Microsoft released the KB5120998 update for the final version of Windows 11 this week. This package introduces several improvements to the operating system, with the highlights being the mobile Taskbar functionality and a resizable Start Menu.
This update is part of the enhancements Microsoft had promised to implement in Windows 11 by the end of the year. However, the KB5120998 package is still in preview phase, making its installation optional. Users must access Windows Update to perform a manual installation if they wish.
The official version, which will automatically provide these features, will only be released in September. The preview phase allows Microsoft to conduct a final evaluation before the general release.
It is necessary to install the KB5120998 package carefully, as there are user reports on channels like Reddit and Microsoft Feedback Hub regarding issues with this update. However, such occurrences are considered normal during this testing phase.
One user reported having their wallpaper replaced with a black background after installing the update on a laptop, a problem others also mentioned. The solution to this inconvenience is to reconfigure the wallpaper.
The main announced novelty is the mobile Taskbar in Windows 11. With this update, it is possible to configure the bar to be on the left, right, or top of the Desktop, replicating the functionality present in Windows 10 and previous versions.
To adjust the position, the user must navigate to Settings / Personalization / Taskbar / Taskbar behavior / Taskbar location and select the desired location. It is important to note that, unlike in Windows 10 where the adjustment was done by dragging the bar with the mouse, this option is not available in Windows 11.
Another highlight is the Start Menu, which has received greater customization capability, allowing it to be configured to be more compact or wider. This can be done by accessing Settings / Personalization / Start / Start Menu size and choosing the preferred dimensions.
Additionally, it is now possible to hide the profile picture and name in the Start Menu. A subtle change occurred in the section called 'Recommendations,' which has been renamed to 'Recent.'
For those using Windows 11 in versions 25H2 or 24H2, simply go to Start Menu / Settings / Windows Update. The KB5120998 package should appear listed as an optional update, which can be downloaded and installed by clicking on it.
However, there is a crucial detail: installing the package does not guarantee that all new features will be activated immediately, as Microsoft usually proceeds with a gradual rollout. For those who do not want to wait, Windows Latest suggests activation using the ViVeTool tool, recommending a computer restart after the message 'Successfully set feature configuration(s)' for the trick to work.
