Windows 10 21H2 to update taskbar settings and simplify menu

The next version of Windows 10 (21H2) to relocate some context menu options to the Taskbar settings page.

Windows 10 Taskbar new settings
Windows 10 Taskbar new settings

Microsoft seems to be removing some useful options to simplify the taskbar context menu for the next version of Windows 10. Although Windows 10 21H2 is not due until the second half of the year, preview builds in the Dev Channel revealed that Microsoft is cutting the number of items in the taskbar’s context menu.

In the latest test preview of Windows 10 21H2, when you right-click the taskbar, you will no longer find the option to enable or disable Task View, Windows Ink Workspace, touch keyboard, and touchpad buttons. The Search submenu has also been removed from the list.

Taskbar context menu on Windows 10 21H2
Taskbar context menu Windows 10 20H2 (left) version 21H2 (right)

However, they are not entirely gone. After installing version 21H2, you will continue to find these options under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. The only option that is missing the one to enable the virtual touchpad feature.

Taskbar new settings
Taskbar new settings

As of Windows 10 21H2, the taskbar context menu will only include the options to customize the toolbar, “News and interests” widget, and Cortana (new). You will continue to have the options to change the layout of open windows, show desktop, access Task Manager,  lock the taskbar, and access the Taskbar settings.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].