Finally! Windows 11 Volume & Brightness Indicators Get Relocation Option for Better UI

This new Windows 11 feature allows easy relocation of brightness and volume indicators to the screen's top-left corner.

Windows 11's new feature: volume indicator moved to the top-left, enhancing desktop aesthetics and user experience. Image: Microsoft

After initial user interface feedback regarding its design, Microsoft is now testing a much-anticipated feature in Windows 11. This upcoming enhancement will allow users to easily relocate the on-screen indicators for hardware components like volume and brightness, most likely from their current central position to the top-left corner of the display. This new Windows 11 UI customization is currently available for testing in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 Dev Channel.

Enhancing Your Windows 11 User Experience

In a recent announcement via its official blog, Microsoft confirmed that its latest Windows 11 preview build introduces the ability to effortlessly reposition the brightness and volume indicators. Previously, these pop-ups appeared predominantly at the top center of the screen. When this Windows 11 update rolls out to the general public, the positioning will largely align with Windows 10's behavior, albeit with a distinct layout. While Windows 10 featured a vertical indicator, Windows 11's redesigned indicator is horizontal. Interestingly, even with this new flexibility, the preview build also confirms the option to keep the indicator in its familiar top-center position if preferred. This thoughtful addition provides users with more control over their Windows 11 display settings.

More Than Just Volume and Brightness: Expanding Customization

The relocation option isn't limited solely to brightness and volume controls. Microsoft has confirmed that other system flyouts, such as those for "airplane mode" and "virtual desktops," can also be adjusted. Users will have the choice to position these indicators in either the top-left or the top-center of the screen. This strategic limitation makes sense; placing them in the top-right would indeed conflict with the essential close, minimize, and maximize buttons. This expanded Windows 11 customization truly enhances user productivity and reduces visual clutter.

To modify the location of these flyouts, the process is straightforward: simply navigate to Settings > System > Notifications, and then utilize the dropdown menu for "Position of the onscreen pop-up."

Bridging the Gap: Windows 11 UI Evolution

The alignment of the indicator's position with its predecessor, Windows 10 (which is slated to reach its end-of-life in October 2025), is a strategic move by Microsoft to encourage the transition of Windows 10 users to Windows 11. While the location may match, the refined Windows 11 indicator layout offers a fresh, modern feel.

Windows 11's new AI-powered Recall homepage quickly retrieves past activities and content, boosting productivity. Image: Microsoft

Beyond the indicator relocation, Windows 11 is also actively testing a new "Recall homepage" feature. This innovative addition aims to centralize your recent activities, making them more easily accessible. The homepage will intelligently curate and display "a curated view of the top three applications and websites you have spent the most time on in the past 24 hours." This AI-powered Windows 11 feature is designed to significantly boost user accessibility and streamline workflows.

Both the adjustable indicator positioning and the new Recall homepage feature are currently undergoing rigorous testing, with user feedback being a crucial component for Microsoft. As these exciting Windows 11 features are progressively rolled out to the general public, we will certainly keep you informed with comprehensive updates. 

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences regarding these upcoming changes in the comments section below.