Microsoft has no plans to bring a transparency slider to Windows 11, here is why

Have you ever looked at the task bar in Windows 11 and wished you could control how transparent it gets? Well, you are not alone. Several users have wished for this and even asked for such a feature. But, that’s not on the cards, at least for now. A Microsoft executive has explained why the company is not prioritising this feature, even as Apple offers more control over its Liquid Glass design in the upcoming iOS version. Intrigued? Read on as we tell you all you need to know about it.

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Microsoft says transparency slider is not a priority

March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, recently mentioned in a post on X that the company is not planning to make immediate changes to the transparency options already available in Windows 11.

Rogers said Microsoft considers several factors before investing in a new feature, including how many users would benefit from it, usability and accessibility. He added that the company also considers whether third-party developers are already offering solutions for a particular request.

Now we all know that Windows 11 users can already customise the appearance of transparency and blur effects using various third-party tools. The app offers a range of Windows customisation options, including ways to modify the Start menu and visual effects across the operating system.

So, while a transparency slider would certainly be useful for people who want more control over the Windows 11 interface, Microsoft appears to have decided that it is not important enough to prioritise right now.

Windows 11 is getting other customisation features

The lack of a transparency slider does not mean Windows 11 customisation is being abandoned. Microsoft is currently working on several changes that could make the operating system more flexible.

One of them is a customisable Start menu, which is expected to give users more control over how the Start menu is organised. Microsoft is also working on a redesigned context menu that will be more customisable, while also aiming to improve its performance and reliability.

Coming to users who specifically want to adjust transparency and blur effects, third-party apps are the only option for now. Windhawk, for example, allows users to make deeper changes to the Windows interface than the options available in Windows 11 itself.

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Divyanshi Sharma

Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile