In a recent update to Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to revert a controversial change that had replaced the traditional Show Desktop button with a shortcut for its Copilot AI assistant. The Show Desktop feature, a staple since Windows 7—and earlier if considering beta versions—has been reinstated as the default option on the taskbar’s far right side.
The change occurred within the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3566 (KB5037002), now available in the Beta Channel. This update allows users to once again minimize all open windows and view the desktop instantly, a functionality familiar to many long-time Windows users. Microsoft had initially experimented with relocating the Copilot button to this spot, hoping to promote use of the AI tool. However, due to user feedback and the integral role of the Show Desktop button in many workflows, the company has reversed its decision.
For those interested in still using Copilot, Microsoft has made it optional. Users can reintroduce the Copilot button by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting “Taskbar settings,” and adjusting the options therein. This approach aims to balance innovation with user preferences, giving individuals the choice of integrating new features at their convenience.
Furthermore, the same Beta build brings improvements to other elements of the user interface. For instance, the icons for Widgets on the taskbar have been enhanced to eliminate pixelation issues, and the widgets displayed on the lock screen now boast increased reliability and better quality. These adjustments are part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to refine the user experience on Windows 11, which includes experimenting with additional functionalities like weather panels and promotional placements on the lock screen.
Overall, this update highlights Microsoft’s responsiveness to user feedback while still pushing forward with new features like Copilot. Users within the Insider Preview program are encouraged to explore these changes and provide further input as Windows 11 continues to evolve.
Source: Microsoft
