Discover This Fantastic Windows 11 App for Enhancing the Stock Taskbar

Enhancing Windows 11 Taskbar with WindowSill

The taskbar in Windows 11 features a minimalistic design, often leaving ample unused space on large screens next to pinned applications. While Microsoft aims for simplicity and avoids overwhelming users with excessive buttons or icons, there are many who believe that enhancing the taskbar could significantly improve usability. A single weather widget simply doesn’t cut it for many users.

Introducing WindowSill: A Practical Solution

Third-party applications often step up to fill the gaps where Microsoft may fall short, intentionally or otherwise. Among these solutions is WindowSill, an innovative application developed by Microsoft engineer Etienne Baudoux. This new tool aims to offer a TouchBar-like experience for Windows 11 users, infusing the taskbar with additional functionality.

Note: The developer provided a review copy of the app free of charge.

Watch WindowSill in Action

Flexible Customization and Positioning

WindowSill appears as a convenient panel located above the taskbar with a variety of practical features. Unlike Microsoft’s fixed taskbar, users can position WindowSill at the top or along the sides of their screen. This level of customization is notably appreciated by those who prefer a tailored user experience.

Key Features of WindowSill

The main objective of WindowSill goes beyond mere aesthetic customization; it prioritizes providing a range of easily accessible tools. Out of the box, the app includes several modules:

Media Controls: Seamlessly play, pause, and skip tracks. Compatible with browsers and popular platforms like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube, it enhances the media consumption experience by providing visibility into currently playing content.
Clipboard History: Effortlessly revisit recently copied items. This feature integrates with Windows Settings’ Clipboard History, with the app guiding users to enable it upon first use.
Quick Reminders: A particularly practical utility for individuals who, like many, find it necessary to jot down prompts to stay organized. Users can enter reminders for short-term tasks and specify the timing for notifications.
AI-based Text Assistance: Provides tools for rewriting, proofreading, summarizing, and translating text. With a premium subscription, users gain offline access to AI capabilities, using models from renowned providers like OpenAI.
Meeting Controls: Facilitate meeting interactions with functionalities for muting, unmuting, and more across platforms such as Teams, Zoom, and Discord, with WhatsApp support upcoming.
Image and URL Utilities: Quick functionalities like changing image formats and generating QR codes streamline everyday tasks, while simply highlighting text can reveal available actions.
Browser Controls: Currently limited to page zoom for several popular browsers, but users hope for broader functionality in future updates.

Convenience Features and Personal Experience

Beyond its utility modules, WindowSill enhances user experience with shortcuts (like Win + Ctrl + Number) and the ability to customize visibility settings for individual tools. Privacy features are also impressive, allowing users to protect sensitive data from being captured in screenshots.

Over the past few weeks, I have integrated WindowSill into my workflow and found it to be a beneficial addition. While not every module was equally applicable to my needs, the ability to toggle them on or off is a great feature that allows for a streamlined experience.

However, I did encounter some distractions due to the app’s animations. While they are well executed, they can be overwhelming for those sensitive to visual stimuli. To alleviate this, I opted to disable Windows Animations in the accessibility settings, which notably improved my focus.

Availability and Pricing

WindowSill is now available for free in the Microsoft Store, compatible with both Windows 10 and 11. While several features are free, premium functionalities require a one-time purchase of $29.99 or a monthly subscription priced at $4.99. A free one-week trial gives users the opportunity to explore the app’s full capabilities before committing financially.

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