Microsoft Adds 4-Way Taskbar and Smarter Search in Windows 11 Insider Builds
Updated
Updated · Windows Central · Aug 4
Microsoft Adds 4-Way Taskbar and Smarter Search in Windows 11 Insider Builds
3 articles · Updated · Windows Central · Aug 4
Summary
Build 26220.9022 brings one of the biggest visible changes: Windows 11 testers can move the Taskbar to the top, left, right, or bottom, and also shrink its size.
Build 26300.9032 updates Windows Search to automatically find additional relevant folders based on user activity, aiming to surface files without manual indexing; the same build also adds Phone Link message previews.
Builds 28120.2630 and 28020.2623 cut update disruption by coordinating driver, .NET and firmware patches into a single monthly reboot, while adding new touchpad controls for scroll, zoom and accelerated scrolling.
Other July Insider changes include faster File Explorer deletion of large fragmented files, broader HID Braille support in Narrator, adaptive hibernation at above 80% and below 10% battery, and Start menu customization.
The late-July releases largely align Beta and Experimental channels with features already seen elsewhere, signaling Microsoft is prioritizing a more consistent Insider experience ahead of any stable rollout.