Vertical taskbars are back in Windows 11, but not from Microsoft

• Windows 11 can now feature a vertical taskbar.
• Using a vertical taskbar requires Start11, a third-party app.
• Start11 also allows you to customize the look of the Start menu.

As a tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when it comes to the vertical taskbars that graced our screens in earlier versions of Windows. The latest beta version of Start11 from Stardock brings this much-requested feature back to life for Windows 11 users, and I must admit, I’m thrilled!

If you’ve been longing for the vertical taskbars from earlier Windows versions, Stardock has a solution for you. The latest beta version of Start11 now includes an option for a vertical taskbar, reintroducing this popular feature in Windows 11. With Start11, you can position your vertical taskbar on either the left or right side of your screen.

Approximately 55,000 individuals have checked out a particular Microsoft community post regarding the vertical taskbars in Windows 11. Numerous discussions about the same topic can be found on Microsoft’s website, and many more people have turned to Reddit and other platforms expressing similar desires. However, Microsoft has yet to meet user demands by introducing a vertical taskbar option for Windows 11.

In light of this, Stardock has taken up the task where Microsoft left a gap. It seems unusual to rely on external software to add a feature to Windows 11 that was available in earlier versions. However, Start11 offers more than just this single function. This application enables you to personalize the Start menu’s appearance, making it resemble Windows 11, Windows 10, or even Windows 7. Furthermore, Start11 provides customization options beyond what the default Windows 11 Start menu offers.

In version 2.5 of Start11 (currently in beta), you’ll find vertical taskbars as a new feature. This update also introduces an option for taskbar buttons to be centered when the Start icon is aligned to the left, improving the overall layout.

Does Windows 11 support vertical taskbars?

It appears that vertical taskbars, which some users appreciate, may not receive official backing from Microsoft in Windows 11. The removal of the option to relocate the taskbar to the side of a screen has left many questioning this choice. In earlier versions of Windows, it was possible to shift the taskbar to the top or side of a screen; however, this functionality is absent in Windows 11. If you’re on the latest beta version of Start11, it does support both horizontal and vertical taskbars.

In the year 2022, Microsoft hosted a question-and-answer session, or Q&A, where they discussed a range of topics, one of which was the vertical taskbars in Windows operating system.

Microsoft’s Head of Product, Tali Roth, mentioned that shifting the taskbar to various locations across the screen presents several difficulties. She explained that when considering placing the taskbar on either the right or left side, the amount of reflow and work required by all applications to adapt to the new environment is substantial.

It seems unusual for a relatively small third-party app developer like Stardock to find solutions for resizing the taskbar and tackling complex development tasks, given that Microsoft, one of the world’s largest tech companies, is involved.

It seems likely that Roth’s remarks from 2022 have played a significant role in Microsoft’s decision to not incorporate a vertical taskbar into Windows 11.

When examining the data, we acknowledge a group of people who genuinely enjoy it as it is, but we also understand that this group is relatively small compared to those requesting different features. Consequently, our current efforts are primarily directed towards addressing the needs that seem more pressing.

We’re currently examining this issue further, taking into account any feedback we receive. At present, there isn’t a specific timeline or strategy for constructing the side taskbar, as we haven’t decided whether or not it’s the right time to do so.

From my perspective, although it’s theoretically feasible for Microsoft to introduce a vertical taskbar in Windows 11, given the minimal user base for such a feature, I find it hard to justify the investment of time and resources needed to implement this change.

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2024-12-13 17:39