Windows 11 just revived one of its most missed features
Microsoft just released optional update KB5120998 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. On top of numerous minor improvements, it introduces a few big changes that’ll be noticeable in day-to-day use.
Free positioning of the taskbar
The most noticeable change in this update involves the taskbar. You can now choose whether it sits at the bottom, top, left, or right side of the screen. This marks the return of a feature that was present in earlier versions of Windows but was taken out of Windows 11 at launch.
You can find this setting under Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behavior → Taskbar position.
Microsoft is also introducing a smaller taskbar in this update. In “Small” mode, the icons and height of the taskbar are reduced, freeing up more space on smaller screens. However, this compact version can only sit at the top of bottom of the screen.
More Start menu options
The Start menu has gotten some new customization options in this update. The “Recommended” section has been renamed “Recently used,” and you can also hide your name and profile picture in the Start menu. Separate toggles allow you to show or hide the sections for pinned apps, recommended content, and all apps independently of one another.
In the future, you’ll be able to choose between small and large layouts, and you’ll be able to use the automatic resize feature.
Search and File Explorer improvements
Microsoft has revamped Windows Search. The search interface is clearer and will, in the future, indicate more clearly whether a result comes from an app, Settings, a local file, the web, or the Microsoft Store.
If you don’t wish to see web or Store results alongside local results, you can disable these suggestions in the privacy and search settings. Windows can also automatically index frequently used folders for future searches.
In File Explorer, the home page is set to respond more quickly. The section with recommended files now also supports touch scrolling.
New security and AI features
With Administrator Protection, Microsoft is introducing a feature designed to better secure administrator rights. Administrative tasks can now be carried out using time-limited permissions. The feature is disabled by default and is designed for corporate environments.
The update also prepares Windows for the use of AI agents. The new Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) can isolate processes such as coding agents and restrict their access to files, the network, and other system resources via policies.
In addition, Windows will soon support the post-quantum cryptography algorithm ML-KEM as a standalone option for TLS key exchange.
Other changes in this update
Update KB5120998 also improves: switching between virtual desktops, display and brightness settings, the Task Manager, and various features relating to Windows Update. The Windows Setup process and the “Get Started” app have also been revamped.
Another change concerns WMIC. The command-line tool for Windows Management Instrumentation will no longer be available in Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), however, will remain in place.
The update also includes various bug fixes in areas like text-to-speech, Japanese text input, Outlook, and touchpad issues. Microsoft is currently not aware of any known issues with the update.
Not all features available immediately
Update KB5120998 is an optional preview update. That means you have to install it manually if you want to take advantage of what it offers. However, early adoption of preview updates is risky—some users are reporting cursor and wallpaper issues with this update, so you should weigh the risks before jumping in. The cause of those issues is still unknown.
Also note that Microsoft likes to gradually roll out its features, so even if you install the optional update, you may not have immediate access to all of the improvements. You may have to wait a week or longer before certain features are enabled on your system.
If you still want to install this update, you can do so by navigating to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates → KB5120998.
