Windows 11 26H2 is out! It brings these new features

A major Windows update used to mean downloading several gigabytes and a long wait at the progress indicator. That’s not the case with this year’s update. On Tuesday, Microsoft began rolling out Windows 11 26H2, officially the Windows 11 2026 Update, and it will install on computers with the current system as quickly as a regular monthly patch. It should appeal most to users of version 24H2, whose support ends as early as October 13.

You might already have the features; the update just turns them on

In a blog post, Microsoft explains that versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 are built on the same system foundation. Most of what 26H2 brings has already reached computers with monthly updates, but remained disabled. The activation package labeled KB5121794 then acts as a switch that turns on the new features. In practice, this means a small download and one restart.

The prerequisite is to have the optional update from September 22 (KB5124010) or any newer cumulative update installed on your computer. Computers with Snapdragon X2, which run on a special version 26H1, are excluded. From this version, there is no direct path to 26H2 yet.

If you diligently install monthly updates, you probably already have a large portion of the features – 26H2 is mainly a summary of what Microsoft has gradually released to versions 24H2 and 25H2 over the past year. Some features that were disabled by default in 25H2 will now turn on automatically. The company is also rolling out new features in stages, so not all of them may be visible immediately after installation.

What’s new in Windows 11 26H2?

The most visible changes concern the Start menu and the taskbar. The Start menu will now offer more sizes and new views, and if you don’t want your profile picture and account name to be displayed on it, you can hide them. The taskbar will also be movable to the top or side edges of the screen, and a more compact, shorter variant will be added. We wrote about these options, familiar from Windows 10, returning back in May when Microsoft was testing them with insiders.

Windows Search is said to better tolerate typos and incomplete application names, display results with a preview, and more clearly indicate the item type. Frequently used folders will also be indexed automatically. File Explorer adds support for additional archive formats, a clearer display of file sizes, and AI-powered actions for supported images. With a work or school account, it also allows summarizing documents from OneDrive and SharePoint.

Task Manager will now show NPU utilization and memory, i.e., the chip for artificial intelligence tasks. Among smaller new features worth mentioning are audio sharing to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously (with supported technology), multiple applications accessing the camera concurrently, or broader support for fingerprint readers for Windows Hello. Widgets are designed to be less disruptive with notifications. Magnifier received finer zoom control and screen tinting, Narrator adds a Braille display, and Voice Access on Copilot+ PCs better understands natural speech.

How to get Windows 11 26H2?

Just open Settings > Windows Update. If your computer is ready, you’ll find an offer to download and install version 26H2 there. If it hasn’t appeared yet, turn on the toggle for getting the latest updates as soon as they’re available and check for updates again. Microsoft is rolling out the version gradually and may temporarily block computers with a known compatibility issue.

Those who don’t want to wait can find the Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, and ISO image on Microsoft’s website. However, the safer route remains Windows Update, which will only offer the update where it shouldn’t cause problems.

Installation also resets the support period. Home and Pro editions will receive 24 months, i.e., until October 10, 2028, while Enterprise and Education editions will receive 36 months. For Home and Pro editions of version 24H2, support ends on October 13, 2026, and version 25H2 will last until October 12, 2027.

Will you install Windows 11 26H2 immediately, or will you wait until Windows Update offers you the update?

Sources: Microsoft, VideoCardz, ZDNET