Vertical Taskbars Return to Windows 11, Courtesy of Third Parties

If you’ve been missing the vertical taskbars from older Windows versions, Stardock has come to the rescue. In their latest beta release of Start11, a vertical taskbar feature has been added to Windows 11, giving this long-requested feature a revival. With Start11, you can place a vertical taskbar on either side of your screen, bringing back a bit of nostalgia for those who prefer it.

A Microsoft community post about vertical taskbars on Windows 11 has drawn over 55,000 views, with thousands adding their voices in agreement. Similar sentiments appear on Reddit and other forums, with users clamoring for this feature. Yet, despite the demand, Microsoft has yet to accommodate the request for a vertical taskbar in Windows 11.

That’s where Stardock comes in, stepping up to fill the gap left by Microsoft. It might seem a bit odd needing a third-party app to add a feature that older Windows versions supported natively, but Start11 has its perks. It lets you transform the Start menu’s appearance to mimic Windows 11, 10, or even 7. Plus, it offers more customization options than what Windows 11’s native settings provide.

Launching with Start11 version 2.5, currently in beta, the new update not only includes vertical taskbars but also introduces centered taskbar buttons even when the Start icon is left-aligned.

So, does Windows 11 support vertical taskbars? Unfortunately, for fans of vertical taskbars, Microsoft doesn’t seem eager to officially integrate this feature into Windows 11. The removal of the taskbar moving option in Windows 11 puzzled many, as previous versions allowed it to be repositioned to the top or side of the screen. Luckily, the latest Start11 beta brings this flexibility back.

In a 2022 Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Tali Roth, Microsoft’s Head of Product, explained some of the challenges involved. “Moving the taskbar to different screen locations presents several challenges,” Roth noted. “When considering placements like on the right or left, the reflow of apps and the adaptation to the new environment is quite substantial.”

Given Microsoft’s enormous resources, it’s intriguing that a third-party developer like Stardock managed to overcome the programming hurdles described by Roth.

Roth also alluded to Microsoft’s prioritization decisions in 2022, shedding light on why a vertical taskbar hasn’t been implemented: “Data shows that while there’s a segment that loves and appreciates the vertical option, it’s a small group compared to those requesting other features. Right now, we are focusing on areas where users express more concerns.”

In short, although Microsoft could technically create a vertical taskbar for Windows 11, they haven’t deemed it worth the effort for what they perceive as a minor audience.