I never knew I needed this Windows 11 feature until Microsoft snuck it into testing

What you need to know

Microsoft is working on a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to drag an app from Windows Search to the Taskbar.
Dragging an app into the Taskbar allows you to pin that app.
Similar functionality already exists within Windows 11, but it requires you to drag an item from the Start menu’s all apps list or pinned section rather than from Windows Search.

As an observer with over two decades of tech-related life experience under my belt, I must say that the recent developments in Windows 11 are both intriguing and refreshing. Having gone through numerous iterations of operating systems from various companies, I’ve seen features come and go, some making a triumphant return after much demand.

Making it simpler to add apps to your Windows 11 Taskbar might become a reality soon. Microsoft is developing a feature that enables you to move an app directly from the Search window into the Taskbar, pinning it there. At present, you can already drag something onto the Taskbar to pin it, but this method requires moving the app from the Pinned area of Start or from the extensive list of all apps in the Start menu.

A user on X (previously known as Twitter), phantomofearth, spotted a new feature and posted a video demonstrating its functionality. The latest Canary build of Windows 11 now offers this option, and it’s also being gradually introduced in the Dev and Beta channels. As an unannounced update, it might take some time before it becomes available for all Windows 11 users. Microsoft may choose not to release it at all.

Return of the Taskbar

If you’re not part of the Windows Insider program but eager to test out the latest Taskbar enhancements, don’t worry! The recently released Windows 11 version 24H2 offers numerous updates to the Taskbar and Start menu for you. For instance, by using the keyboard shortcut “Windows key + T“, you can now type a letter on your keyboard to quickly navigate to an application that starts with the same first letter. If you have several apps starting with the same initial letter, you can switch between them by continuously pressing the corresponding letter key.

I noticed an alteration in the Start menu associated with the Windows update. Specifically, in Windows 11 version 24H2, the “Recommended” area within the Start menu may endorse applications from the Microsoft Store. However, you have the option to turn off this feature if you prefer.

The Taskbar in Windows 11 has undergone significant changes during its evolution. When Microsoft moved from Windows 10 to Windows 11, they revamped a substantial portion of their operating system. Consequently, certain features that were mainly utilized by a niche group of users were eliminated. This is why you’re unable to move the Taskbar to the top of your screen (except when using an app like Start11).

Over time, Microsoft has reintroduced several functionalities to the Taskbar in Windows 11, including the option to separate Taskbar items. Additionally, they’ve launched new features that enhance the usability of Windows. It feels like a long-overdue feature, but moving an item from the Windows Search to the Taskbar is now being tested, and I’m pleased to see it.

The introduction of the latest Taskbar updates discovered by phantomofearth is particularly significant due to Microsoft not providing any new builds for Windows Insiders recently. It’s possible that the team at Microsoft has been preoccupied with reviewing all the announcements made during IFA 2024. Despite the absence of fresh builds, Windows 11 Insiders have still received some new features, although they may not have been widely publicized.

2024-09-09 20:40

What you need to know

Return of the Taskbar

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