Windows users are in for a treat with the latest updates to the Taskbar, promising a more streamlined and customizable experience. Microsoft has introduced several new features that enhance the user interface, making it both more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Shortened Date/Time Format in the Taskbar
One of the most notable changes is the option to display a shortened date/time format on the Taskbar. Traditionally, Windows has shown the full date and time, including seconds, which can occupy a significant amount of space. The new hidden setting, however, reduces this footprint by displaying only the time (without AM/PM) at the top and the month and date at the bottom. This minimalist approach almost halves the space used, offering a cleaner presentation for those who prefer simplicity.
To enable this feature, navigate to Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors and toggle on the “Show shortened date and time” option available in Windows 11 KB5039307.
Show Notification Bell Icon in the Taskbar
Another welcome addition is the ability to hide the notification bell icon from the system tray. Previously, users could only hide the date/time icon, leaving the notification bell as a permanent fixture. With this update, you can now choose to remove the notification bell icon as well, giving you more control over what appears in your system tray.
To adjust this setting, go to Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors and toggle off the “Show notification bell icon” option.
Improved Suggestions in App Picker
The App Picker dialog, which appears when you select “choose another app” in the File Explorer context menu, has also received an upgrade. The current implementation often displays an extensive list of apps, which can be overwhelming. In this Beta build, however, most of the suggested apps are hidden in a drop-down list. Clicking on “More apps” reveals the rest of the suggestions, maintaining a clutter-free look.
This change not only improves aesthetics but also enhances usability by making it easier to find and select the desired app without scrolling through an exhaustive list.
Enhanced Taskbar Thumbnails
Lastly, Taskbar thumbnails have been refined to display more information about active tabs and windows. This improvement provides users with a better overview of their open applications, making multitasking more efficient.
These UI changes are currently being tested and are expected to be part of the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update this fall. Users can look forward to a more customizable and user-friendly Taskbar that enhances their overall Windows experience.
