Key Points
- Windows 11 users get new builds for May 15, 2026, via the Beta Channel. This includes taskbar and search changes.
- Taskbar can now move to any screen edge, and a compact version is coming for smaller screens.
- Widgets taskbar badges match your Windows color instead of staying red, making them less jarring.
What is changing
Windows is rolling out new Beta Channel builds for May 15. These updates include smaller toolbars and tweaks to how the search box finds files. The blog explains details about how Insiders can find release notes for their specific builds.
Two key features stand out. First, the taskbar can now move to the left or right of the screen, letting users customize their setup. Second, a smaller taskbar reduces icon size to save space, though the default size stays the same. Both changes are in the Experimental build for now.
Why it matters
This matters most to users who customize their taskbar or have small screens. The taskbar moves and smaller size could let people fit more apps on compact devices. Widget benefits are for everyone, but only those using Windows Search often notice text relevance tweaks.
The impact is limited to Beta Insiders. Others won’t see these changes until broader releases. If you’re in the Beta program, try adjusting taskbar settings or checking widgets to see the color shift in action. Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear if these tweaks work for you!