Windows 11 September 2026 Update: Taskbar, Start and Search Changes
Microsoft's September 2026 Windows 11 preview adds movable taskbar positions, a smaller taskbar and more Start-menu controls.
Microsoft’s September 2026 Windows 11 preview update is unusually visible because several changes affect parts of the desktop players see every day: the taskbar, Start and system navigation.
The taskbar can move again
Microsoft’s KB5124006 notes say users can place the taskbar at the bottom, top, left or right of the screen. Microsoft says the Search box and smaller-taskbar option are currently supported only at the top and bottom.
A smaller taskbar is available
The same update adds a smaller taskbar option that reduces icon size and taskbar height. That is useful on compact gaming laptops and handheld-style PCs where vertical screen space matters.
Start gets more controls
Microsoft also adds small, large and automatic Start-menu sizes. The Recommended area is renamed Recent, and users can independently control sections such as Pinned, Recent and All. There is also an option to hide your name and profile image in Start.
Will every PC get everything at once?
No. These are preview/update features and Microsoft often rolls Windows experiences out in phases. Your build, update channel and device can determine when an individual feature appears.
Does this improve gaming performance?
These particular changes are primarily interface changes, not a gaming-performance patch. They may make Windows more comfortable to use on certain displays, but they should not be sold as an FPS upgrade.
