Contrary to Windows 10, Windows 11 isn’t equipped with a tablet mode, which is why Microsoft will enhance the desktop UX to support tablets better as a strategy that the company used previously in Windows 8.
It’s no surprise that Windows running on a 2-in-1 is in a more advantageous position. However, there’s always room for improvement. In the latest preview builds, Microsoft introduced a variety of modifications and enhancements to the taskbar that enhances the taskbar’s functionality when using the tablet or 2-in-1 device.
For instance, Microsoft created a new minimalist taskbar interface, which will take up smaller space if you’re not using it. This is especially useful for smaller-screen tablets because it provides more space for the applications running on the device. Additionally, it’s exactly like the way mobile operating systems operate.
Similar to Android and iOS similar to iOS and Android, you can swipe upwards from the taskbar to open it and open the apps you have pinged. If you swipe upwards towards the top of your tablet desktop, a huge taskbar will appear, with big icons that let tablet users quickly click on icons.
This may sound like a great idea, but there’s a caveat Microsoft’s latest feature hindered the use of the capabilities of the system tray with Windows 11. To make it easier to use this new taskbar optimized for tablets, Microsoft removed the ability to drag and drop icons in or around the tray.
With the release of Windows 11 Build 22610, Microsoft has now taken down the “tablet-optimized” taskbar and cited the feedback of early test users. The company appears to have received a lot of negative feedback since the taskbar optimized for tablets ended up causing usability issues on tablets.
Microsoft has stated that the feature won’t be coming anytime soon, which means that it won’t be available in Windows 11’s anniversary upgrade.
According to what Microsoft officials have said previously, the features available within channels like Beta and Dev channels will not always be seen in the public domain.
The system tray drag and drop feature isn’t working.
Although the tablet-optimized taskbar appears to have been removed from the preview builds, users are in a position of not being able to drag and drop icons within or around the tray.
Also, if you’re looking to change the order of icons on the system tray or transfer icons to the system tray once they’re not in the system tray, your only way to do it is to open the Settings app to manually turn off or on for all icons (if there’s a choice).
In a Feedback Hub post, Microsoft earlier confirmed that the drag and drop function was eliminated to allow the tablet-optimized taskbar to be used:
“We’ll be monitoring this feedback; however, due to the changes we made to the new taskbar optimized for tablets with Build 22563, we’re not permitting drag-and-drop icons to the system tray or between the tray in the system and the flyout of hidden icons that show.
Instead, you’ll need to utilize your Settings and Personalization tab, then the Taskbar section. This will allow you to customize these icons.” Microsoft said.
We don’t know whether Microsoft will continue to reverse the alteration to the taskbar, as Microsoft has not been speaking about it on any public platform.
In the meantime, ensure that you vote up the feedback thread on the Feedback Hub in a bid to bring back the drag and drop feature in the tray of the system.
It’s also important to note that Windows 11 22H2 has been scheduled to enter RTM status in the next month, which means there’s plenty of time to allow Microsoft to reverse the wanted change.