Microsoft may finally restore one of the most requested Windows 11 features: the ability to move the taskbar vertically.
After years of user frustration, a new report claims that Microsoft is working on bringing back support for placing the taskbar at the top or on the left and right sides of the screen — similar to Windows 10.
Former Microsoft Executive Says He “Fought Hard” to Keep It
The discussion gained attention after former Microsoft executive Mikhail Parakhin, now CTO at Shopify, responded to the news on X (formerly Twitter).
Parakhin wrote:
“Vertical taskbar is the best for productivity. I fought hard against the decision to take it away back then — hopefully it will be undone.”
His statement suggests that the removal of the vertical taskbar in Windows 11 was not a unanimous decision inside Microsoft.
According to a report citing internal discussions, Parakhin previously led engineering teams across Windows, Edge, Search, and Ads during his time at Microsoft. He revealed that the Windows 11 design vision focused on creating symmetric panes — system controls on the right and Widgets/News on the left — which pushed the Start menu into the center. A vertical taskbar conflicted with that layout.
Why Microsoft Removed the Vertical Taskbar
When Microsoft rebuilt the Windows 11 taskbar from scratch, it removed several customization options, including:
- Moving the taskbar to the top
- Placing it on the left or right side
- Resizing the taskbar
Microsoft initially dismissed feedback, stating that these features were not high priority.
However, users never stopped requesting them. Power users, especially those using ultrawide monitors or productivity setups, strongly prefer vertical taskbars because they make better use of screen space.
What Changes Microsoft Is Testing for Windows 11
Reports suggest Microsoft is working on:
- Restoring vertical taskbar support (left/right)
- Allowing the taskbar to move to the top
- Bringing back taskbar resizing options
- Improving overall customization
If accurate, these updates could arrive in Summer 2026.
The return of the vertical taskbar would signal a broader shift in Microsoft’s approach — moving from rigid design enforcement back toward user flexibility.
For productivity-focused users, this could be one of the most meaningful Windows 11 updates yet.
If Microsoft officially confirms this change, it could become one of the most user-celebrated feature reversals in recent Windows history.
