Windows 11 Update: Enhanced Ctrl+Shift Shortcuts & Smarter Taskbar Design

Release Date: October 29, 2024
Windows 11 continues to evolve with new features aimed at boosting productivity and providing a smoother user experience. A recent update introduces an exciting enhancement: the ability to use the Ctrl+Shift keyboard shortcut not only to open applications as an administrator but now extends to jump list items from the Start menu and taskbar as well. This change is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to refine the user experience in Windows 11, and it could make daily tasks more efficient for both casual users and power users alike.

Unlocking More Administrative Powers​

Previously, using the Ctrl+Shift shortcut would allow users to launch applications with administrative privileges only when clicking on the application icons. For those who often interact with jump lists—contextual menus that appear when you right-click on an application icon—this restriction could be frustrating. The recent update changes that; you can now hold Ctrl+Shift while selecting options in the jump list.

Here’s How It Works:​

• Right-click on your desired application, such as PowerShell, from the Windows Terminal jump list.
• While your cursor hovers over the jump list item, press and hold Ctrl and Shift.
• Select the desired action, and voilà! You’ll open it with admin privileges.

This simple yet effective enhancement is particularly advantageous for users who manage multiple configurations within applications or those who run frequent administrative tasks. For instance, if you have a designated command prompt for a specific project, the new shortcut allows you to get admin access quickly and without cumbersome navigation.

A Nod to a Smaller Taskbar​

Accompanying this keyboard shortcut improvement is news of a potential design change— smaller taskbar icons. Although this feature is still in the development phase, references to it have been found in recent updates. If implemented, these small icons would resemble those seen in Windows 10, offering users a more condensed view of their taskbar.
What’s Changing?

• Users will soon have the ability to drag and drop items from the Start menu directly onto the taskbar to pin them. Earlier, a block symbol would indicate failed attempts to pin applications this way.
• Taskbar containers are set to adjust better to accommodate these smaller icons, although implementation details remain under wraps.

While the new feature promises a sleeker experience, not all taskbar functionalities are expanding. The long-requested ability to reposition the taskbar—pushing it to the top or side of the screen—remains off the roadmap, according to Microsoft's design team. They cite potential complications arising from UI adjustments as paramount challenges.

In Conclusion​

Microsoft's latest updates to Windows 11 suggest a strong focus on usability through enhanced keyboard shortcuts and taskbar functions. While the Ctrl+Shift shortcut for jump lists may seem like a small tweak, it represents a deliberate effort to optimize administrative workflow and can significantly benefit users requiring quick access to elevated permissions.
As Windows 11 matures, we can expect ongoing enhancements that balance functionality and design—the smaller taskbar icons may just be the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for more updates that could further shape the way we interact with our Windows computing environment.
Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences on these new features in the forum!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 Ctrl+Shift now works for Start, taskbar jump list. Smaller taskbar and more coming