The initial commercial release of Windows 11 in october 2021 does not allow you to resize the Start menu or taskbar as you would in Windows 10. We share your frustration and discover some possible solutions.
An incomplete and borrowed legacy of Windows 10X
Windows 11 has its origins in Windows 10X, that Microsoft developed for a different type of hardware platform with two displays. In the path, the company redesigned the taskbar and Start menu to simplify them. After abandoning the dual screen concept, Microsoft adapted 10X to single screen devices, then migrated the Windows 10X interface items (as a new Start menu and a taskbar) to what became Windows 11.
At Windows launch 11 in october 2021, we're stuck with a dramatically simplified start menu and taskbar, which lack many of the power user alternatives that Windows users 10 they take for granted. As an example, you cannot resize the Start menu or taskbar, and you can't place the taskbar on different sides of the screen. (Fortunately, you can move the Start menu to the left side of the taskbar).
It is feasible for Microsoft to incorporate these features into Windows 11 in future updates, and we hope the company will. If Windows development 10 is an indication, Microsoft is likely to continue to improve Windows 11 over time. Despite this, It remains to be seen if Microsoft considers a resizable taskbar or Start menu an improvement.
RELATED: What is Windows 10X and how is it different?
Startup and taskbar solutions
As mentioned previously, you can move the icons on the taskbar (including Home button) on the left side of the screen in Windows 11, but you can't resize the taskbar itself. There is a partial solution that involves editing your Windows Registry, but it has some limitations: results are not perfect and you can only select from three sizes. Even so, if you are interested, we have created a step by step guide that shows you how to do it.
Regarding the Start menu, nowadays we do not know any way to change its size in Windows 11, but can potentially replace it. Application developer Stardock has created a program called Home11 (still in development early October 2021) which enables you to replace the Windows Start menu 11 with a menu that looks more like Windows 10. At the same time, Some have reported than a free replacement from Start called Open shell it might work on windows 11 with some adjustments. Over time, Open-Shell developers are likely to add full support for Windows 11.
Except those solutions, if you think Microsoft should make the taskbar and Start menu more flexible in Windows 11, the best course of action might be to send feedback to Microsoft using the Feedback Hub application that comes with Windows 11. To do it, open Start and search “comments”, then click the Feedback Center icon.
When the window opens, click on “Suggest a function”, then write the details of what you would like to see.
You can also try sending messages to Microsoft through social media (What and Twitter). But remember to be polite: Microsoft engineers are busy trying to create the best feasible software, even if we don't always agree to the 100% with your design choices. There is always room for changes in the future.
RELATED: How to make your taskbar bigger or smaller in Windows 11
