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Microsoft further improving Windows 11 Taskbar with latest builds

bekir June 26, 2026 4 min read 9 views

Microsoft has unveiled fresh Windows 11 builds for users participating in the Experimental channel, delivering incremental refinements across the operating system. The latest releases include build 26300.8758 for the 26H2 edition, build 28120.2374 for 26H1, and build 29617.1000 earmarked for upcoming platforms. These updates bring a host of enhancements, notably to the Taskbar, File Explorer, and other core components.

Analysis: The staggered rollout of these builds signals Microsoft’s commitment to a phased, data‑driven approach to feature validation, allowing early adopters to test critical UI changes before they reach the broader Windows 11 user base.

Taskbar customization has just become more intuitive. Building on last month’s improvements, a new dedicated “Taskbar Size” setting has been introduced, making it easier for users to locate, comprehend, and tailor the taskbar to their preferred look and feel.

In addition, the transition animations between different taskbar sizes have been smoothed out, resulting in a more polished and fluid user experience.

Users can now manage their mobile devices directly from the Settings app under Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices. From this page, you can enable features such as using your phone as a connected camera or browsing its files within File Explorer.

The Windows Magnifier has been refined to give users tighter control over their zoom levels. By typing a specific percentage directly into the toolbar, you can instantly reach the exact magnification you need.

Further enhancements include preset increments—5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 400%—now available in the Settings dropdown. This lets users jump to commonly used magnification levels with a single click, whether they require a subtle lift or a dramatic close‑up.

Your feedback matters: launch the Feedback Hub (Win + F) and navigate to Accessibility > Magnifier to share your experiences.

A new accessibility feature, Screen Tint, has been introduced. It applies a gentle color overlay across the entire display, softening brightness and reducing glare to ease eye strain during extended use. If saturated screens leave you fatigued after a long session, this setting offers a soothing alternative.

Night Light gently warms the display to diminish blue light that can interfere with sleep, while Screen Tint lowers overall brightness to ease eye fatigue and reduce sensitivity during daylight hours. They tackle distinct visual challenges and can be used together—one adjusting hue, the other intensity.

Note that enabling Screen Tint will automatically disable any active color filters, and vice versa. If you rely on color filters, you may need to keep Screen Tint turned off.

Share your thoughts in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.

Building on our ongoing efforts to refine audio controls, the latest build introduces several new enhancements to the Sound Settings interface, offering users a more intuitive and responsive experience.

For a deeper dive into these changes, refer to the official Microsoft blog posts linked below: Blog Post 1, Blog Post 2, and Blog Post 3.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What new Taskbar features are included in the latest Windows 11 builds?

The latest builds (26300.8758 for 26H2, 28120.2374 for 26H1, and 29617.1000 for upcoming platforms) introduce a dedicated "Taskbar Size" setting, smoother transition animations between sizes, and overall refinements to the Taskbar, File Explorer, and other core components.

How can I adjust the Taskbar size and what improvements have been made to the transition animations?

Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and use the "Taskbar Size" slider to choose your preferred size. The new builds smooth out the animation when changing sizes, providing a more polished and fluid experience.

What new mobile device management options are available in the Settings app and how can I use my phone as a connected camera?

Under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices, you can enable features such as using your phone as a connected camera or browsing its files in File Explorer. Simply toggle the options on the Mobile Devices page to activate these functions.

News Source: Neowin

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