Microsoft recently released the KB5120998 update package for the stable version of Windows 11. This new version of the operating system includes a series of improvements, with the main focus on the long-awaited Taskbar that can now be moved and a size-adjustable Start Menu.
This update gains relevance by integrating the innovations that Microsoft has committed to delivering to Windows 11 by the end of the year. However, the KB5120998 package is in the preview stage, making its installation a user choice. It is necessary to access Windows Update to perform the manual installation, if interested.
The automatic and official release of these resources is scheduled to take place only in September. The preview period is intended to allow Microsoft to perform a thorough evaluation, ensuring stability before broad distribution.
For this reason, installing KB5120998 requires caution. There are several user reports about crashes after the update, reported on platforms such as Reddit and Microsoft Feedback Hub. It is important to understand that such occurrences are expected during the testing phase.
Users who have already installed the preview mention replacing the wallpaper with a black background. This is one of the most cited problems, and the fix is simple: just reset the background image in the settings.
What’s new in the KB5120998 package for Windows 11?
The main innovation is the inclusion of the mobile Taskbar in Windows 11, a long-awaited feature. With this update, users can relocate it to the left, right or top of the Desktop, similar to the functionality present in Windows 10 and previous editions of the system, offering greater customization flexibility.
To make this change, go to Settings, then Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar Behavior and, finally, Taskbar Position. There, the user selects the desired positioning. Unlike Windows 10, where dragging with the mouse allowed adjustment, in Windows 11 this option is not yet available.
Another improved feature is the Start Menu, now with more customization options. You can choose between a more compact or expanded format. To adjust the dimensions, the path is Settings, Personalization, Start, and then Start Menu Size.
Additionally, users can hide their name and profile picture displayed in the Start Menu. A discreet change occurred in the “Recommendations” section, which is now called “Recent”.
Other improvements introduced by the update include:
- File Explorer with improved performance and greater agility;
- More assertive and organized Windows search function;
- Transition between virtual desktops more fluid and reactive;
- App usage history data in Task Manager with high accuracy.
How do I install the KB5120998 update?
For users of the 25H2 or 24H2 versions of Windows 11, the installation begins by accessing the Start Menu, then Settings and, finally, Windows Update. The KB5120998 package will appear as an optional update, and download and installation can be triggered with one click.
It is essential, however, to note that completing the installation does not guarantee instant activation of new features, as Microsoft adopts a gradual release schedule.
For those who prefer not to wait for automatic release, there is the alternative of activating the features using the ViVeTool tool:
- Download ViVeTool and unzip it into an easily accessible directory, such as C:ViVeTool;
- In the Start Menu, type cmd, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator”;
- Then enter the commands below one by one:
- cd C:ViVeTool
- vivetool /enable /id:61161244
- vivetool /enable /id:62353331,62762248,61754985
- Restart your computer when you see the “Successfully set feature configuration(s)” notification.