Windows 11 with a touch of Linux

Microsoft is exploring new ways to improve the user interface of Windows 11. A new feature in the PowerToys collection could give the system a top menu bar that closely resembles Linux or macOS environments. This addition would allow users to quickly access system information and shortcuts without cluttering the bottom taskbar, increasing work efficiency.

Photo: Microsoft

For decades, the Windows operating system has relied on a bottom taskbar, but Microsoft is now experimenting with a change that will please Linux fans in particular. As part of the open-source PowerToys project, developers are preparing a module that adds a “taskbar” to the top of the screen. This top bar is not just for aesthetics, but also brings a layer of functionality that users of advanced systems have long known.

The main purpose of this innovation is to relieve the lower part of the screen. The top row could display information about the processor status, memory usage, network speed, or quick toggles for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Such an approach allows key information to always be visible, even when application windows are maximized. For those using monitors with a diagonal of 68.58 cm or more, this means better use of vertical space.

Visually, Microsoft is taking inspiration from modern Linux desktops like GNOME. The bar is designed to take up only about 0.76 cm to 1.27 cm of screen height, which has minimal impact on the available work area. The PowerToys module will likely allow for full customization: users will be able to choose colors, transparency, and which widgets to display. This is a significant step for Windows 11, which was criticized upon release for its less customizable taskbar compared to previous versions.

In addition to system information, there are rumors of integration with the Copilot feature. This would mean that the artificial intelligence would be accessible just by clicking on the top of the screen, which would speed up interaction. Although the feature is not yet part of the official release of Windows 11, its presence in PowerToys suggests that Microsoft is seriously studying the community's feedback. If the reception is good, a similar element could become a standard part of the operating system in the future. For now, however, it remains an exclusive option for those who want to customize their computer to their own needs and breathe a little Linux spirit into it.