Prior Windows Taskbar Features in Windows 11 via PowerToys

[qaa-demo]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

I am a user of Windows 11 and I find the operating system to be excellent overall. However, I have noticed that some taskbar behaviors from previous versions of Windows are not present in Windows 11 which very negatively affects productivity. Specifically, the options to group or ungroup windows from the same application, display titles on the taskbar, and arrange the taskbar into multiple rows are missing.

Scenario when this would be used?

These features were very useful in managing workspace and improving productivity. The ability to group or ungroup windows helped in organizing the taskbar space, displaying titles provided quick information about the window, and having a multi-row taskbar allowed more items to be visible at once. This would greatly enhance the user experience and provide more flexibility in customizing the taskbar. Thank you for considering this proposal. I believe many users would benefit from the reintroduction of these features.

Supporting information

There have been several complaints about the Windows 11 taskbar and missing features from previous versions of Windows. Here are some of the main issues:

1. Taskbar Functionality: The Windows 11 taskbar is one of the most controversial elements of the new operating system¹. Unlike in previous versions of Windows, in Windows 11 you can't drag and drop apps onto the taskbar to quickly add shortcuts to your favorite software¹. You also can't drag and drop files onto app icons in the taskbar to open up the files in the app of your choice¹. The taskbar was also locked to the bottom of the screen, so you couldn't move it to the side or top of the screen, which some people preferred¹³⁴. These limitations have led to a vocal backlash about the changes¹.

2. Missing Features: Windows 11 is still missing some features available in the previous versions of Windows³. For example, the "never combine" option, which shows a more informative taskbar button, is currently missing³.

3. Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, which has been a point of contention for many users³. Windows 10 PCs over six years old will unlikely have the TPM 2.0 technology in the processor, which is a primary reason why many people are still not being offered the Windows 11 update via Windows Update³.

[Jay-o-Way]

Hello and thanks for your message. What version of Windows are you currently using? Version 23H2 has some (admittedly) small but welcome improvements. For example a setting to always show labels. And there are ways to work around the hardware restrictions. One very simple one is a single registry value.

[qaa-demo]

...What version of Windows are you currently using?...

v. 10.0.22621.1413

[davidegiacometti]

/feedbackhub

[microsoft-github-policy-service[bot]]

Hi! We've identified this issue that best is suited for Windows Feedback Hub. To do this on Windows, WinKey+F will bring it up!

[qaa-demo]

Update: Window Version 10.0.22621 Build 22621 took care of the options to group or ungroup windows from the same application and display titles on the taskbar. Arranging the taskbar into multiple rows is still not back.