Major Windows 11 Update Looms: Revamped Start Menu, Taskbar, and More Coming Soon
Microsoft is gearing up to release a significant feature drop for Windows 11, bringing a host of improvements and long-awaited changes to the operating system. Based on features tested in the Windows Insider Program, this update, expected to roll out as early as next month, focuses on enhancing core user experience elements like the Start menu, Taskbar, and File Explorer.
A Smarter and More Organized Start Menu
The Start menu is receiving a thoughtful overhaul designed to make it more useful and informative at a glance. Microsoft is moving beyond simple app lists and recommended files to provide a more dynamic experience.
Enhanced Recommendations and Folders
One of the key changes is the introduction of richer “companion” experiences. For users signed in with an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account, the Recommended section will now display related files from colleagues and meetings, making collaborative work more seamless. Additionally, the ability to create and name app folders directly within the Start menu, a feature many users have requested, is set to be refined for better organization.
The Taskbar Reclaims Classic Functionality
Perhaps one of the most celebrated changes in this upcoming feature drop is the refinement of the Taskbar. Microsoft is directly addressing user feedback by reintroducing features that were popular in previous versions of Windows.
Never Combine Taskbar Buttons
The highly-requested “never combine” feature for Taskbar buttons is making a comeback. Users will finally have the option to see individual app windows with their full text labels on the Taskbar, rather than having them grouped under a single icon. This is a major win for productivity and multitasking, allowing users to switch between windows with a single click.
Key New Features and Enhancements
Beyond the Start menu and Taskbar, this update is packed with a wide array of quality-of-life improvements and new capabilities. These features aim to modernize the OS and streamline common tasks.
- Revamped File Explorer: The File Explorer gets a visual and functional update with a modernized header, a new details pane, and a new Gallery view for a much-improved photo browsing experience.
- Dynamic Lighting: Windows 11 will gain native support for controlling RGB lighting on peripherals like keyboards and mice, eliminating the need for multiple third-party apps.
- Improved Volume Mixer: A new, more advanced volume mixer is being integrated into the Quick Settings panel, allowing for per-app audio control without needing to open the classic settings menu.
- Windows Copilot Preview: The AI-powered Windows Copilot will be more deeply integrated, offering assistance across the operating system.
- Native Archive Support: Windows 11 will add native support for opening additional archive formats, including RAR, 7z, and GZ, a feature that power users have wanted for years.
Release Timeline and What to Expect
These new features are expected to be delivered through what Microsoft calls a “Moment” update, a smaller feature drop that rolls out separately from the major annual version update. While an exact date has not been confirmed, the release is anticipated for October. The update will likely appear as an optional update within Windows Update first, before a wider, automatic rollout in the following weeks.
This upcoming feature drop for Windows 11 represents a significant step forward, blending modern aesthetics with the return of beloved, classic functionality. By listening to user feedback, Microsoft is polishing the user experience and making Windows 11 a more powerful and user-friendly platform for everyone.
