Windows 11 Taskbar Gains New Animation and Multi-Device Audio Capabilities
Microsoft is rolling out two notable enhancements to Windows 11, aiming to refine the user experience with a familiar animation for taskbar app previews and a new “shared audio” feature for seamless multi-device listening. These updates, currently available in preview builds, signal a continued commitment to iterative improvements for the operating system.
A key change focuses on the Windows 11 taskbar, where users will soon encounter a new animation when hovering over open application icons. This animation, reminiscent of effects found in Windows 10, displays a “fly up” thumbnail preview of the app window. As one analyst noted, the update, first spotted in build 26120.4733 by Phantom on X, adapts the thumbnail to reflect the actual size of the app window, even if it isn’t maximized.
The forthcoming feature will introduce a size-adjusting animation as users move their cursor between thumbnails of varying sizes. Currently, the thumbnail preview adapts to smaller app windows, but the addition of animation is intended to create a more polished and intuitive experience. Windows Latest successfully enabled the feature in a Beta build, confirming the new preview animations for different app window layouts. While testing in a virtual machine revealed a somewhat “clunky” animation due to a lack of GPU passthrough, the potential for a smoother experience on dedicated hardware is clear.
Beyond visual refinements, Windows 11 is addressing a long-standing limitation with the introduction of “shared audio.” Currently, the operating system lacks native support for simultaneously playing audio through multiple Bluetooth and wired devices. The new feature, accessible through Quick Settings, aims to resolve this issue by allowing users to connect and control multiple audio outputs.
According to reports, the “shared audio” feature allows users to select two or more devices to begin the connection. Once paired, a common audio stream can be played across all selected outputs. Compatibility isn’t expected to be a major concern, as Bluetooth version 4.0 and higher support multiple connections. The feature isn’t limited to just two devices, offering flexibility for users with a variety of audio peripherals.
These enhancements, while incremental, represent Microsoft’s dedication to refining the Windows 11 experience. The company is expected to announce these features more broadly in the coming weeks as they progress through the preview build testing phase.
