One of the latest cumulative updates for Windows 11 22H2 (Update 2022) brings a tablet-optimized taskbar (although disabled by default) to users who are not members of the Windows Insider program. It works by shrinking the traditional taskbar down to a much more compact version (Microsoft calls it “flat”) and hides the Start menu button, widgets, and pinned apps, leaving only the notification area, clock, and status indicators. This gives tablet users more screen space for apps and content, while keeping the traditional taskbar in one swipe.

It seems that the tablet-optimized taskbar also works on standard desktop and laptop computers, providing an alternative to the Hide Taskbar feature. This allows you to gain more screen space without sacrificing clock and network/sound/battery indicators. As with the Hide Taskbar feature, you can open the taskbar by moving the cursor to the bottom edge of the screen.

How to enable compact taskbar in Windows 11 22H2?

1. Make sure your computer is running Windows 11 build 22621.755 or later. Install all available updates, including optional KB5018496.
2. Activate the optimized taskbar with ViveTool as described in our dedicated guide.
3. go ” Settings” > “Personalization” > “TaskbarTurn on the » and « button Optimize the taskbar for touch interaction“.
4. click Win+R and enter regedit.
5. Paste the following path into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
6. click Edit > Create > Dword Value (32-bit)»
7. Rename value TabletPositionTaskbar.
8. Open value TabletPositionTaskbar and change its value to one. Windows 11 will immediately activate the “compact” taskbar.

Of course, the tablet-optimized taskbar isn’t designed for use on traditional PCs, so you’ll have to deal with some quirks like a lot. oil taskbar and some free space on additional monitors. You can remove the latter by turning off “Show my taskbar on all screens” under “.Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior”. Resource