The Windows 11 taskbar is enriched with a new feature, the overflow. What is it about ? Is it really a novelty?
This week Microsoft released a new Preview version of Windows 11, build 25163. It’s available to PCs and devices enrolled in the Windows Insider program’s DEV channel. As we saw in a dedicated news the operating system comes with four highlights
- The overflow of the taskbar,
- Improvements for file sharing,
- Several fixes,
- and a new Microsoft Store update
The taskbar overflow function is actually not new since it is already known. Its operation is quite simple. It automatically offers a “plus” button on the taskbar if the number of running applications – and therefore the number of icons to display – exceeds the available space. Clearly if the taskbar reaches its maximum capacity it automatically goes into “overflow state”. A menu appears to display all non-visible applications.
Microsoft explains that this feature was developed to be practical, simple and powerful.
Redmond adds
“We’re reintroducing taskbar overflow, with a newly designed experience for Windows 11. It’s been carefully thought out to give you a more productive switching and launching experience when space is at a premium. Your taskbar will automatically transition to this new overflowing state when it reaches its maximum capacity. In this state, it will offer an entry point to an overflow menu that will allow you to view all of your overflowed applications in a single space.
Note that this “overflow menu” is compatible with the advances offered by the taskbar. This includes for example support for pinned apps, jump list and extended user interface. This menu closes automatically as soon as a click is observed outside of it.
This advancement is only offered on the DEV channel and we don’t have an exact timeline for its mainstream rollout.