5 missing Windows 11 features that PC users are begging for

A few years ago, Microsoft introduced the Feedback Hub, an app that allows users to suggest various improvements for Windows 11. Those suggestions are public, and BleepingComputer took a closer look at them to identify the five features that users want most right now.

First and foremost is the ability to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen, a suggestion that has received 24,046 votes as of this writing. One user writes, somewhat resignedly: “The move taskbar feature is missing now for years. Why has this not been changed yet?” Currently, the Windows 11 taskbar is firmly cemented at the bottom of the screen. So far, Microsoft has remained silent on whether they might implement this change in the future.

Second, there’s the desire to completely disable recommendations in the Start menu. Currently, it’s only possible to reduce the number of recommendations, not to disable them completely (although this option is already available in test versions). However, this obviously doesn’t meet the needs of many users, as one summarized: “No, I don’t want to reduce the size, I want to hide it, forever, for good.”

Third is the proposal to change the default search engine in Windows 11. As of now, Windows still uses Bing as its preferred way to answer queries, and it opens those searches in Edge. This isn’t the case in the European Economic Area, where Microsoft has been forced to allow users to change the default search engine. So far, Microsoft has shown no intention to make the same change for US users.

Fourth is a reduction in Windows 11’s system requirements, which would allow the operating system to run on older computers. This affects not only compatible CPUs, but also—and most importantly—the requirement for TPM 2.0. The strict hardware requirements currently prevent many Windows 10 computers from upgrading to Windows 11, which is becoming a real issue with Windows 10 reaching end of life later this year. Microsoft recommends users buy a new machine that’s capable of Windows 11, but that isn’t a viable choice for everyone.

Lastly, users want more options for the taskbar icons, primarily for more efficient use of the space. Windows 11 already has a “never combine” mode for taskbar icons, but the mode’s behavior has quirks that annoy users. The Feedback Hub has dozens of posts about taskbar behavior.

Four of the five suggestions could potentially become reality, but it’s extremely unlikely that Microsoft will ever lower Windows 11’s system requirements. Ultimately, users should upgrade to Windows 11 or find another way to safely keep using Windows 10.