In a Windows Insider blog post on Thursday, Microsoft introduced the “tablet-friendly” taskbar that was reintroduced in the Windows 11 Build 25197 preview release. The design was originally introduced in February and appeared in the official update along with other new features, but was subsequently pulled due to more internal development needs.
File photo (HP Pavilion x360 14)
As part of the Windows Insider update, this taskbar experience improvement only applies to tablets (such as in 2-in-1 form), not traditional laptops or desktop PCs.
The taskbar proper is set to automatically hide when the user is idle to provide more screen real estate. In the stowed state, it displays some key information — such as time and battery percentage.
(From: Windows Insider Blog)
When stretched out, it displays several apps, widgets and Start buttons, and makes them more suitable for interaction on a touch screen.
The tablet-friendly taskbar also automatically returns to its optimized position when disconnected, or when the keyboard dock of the 2-in-1 device is folded back.
With this update, Microsoft has also introduced other feature improvements for non-2-in-1 devices, such as system tray, widgets, task manager, and some bug fixes for windowing.
In addition, when hovering over the menu options, you’ll notice new animations and illustrations on the sidebar of the Settings app.
