# Former Windows Lead Says Windows 11's Best Upgrade Is 'Not Usable Yet'

> Former Windows lead calls taskbar features in Windows 11 'not usable yet'.
- Title: Former Windows Lead Says Windows 11's Best Upgrade Is 'Not…
- Summary: Former Windows lead calls taskbar features in Windows 11 'not usable yet'. Mikhail Parakhin, ex-Windows head, says Windows 11's taskbar lacks auto-hide and…
- Keywords: mikhail parakhin, windows 11, taskbar, auto-hide, taskbar resize, windows 10, microsoft, 26h2 update, photos app, gallery app, viewer app, security updates
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/former-windows-lead-says-windows-11s-best-upgrade-is-not-usable-yet
- Author: Chris Hoffman
- Published: 2026-10-21T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mikhail parakhin, windows 11, taskbar, auto-hide, taskbar resize, windows 10, microsoft, 26h2 update, photos app, gallery app, viewer app, security updates
## Mikhail Parakhin
Mikhail Parakhin, who oversaw Windows for six months back in 2024, says Windows 11's taskbar lacks critical features.
## Taskbar Features Missing
He wants Microsoft to restore auto-hide and full taskbar resize regardless of position, something promised 'coming soon' six months ago.
## Taskbar Criticism
Parakhin calls Windows 11's taskbar 'not usable yet' after installing the 26H2 update.

> not usable yet
## Windows 11 Photos Experience
Microsoft splits photo functionality between Gallery and Viewer apps, with Gallery relying on web-based technologies.
## Photos App Issues
Gallery app requires over 500MB of memory and spawns multiple WebView processes when tested.
## Security Updates
Windows 11 received a security update fixing 1,411 flaws, breaking a record for the most security fixes in a Windows update.

> KB5127648
## Taskbar Toolbars
Taskbar toolbars existed from Windows 95 through Windows 10 but are not currently available in Windows 11.
## Windhawk Tool
Windhawk, a Windows-tweaking tool, lets users add folders and media players directly to the taskbar.
## Taskbar Folder Menus
The Taskbar Folder Menus mod adds folders full of files and shortcuts to the Windows 11 taskbar.
## Taskbar Fluent Media Player
The Taskbar Fluent Media Player mod embeds a media player widget directly on the Windows 11 taskbar.
## Windows 11 Security Record
October's security update (KB5127648) fixes 1,411 flaws, setting a record for the most security fixes in a Windows update.

> KB5127648
## Taskbar Customization
Windows 11 allows resizing the taskbar only in horizontal mode; vertical mode only adjusts icon size.
## Windows 11 Photos Update
Microsoft promises a redesigned native Viewer app that opens photos up to 30% faster and a new native Editor loading 25% faster.
## Key takeaway

Mikhail Parakhin, ex-Windows head, says Windows 11's taskbar lacks auto-hide and resize features, calling it 'not usable yet'.