One yr in the past, Microsoft launched a Home windows 11 preview construct with an attention-grabbing taskbar change: a simplified tray space with a shorter date and time and no notification button. Followers of simplistic consumer interfaces, together with me, welcomed this addition. Sadly, it was short-lived. Microsoft turned off the simplified tray space, quoting the necessity to handle unknown points. Now, precisely one yr later, we now have extra info on why the function was eliminated.

Brandon LeBlanc from the Home windows Insider group not too long ago replied on X that consumer suggestions about this function “was not nice,” and Microsoft determined to take away it:

Such a radical method to buyer suggestions is definitely odd. Today, when Microsoft introduces new options, particularly for the taskbar or the Begin menu, it provides customers extra flexibility by permitting them to activate or off sure additions. For instance, the upcoming notification clock is customizable, and if you don’t want to see it, simply go to Settings and switch it off. Some argue that Microsoft ought to have stored the simplified tray space as an elective function, disabled by default. Nonetheless, Brandon’s reply to that exhibits that most likely few individuals truly needed it.

It’s onerous to say what a part of the simplified tray space infuriated Home windows insiders to the purpose of Microsoft eradicating it, however there you go. Now, if you’d like a less complicated taskbar, you possibly can strive enabling the one Microsoft makes use of on touchscreen units (it really works on desktops as nicely), however that variant is sort of excessive with its minimalism.

Apparently, the choice to cover the notification bell button remains to be out there in Home windows 11, so if you wish to hold the tray a bit cleaner, go to Settings > System > Notifications and toggle off the “Present notification bell icon” choice.

Who amongst you hated the simplified tray space in Home windows 11? Make your confessions within the feedback.