Windows 11 Just Got WAY More Customizable

About this video

Kevin Stratvert walks through new and returning Windows 11 customization options, framing them as features Microsoft removed at launch that are now coming back along with new ones. For the taskbar, via right-click > Taskbar Settings > Taskbar Behaviors, the taskbar can now be moved to the top, left, or right as well as the bottom, and its size can be changed from default to small, which shrinks icons and height on the bottom/top. He notes a limitation: on the left or right, icons shrink but taskbar width stays the same, so no horizontal space is gained. Other taskbar controls include toggling items such as Task View and Widgets, choosing a full search box, search icon only, or hiding Search (search remains available via Windows+S or pressing the Windows key and typing), and clicking the bottom-right corner — or pressing Windows+D — to show the desktop and restore windows. For the Start menu, via Start Settings, size can be set to automatic, small, or large, and sections such as Recent and All can be turned off so only Pinned apps show. Finally, in Search settings he turns off web searches and Microsoft Store results so search returns only local apps, files, and settings.

Key takeaways

• The Windows 11 taskbar can now be moved to the top, left, or right via Taskbar Settings > Taskbar Behaviors, and resized to small
• On side positions the taskbar width does not shrink even though icons get smaller, so no horizontal space is gained
• Task View, Widgets, and Search display (full box, icon only, or hidden) can be toggled; Windows+S or Windows key + typing still searches when hidden
• Start menu size can be automatic, small, or large, and sections like Recent and All can be turned off for a Pinned-only menu
• Web and Microsoft Store results can be turned off in Search settings so Windows Search shows only local apps, files, and settings

Episode details: published October 2, 2026 · 4:10 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Kevin Stratvert’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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