Windows 11’s taskbar could be getting another change in a future update, and some of you may or may not like the idea. As per references in a recent update, the taskbar’s system tray area could soon house a new option called “emoji”. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed the new emoji button for the toolbar, but it could very well open the existing emoji panel.
As you probably know, Windows 11 allows you to open the emoji + clipboard panel with keyboard shortcut Win + . (dot) and ; (semi-colon). It is a small pop-up that lets you quickly insert emojis and GIFs anywhere in a text field. You can also insert kaomojis and symbols, and even view the items you’ve recently copied.
The clipboard and emoji panel in Windows 11 are pretty nice and get the job done without major problems.
There are three categories – emojis, GIFs, kaomojis (Japanese-style emoticons), symbols and your clipboard history. At the moment, it is not possible to access the emojis from the taskbar unless you’ve pinned the on screen modern keyboard, and then you use the emoji button inside it, but this could change in a future release.
As noticed by Phantom on X, Microsoft is testing a new emoji button for Windows 11 taskbar’s system tray that will allow you to quickly open the emoji panel.
Windows Latest understands that a new “Emoji and more” button might soon appear in the system tray of Windows 11, based on leaked strings. This new button is likely aimed at giving quick access to the existing emoji, GIF, kaomoji, symbols, and clipboard panel.
The idea seems to be all about making emoji panel more accessible, particularly for those who prefer clicking taskbar elements over keyboard shortcuts.
When you open the emoji menu from the taskbar, you will see a default view with a selection of popular emojis. You can scroll through the list or search for specific emojis using a search bar at the top.