Microsoft updates Windows 11 with taskbar flexibility and performance boosts

Windows 11 Microsoft taskbar customization Low Latency Profile software update

Microsoft is rolling out several significant updates to Windows 11 through the Release Preview channel, addressing long-standing user requests for interface customization and performance improvements.

Key UI changes include the return of the ability to reposition the taskbar to the top, left, or right sides of the screen, alongside a new option for a smaller, more compact taskbar. The Start menu is also being updated to allow users to choose between small, large, or automatic sizes, and provides more control over the visibility of pinned apps and recent items.

On the performance front, Microsoft is expanding the Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature. This mechanism uses a ‘race to sleep’ strategy, briefly boosting CPU frequency when an application is launched to accelerate window rendering and loading before returning to a low-power state. This is expected to improve responsiveness for both system apps and third-party Win32 software.

Other updates include enhanced Windows Search capabilities, improved File Explorer responsiveness, and new accessibility features such as Voice Access with voice isolation and expanded language support.

Entities

CISA · Epic Games Store · Google Chrome · Lazarus Group · Microsoft · Scott Hanselman · Windows 11 · Windows Insider Program

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The KB5120998 update enables taskbar positioning at the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. www.blogspan.net · www.pcgameshardware.de · stadt-bremerhaven.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Users can now choose between small, large, or automatic sizes for the Start menu. www.blogspan.net · www.pcgameshardware.de · stadt-bremerhaven.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The search field and compact taskbar mode are currently limited to top and bottom taskbar positions. www.blogspan.net · www.pcgameshardware.de · stadt-bremerhaven.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Microsoft released the KB5121003 update for Windows 11. techmaniacs.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The KB5120998 update integrates a new Print Management application. www.deskmodder.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Low Latency Profile can accelerate menu navigation by up to 70%.
[● 3 SOURCES] The 'Recommended' section in the Start menu has been renamed to 'Recently used'. www.blogspan.net · www.pcgameshardware.de · stadt-bremerhaven.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Low Latency Profile can improve program start speeds for apps like Edge and Outlook by up to 40%.