Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as version 26H2, bringing changes aimed at improving everyday navigation, productivity, and accessibility. The company is delivering the update through a controlled rollout to eligible PCs running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
For many supported devices, Microsoft said the upgrade can be installed through a small enablement package, meaning a relatively quick installation and a single restart rather than a large system download.
Microsoft is also gradually enabling some of the new features, so users may not see every change immediately after installing the update.
Windows taskbar is receiving major attention. Version 26H2 adds more options for adjusting its appearance and position. Users can now place the taskbar along the bottom, top, left, or right edge of the display. Microsoft has also introduced a smaller taskbar option that reduces icon and taskbar height, giving users more usable screen space, particularly on smaller displays.
The taskbar settings page has also been reorganized to make these controls easier to find. According to Microsoft, app-specific taskbar actions are also being enabled for commercial customers, allowing certain common app functions to be accessed directly from taskbar experiences.
File Explorer receives several usability improvements in the 26H2 release. The Home section can now remember whether sections were expanded or collapsed, allowing users to return to the same layout later.
Microsoft also improved thumbnail previews for cloud files and reorganized the Details pane to make file information easier to find. The Preview pane has also changed. HTML files downloaded from the web display a warning with a new ‘Preview anyway’ option, while supported non-HTML files such as PDFs can be previewed automatically.
Also Read: How to Delete a Microsoft Account from Windows Setup?
Microsoft has added additional customization options to the Start menu, including small and large layouts. The Recommended section is also being renamed Recent, while users can choose whether their name and profile picture appear in Start.
Windows Search has been simplified, with clearer labels showing whether a result comes from an app, setting, file, web result, or Microsoft Store. Users can also control whether web and Store suggestions appear alongside local results.
For eligible devices, Microsoft said that the Windows 11 26H2 update can be checked under Settings > Windows Update, with the option to receive the latest updates sooner.