News in Short
- Windows 11 26H2 is now available for eligible PCs running versions 24H2 and 25H2.
- The update brings a redesigned Start menu with new views and customisation options.
- The taskbar can now be positioned at the top, bottom, left or right.
- File Explorer gets AI-powered actions and support for more archive formats.
- Windows Search gets improved previews and smarter folder indexing.
- New recovery tools, accessibility features and Windows Update improvements are included.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, its 2026 annual feature update. The update is available for eligible PCs running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
For users, the biggest changes arrive across the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer and Windows Search. Microsoft has also added new recovery tools, accessibility improvements and changes to how Windows handles updates.
A Redesigned Start Menu
Windows 11 26H2 brings a redesigned Start menu with a scrollable All apps section. Users can now choose between Category and Grid views.
The layout can also adapt to different display sizes. Microsoft is giving users more control over the Start menu by allowing them to choose its size.
Users can independently show or hide the Pinned, Recent and All sections. This gives users more control over how information appears when they open Start.
Taskbar Gets More Flexibility
The taskbar gets one of the more noticeable changes in Windows 11 26H2.
Users can now position the taskbar at the top, bottom, left or right edge of the display. Microsoft is also adding a smaller taskbar option.
The update also adds a way to monitor AI agents from the taskbar. Researcher in Microsoft Copilot is the first supported experience mentioned by Microsoft.
File Explorer Gets AI Features
File Explorer gets several new capabilities in the 26H2 update.
On supported OneDrive and SharePoint files, users can access AI-powered actions through Microsoft Copilot. These include editing supported images and summarising documents without opening the files.
However, these AI features require an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot licence.
Work and school users also get quick actions such as Open file location and Ask Copilot.
File Explorer also expands archive support. The update adds support for uu, cpio, xar and nupkg archive formats.
Users can also use voice typing when renaming files.
Windows Search Gets Smarter
Windows Search also receives several improvements with Windows 11 26H2.
Users can preview search results without opening the associated file or item. Microsoft says the updated results provide more clarity.
Windows can also automatically index frequently used folders. This is designed to make commonly accessed content easier to find.
New Recovery and Accessibility Features
Windows 11 26H2 introduces new recovery tools for dealing with system problems.
One addition is point-in-time PC rollback. Microsoft has also added Quick Machine Recovery, which can automatically run remediation scans.
Copilot+ PCs receive additional capabilities. These include natural-language voice commands and Voice Isolation.
These features add more options for users who rely on voice interaction or need assistance with system recovery.
Windows Update Changes
Microsoft is also changing how Windows 11 handles updates and restarts.
With version 26H2, eligible updates can be installed alongside the monthly security update when possible. Microsoft says this can reduce the number of restarts needed to keep PCs updated.
Users can still find individual updates under Settings > Windows Update > Available updates.
Windows 11 26H2 Availability
Windows 11 version 26H2 is available for eligible devices running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.
The update keeps the same servicing foundation as those versions while adding the new features and improvements.
For everyday users, the redesigned Start menu, flexible taskbar placement, improved File Explorer and enhanced Search are among the most visible changes. Meanwhile, Copilot-related features and new recovery tools add further capabilities to supported PCs.
