Imagine you’re in the middle of a video call or deep into a game on Windows 11, and you mash the volume or brightness key—only to have a pop-up smack right in the middle of your view. It’s a minor frustration that many users have voiced since Windows 11’s launch: those on-screen indicators (brightness, volume, airplane mode, virtual desktops) are locked into the bottom center of the screen by default. Now, in the latest Dev Channel flight of Windows 11, Microsoft is finally giving users the option to reposition them to the top-left or top-center, reducing interference with content and bringing back a hint of the familiar Windows 10 behavior for those who liked its corner placement.

When Windows 11 debuted, one of its more noticeable visual changes was shifting these hardware indicators from the top-left corner (where they tended to appear in Windows 10) to the bottom center of the screen. According to insiders, Microsoft’s intention was to create a more modern, centered aesthetic, but for many power users—especially those in creative workflows, gaming, or multitasking-heavy setups—the fixed bottom placement proved intrusive: overlapping toolbars, clashing with UI elements in games, or simply drawing the eye away from the content you care about. The move back toward user choice acknowledges that small interface details can have an outsized impact on day-to-day productivity and comfort.

How the new setting works

As detailed in the Windows Insider blog for Build 26200.5661 (Dev Channel), Microsoft has introduced a “Position of on-screen pop-up” dropdown under Settings > System > Notifications. From here, you can choose between:

• Bottom center (the longstanding default in Windows 11)
• Top left (echoing Windows 10’s placement)
• Top center (a compromise that stays out of most app UI areas but retains a prominent spot)

Notably absent is a top-right option—Microsoft appears to have deliberately avoided placing these flyouts near the minimize/maximize/close controls, where accidental overlap or confusion could arise. Once you select your preferred spot, the system will instantly apply it: press your brightness or volume keys and you’ll see the indicator in the chosen corner or center position. This setting also applies to airplane mode and virtual desktops pop-ups triggered via keyboard or other shortcuts.

This change stems from persistent user feedback. In Feedback Hub (WIN + F), many Insiders filed requests under Desktop Environment > MTC controls and audio, noting scenarios where the bottom-center indicator obstructed critical on-screen elements—think full-screen presentations, video editing timelines, or UI overlays in certain games. By enabling repositioning, Microsoft balances aesthetic consistency with flexibility. Importantly, it still respects design constraints: the omission of a top-right slot hints at careful consideration of potential UI clashes. For organizations or IT admins, this setting can be configured via policy (e.g., CSP or registry tweaks), ensuring a consistent experience across managed devices while still honoring user preference where allowed.

Alongside indicator customization, Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Recall homepage in the Windows 11 Insider build. Recall aims to help you jump back into what you were doing by spotlighting the top three apps and websites used within the last 24 hours, alongside recent snapshots of activities. The updated homepage surfaces this “recent activity” front and center, so instead of hunting through Task View or manually reopening tabs, you have a concise summary as soon as you fire up Recall. There’s also a fresh left-hand navigation bar to switch between this homepage and the full Timeline view, where you can scroll through all snapshots over a broader period.

These changes are rolling out to Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel in Build 26200.5661, which began hitting testers around June 23, 2025. If you’re already on the Dev Channel, check Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to confirm you’re receiving the latest flights. After updating, navigate to Settings > System > Notifications > Position of on-screen pop-up to see the new options. For Recall, look for the updated homepage when opening Windows+Tab or launching the Recall interface. Keep in mind that Dev Channel builds can be unstable: features may be toggled on server-side, rollouts may be gradual, and occasional bugs are expected. If you rely on your PC for mission-critical work, consider whether to participate in Dev Channel testing or wait for Beta/Release Preview rings where features mature further.