Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Microsoft responds to feedback with long-requested Windows 11 features, including taskbar tweaks and improved file explorer– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Summary
- Microsoft is bringing back the ability to move Windows 11’s taskbar to a vertical orientation.
- Copilot integration in Windows 11 will be scaled back, with fewer entry points and more intentional use in apps.
- Quality fixes: faster, steadier File Explorer, less disruptive updates, clearer Insider and Feedback tools.
It’s no secret that a lot of Windows 11 users aren’t happy with the direction Microsoft’s operating system has been headed over the last few years, whether it’s the seemingly never-ending integration of AI with Copilot, the lack of taskbar orientation options, or issues with File Explorer running too slowly. Thankfully, it seems Microsoft has been listening to these complaints.
In a recent detailed blog post, Pavan Davuluri, the EVP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, outlined several upcoming changes to Windows 11 that are the direct result of feedback, in an effort to show that the tech giant is changing direction and is listening to its most dedicated users.
“Every day, we hear from the community about how you experience Windows. And over the past several months, the team and I have spent a great deal of time analyzing your feedback. What came through was the voice of people who care deeply about Windows and want it to be better,” writes Davuluri in the blog post.
Among the new features is the often-requested ability to customize Windows 11’s taskbar, including repositioning it to the top or sides of your display, allowing you to personalize your workspace exactly how you want. Vertical taskbar orientation has been a long-standing Windows feature (check out the image above), but Microsoft removed the functionality when Windows 11 launched.
Another notable shift is a change in focus with Copilot integration. Instead of forcing its AI assistant into every facet of the operating system, Microsoft says it plans to be “more intentional” about how it uses Copilot in Windows 11, including “reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points” in apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad.
Microsoft’s plan also includes a focus on making Windows 11 more consistent and reliable. This includes reducing interaction latency by moving core Windows experiences to the WinUI3 framework, increasing OS, driver and app reliability by working closely with its OEM partners, reducing OS level crashes, and more.
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Several other new features and updates are on the way
Along with the above updates, Microsoft says it plans to reduce the disruption caused by Windows updates, including the ability to skip updates during setup to get to your desktop faster, or to shut down your computer without installing automatically downloaded updates. You’ll also be able to pause updates for a longer period if you need to.
Davuluri goes on to write that Microsoft aims to make File Explorer in Windows 11 more reliable, with faster launch times, less flicker, and smoother overall navigation. Other upcoming improvements include giving users more control over widgets and feed experiences. Additionally, Microsoft says it’s simplifying its Windows Insider program to make it clearer how to join and what each Insider channel offers. Finally, the tech giant is improving its Feedback Hub to make it easier to “share and see what others are sharing” in what it calls its most notable update to the app for Insiders.
Davuluri says that all of these features will be available in an upcoming Windows Insider preview build coming later in March and in future updates throughout April.
While it’s important to note that this is just a blog post and that none of these features are publicly available yet, it’s refreshing to hear that Microsoft is listening and has clear plans to improve Windows 11, especially when it comes to Copilot. The company has been heavily criticized for trying to shoehorn Copilot across Windows 11, particularly in places where it doesn’t make sense.
The same applies to the removal of the vertical taskbar option, another key feature that dedicated users have been passionately requesting. Hopefully, Microsoft follows through on this plan, because at least at the outset, it seems like a positive step in the right direction for Windows 11’s future.
You can find Microsoft’s full plan to improve Windows 11 in this Windows Insider blog post.
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I salute your efforts, sir.