Microsoft has started rolling out a slew of new UI updates for Windows Insiders — and one feature will be particularly useful for those with taskbars maximized.
As part of Windows 11 build 22622440 (opens in new tab), Microsoft is reintroducing taskbar overflow, a feature that adds an overflow section for apps that don’t fit into a full taskbar. The taskbar will automatically transition to this new overflow state when it reaches full capacity, and the overflow area itself will be accessible via its own taskbar button (composed of three dots).
Microsoft said the feature is starting to roll out to certain beta users now, though it plans to “monitor feedback and see how it works.” [taskbar overflow] arrives before sending it to everyone” (i.e. all beta users).
Build 22622.440 will also add more dynamism to the widgets button, with sports and finance news set to appear alongside existing weather updates, while the “open with” menu also got an update (one that supports both light and dark themes). Check out the latest in action below:
Elsewhere in the new build, settings will now support managing apps that were previously only customizable through the Control Panel. Microsoft said this includes uninstalling apps that have interdependencies (eg game apps running on Steam).
Also among the updates are a number of fixes for File Explorer and a patch to stop crashes when docking and undocking additional monitors. For the full list of new features, updates and fixes – many of which are expected to be released in Windows 11 later this year – go to Microsoft’s Latest. blog post (opens in new tab).
For more on Windows 11, check out our thoughts on a recent Windows 11 update that breaks as much as it fixes, and another that we think is absolutely essential for PC gamers.