Windows 11 users are celebrating — and roasting — Microsoft for bringing back classic taskbar features

In an exclusive Windows Central report, Microsoft confirmed plans to restore movable and resizable Taskbar options on Windows 11, sparking mixed reactions across Reddit and in the comments of our report. While some users welcome the shift, others question why it took years for these options to come back.

For many longtime users, these Taskbar behaviors were once standard parts of the experience. As a result, the announcement is being seen less as a breakthrough feature and more as long-overdue reinstatements. That contrast helps explain the sarcasm and skepticism surfacing across the comments.

Here's what people are saying.

Should we throw them a parade?

A recurring theme in the comments is doubt that restoring a long-standing feature is being framed as one great step forward.

On Reddit, MSD3k wrote: "Oh good, crowing about bringing back standard features they arbitrarily ripped away. Should I get some balloons for the party?"

And Bogdan_X (Wintoys Developer) summed up the frustration saying, "What progress means to Microsoft: remove useful features, then add them back years later. Somehow we are supposed to be happy about this. Remarkable strategy!"

On Windows Central, NativeTech echoed the tone: "Its finally happening?! I gotta tell the presses and let the world know. This is big. Bigger than 50000 big."

This should be an afternoon’s work

Several commenters questioned why restoring Taskbar movement is being framed as a major initiative.

On Windows Central, Ian_TO notes that "This is a difficult thing to do? In a company where presumably 10's of 1000's of employees work on the Windows OS? This should be an afternoon's work for a small team, no? What are MS's quarter million employees working on?"

Also, harold56 followed up bluntly saying: "This was such an easy fix that can be applied in a week. I can't take Microsoft seriously if this is their big fix."

Whether fair or not, there's clear skepticism around the idea that this required years of effort.

The vast majority never touched it

Not everyone sees this as a major issue. Reddit user Mario583a pointed to old Microsoft data showing that most users keep the Taskbar at the bottom: The "bottom is a whopping 98%," "the top is a little over 1% and no surprise the," "the left somehow garners a little more it's a little over 6%," and "number of sessions where people have the task bar to the right of the screen 0.21%."

Similarly, Ben Wilson from Windows Central said, "I never moved mine, so I never saw the appeal. Still, I've seen enough people ask, so I know it's a common request. Nice to see Microsoft paying attention."

Despite the criticism, some users welcomed the change.

Better late than never

Not all reactions were negative either. For instance, Windows Central commenter fjtorres wrote: "Great! Right after I had to spend ten bucks to do it on my tablet. Should've been there from day one. Better late than never, I suppose."

Meanwhile, Reddit user Froggypwns pointed to resizing as the more important change: "This is what is more exciting for me, as I traditionally have my taskbar set to double height so I can have more applications open without having to dig through the overflow menus."

Yes, they should have been there all along. Yes, third-party tools may fill the gap. However, if Microsoft is restoring them natively, that's still progress.

More than a Taskbar update

The combined reactions from Reddit and Windows Central point to a broader debate about design consistency and how Microsoft balances simplicity with long-standing customization options. Some users feel vindicated, others say it's overdue, some don't see it as a priority, and others believe the company is focusing on the wrong problem.

While restoring these legacy Taskbar features won't resolve broader complaints about Windows 11, some see it as a sign that Microsoft is (finally) paying closer attention to feedback.

Windows 11 users aren’t holding back on this one, and we want to hear from you too. Are you happy to see these classic taskbar features return, or frustrated they disappeared in the first place?

Drop your thoughts below and tell us how you feel about Microsoft finally bringing them back.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.