Here's what the Windows 10 21H2 'Sun Valley' update Taskbar menus could actually look like
The Taskbar and other elements are getting rounded off in the Windows 10 Sun Valley update.
What you need to know
- A glimpse of a new Windows 10 Taskbar menu recently appeared online.
- The image showing off the menu is the result of toggling on hidden settings within Windows 10.
- According to our sources, the menus shown off are similar to what is planned to actually ship.
Windows 10 is set to get a major overhaul with its upcoming 21H2 'Sun Valley' update. The teases and glimpses that we've seen so far who a modern operating system with a unified look. The Start Menu, apps list, notifications and action center, and several other elements are easier on the eyes and follow a design language. Now, a tweet from Twitter user "@TheXamlGuy" is making the rounds with an image of a new Taskbar menu.
There are some important pieces of context when looking at this image, however. The rounded Taskbar Jump List shown off only appears after you enable some options through the shell experience. Because of this, it isn't exactly what the Jump List currently planned looks like. That being said, based on information we've received from sources, the Jump List in the image is similar to what is planned.
👀A part of Sun Valley in ShellExperienceHost? Toggled JumpListRestyledAcrylic visibility to be visible and collapsed JumpListAcrylic and SystemItemsAcrylic border. pic.twitter.com/rFkzShSx8Q👀A part of Sun Valley in ShellExperienceHost? Toggled JumpListRestyledAcrylic visibility to be visible and collapsed JumpListAcrylic and SystemItemsAcrylic border. pic.twitter.com/rFkzShSx8Q— Dan (@TheXamlGuy) April 22, 2021April 22, 2021
The overall direction of the Windows 10 Sun Valley update is modernization. Microsoft wants to reinvigorate, reinvest in, and rejuvenate Windows 10, and a unified modern look is part of its efforts. The rounded corners and overall design of the Jump List from the Taskbar line up well with the notifications and action center, Start menu, and other elements of the update.
Our executive editor Zac Bowden said this of the upcoming changes:
Bowden showed off the Jump List from the Taskbar back in February, though it's worth noting that designs for the Sun Valley update were not finalized at this point.
Here's an early look at the rounded/floating Jump List UI design that MS is working on for Sun Valley pic.twitter.com/zvno0dPkYyHere's an early look at the rounded/floating Jump List UI design that MS is working on for Sun Valley pic.twitter.com/zvno0dPkYy— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) February 15, 2021February 15, 2021
People have clamored for a visual overhaul of Windows 10 for years. Inconsistent menus, outdated design, and other odd elements appear to be on the way out for Microsoft's operating system.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.