Microsoft could fix one of Windows 11’s biggest problems
Taskbar gets better
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Windows 11comes with some pretty impressive changes that set it apart fromWindows 10, but there are some changes, especially to the Taskbar, which have not gone down well with people – and thankfully it seemsMicrosoftis listening.
The Taskbar, which runs along the bottom of the screen, has seen some of the biggest – and most controversial – changes inWindows 11, including the fact that users can no longer drag and drop files onto icons of apps pinned to the Taskbar.
InWindows 10, and other previous versions of Windows, this was a handy way of quickly opening up files in the app of your choice, so Microsoft’s decision to drop that feature from Windows 11 was rather perplexing.
However, it looks like Microsoft is planning to reverse this decision, and allow the dragging and dropping of files onto the Taskbar.
Change of plans
AsWinCentral reports, the NTAuthority twitter account, claims that the Taskbar is planned to support drag and drop at some stage.
Microsoft is planning to have the Windows 11 taskbar drag issues solved. Undocked taskbar already supports this, WindowsUdk however restricts it behind some features not being ‘supported’.September 18, 2021
The NTAuthority account appears to be run by a developer with knowledge of Windows 11 and other Microsoft products, though we can’t be too sure how dependable they are (though WinCentral appears to trust them).
The account did share a video showing that under some circumstances dragging and dropping files onto apps on the Taskbar is already supported in Windows 11.
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If hook-enabling features 13, 14 and 15 in https://t.co/16S9m3TW6G.TaskbarModel:IsSupported, you can already drag onto apps (in build 22458). pic.twitter.com/JECIO5O62ASeptember 18, 2021
Considering the functionality appears to be in Windows 11 in some form already, and the vocal backlash Microsoft has endured over removing the feature in the first place, we think regardless of NTAuthority’s… authority… it’s likely that the ability to drag and drop to the Taskbarwillcome to Windows 11 at some point – though it may not arrive before the official launch on October 5.
Analysis: The system works (hopefully)
If Microsoft is indeed fixing dragging and dropping on the Taskbar, the lack of which we feel is currently one of the biggest problems with Windows 11, then it shows that the company is taking into account feedback from early users of theoperating system.
This would be welcome news, and is one of the reasons why Microsoft made Windows 11 relatively easy to try out early. Not only do these early ‘Insider’ builds of Windows 11 help Microsoft identify bugs and problems with the OS before its official launch (with users giving feedback on any issues they encounter), but it’s also an opportunity for Microsoft to hear about features or elements of Windows 11 that is customers like or dislike.
So, if Microsoft is changing a feature based on negative feedback, it shows that the system works, and Windows 11 should hopefully be a better operating system as a result.
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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