Microsoft Tests New Top Menu Bar for Windows 11
Microsoft is exploring the addition of a new top menu bar for Windows 11, inspired by features seen in Linux and macOS. This forthcoming feature, referred to as the Command Palette Dock, aims to enhance user experience by providing rapid access to various tools and system resource monitoring.
Key Features of the Command Palette Dock
The Command Palette Dock represents an optional user interface component designed for flexibility and ease of use. It will allow customization in several ways:
- Positioning on the top, left, right, or bottom of the screen
- Three distinct regions for pinning extensions: start, center, and end
- Customization options for background, styling, and theme
Niels Laute, a senior product manager at Microsoft, emphasized the dock’s configurability. Users will have the ability to reorder the extensions freely between different regions of the dock, enhancing organizational capabilities.
Integration with Existing Tools
This new feature will work alongside Microsoft’s Command Palette, launched last year. The Command Palette is akin to Apple’s Spotlight on macOS, giving users quick access to commands, applications, and development tools.
User Feedback and Development
Microsoft is currently seeking user feedback regarding the potential implementation of this feature. Developers interested in experimenting with an early version of the dock can do so by importing a project from the PowerToys GitHub repository into Visual Studio.
The success of the Command Palette Dock will largely depend on the community’s response and engagement. Microsoft aims to introduce a more streamlined interface, enhancing productivity for Windows 11 users.
