Windows 11 taskbar: Microsoft just killed these top features

Windows 11 has dropped certain functions from the taskbar that were there on Windows 10 and older versions. Microsoft says it wants to make Windows simpler and cleaner.

Windows 11 loses some of its taskbar functionalities from Windows 10 and older versions. (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)

Windows 11 is now out and there're a lot of new features to look forward to. Microsoft wants things to be cleaner and simpler on the new version of Windows going forward. In that process though, Windows 11 taskbar has seen some of its popular features disappear! In fact, the Windows 11 taskbar is not as useful as the one on Windows 10, or even Windows XP.

We recently reviewed Windows 11 on an HP Envy x360 and we stumbled upon the taskbar limitations, some of which have also been pointed out by several beta users. The Windows taskbar is less customizable than before, and it has lots many of its renowned shortcuts, including an easy access to the Task Manager app.

Windows 11 taskbar loses its functions

One of the easiest ways for professionals to work on Windows was to drag files or folders from anywhere on the desktop/window and hover it over the desired app to open it in that. That function is now gone. When dragging a file over an app on the Taskbar, Windows 11 shows a cross icon, denying the permission to do so.

Then there's the customisation options on the Taskbar itself. Users can no more reduce the icon size and move the taskbar to any particular side of the screen. The many windowing options are also gone. Instead, the taskbar simply sits below and lets users only adjust the taskbar icon alignment between center and left.

Windows 11 (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)

Windows 11 (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)

The system tray itself cannot be modified anymore, with the ability to hide most of the system icons now gone. Accessing the Task Manager app is also not possible from the “right click menu” on the Taskbar; you have to search for it now.

There are also restrictions on showing taskbar items when your PC is connected to multiple displays. Windows 11 will no show time and date on multiple monitors now, which restricts the multitasking capabilities.

A crippled taskbar is certainly not a good thing for loyal Windows users. However, in our time with Windows 11, we never missed these functions. Windows 11 has been consistent with its performance in such a manner that we never required the Task Manager. The drag and drop feature could have made lives easier but for those rare occasions, you can bring up the windows or app next to each other. Windows 11 has a very sorted layout system.