Windows 11 September update adds movable taskbar, resizable Start menu, and cleaner search

The most significant addition is the ability to move the taskbar away from the bottom of the screen. Windows 11 users can now position it at the top or either side of the display, a feature that was present in Windows 10 but absent from Windows 11's original release. Microsoft has also added a setting to make the taskbar smaller, which could help users with limited screen space.

The Start menu can now be resized manually. Instead of relying on Windows' automatic sizing, users can choose between a standard large menu and a more compact one. This addresses complaints that the larger Start menu can consume too much of a laptop screen. Additionally, Microsoft has added options to remove sections from the Start menu, allowing for a more minimal layout.

Search functionality also receives a key improvement: users can now disable web results when searching for local files, as well as turn off Microsoft Store suggestions. This declutters the search experience and removes results that open in Edge with Bing.

The update includes performance and reliability fixes. File Explorer's Home page loads faster, and switching between virtual desktops is snappier. Microsoft also says it fixed the app history information in Task Manager and made the Display panel in Settings more stable. The update includes new progress indicators across Windows for startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation, providing a more consistent visual experience. A mouse bug that affected the preview version of the update has also been resolved.

Some users have questioned why these features were not saved for the upcoming 26H2 annual update, which is expected to be a minor release. Microsoft likely kept 26H2 lean to ensure smooth deployment, though the phased rollout means many users may not receive the new taskbar and Start menu features until October or later.