned to occupying less space in the interface with Windows 8.1, and then Windows 10 and 11. Despite the rescuing, it is still reeling under the damaging changes in the form of recommendations and random automatically populating lists that reduce it to a mere glorified search interface. However, Microsoft may now be looking to resolve these issues and bringing back a more simplified interface with an upcoming update.

Microsoft is testing a new interface for Start Menu on Windows 11, reducing the existing clutter of randomly interspersed apps and files. X user @phantomofearth, renowned for testing new features in Windows Insider builds, gave us a good look at the new interface in a detailed video walkthrough.

Computing

Windows 11 users outsmart Microsoft once again with new local account trick

A screenshot of the Windows 11 Microsoft Account setup page

A newly discovered trick allows Windows 11 users to bypass Microsoft’s online account requirement during setup, raising questions around user control and privacy. The workaround, shared by X user @witherornot1337, lets users set up Windows 11 with a local account instead of being forced to log in with a Microsoft account.

This follows previous similar methods, highlighting an ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Microsoft and privacy-conscious users. Microsoft has been increasingly pushing online accounts as a mandatory requirement for Windows 11, particularly in Home and Pro editions. This change has frustrated many users who prefer local accounts for greater privacy and independence from Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Computing

I hope Microsoft adds these 6 things to the next major Windows Update

Windows 11 updates have a bit of a reputation, from slowing Intel's newest desktop processors to breaking games. Despite the occasional hiccup, we still look forward with cautious optimism.

Despite the occasional rough patch, Microsoft continues to evolve the OS, and each update feels like a chance for a new beginning. While Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything yet, the rumor mill is buzzing with what comes next, and I'm starting to feel excited. The talk of new features suggests fixes for long-standing annoyances, productivity boosts, and quality-of-life improvements worth waiting for.
What's coming to Windows in 2025?