Windows 11 26H2 new features, changes, details (thus far)

• Windows 11 26H2 will be delivered as a small enablement package, similar to 25H2, making installation quick and low risk.
• The update shares the same platform as 24H2 and 25H2, with features rolling out gradually through monthly updates.
• Support resets to 24 months for consumers and 36 months for organizations once 26H2 is enabled.
• Microsoft is already testing 26H2 in the Dev Channel under the 26300 build series.

Microsoft is already working on the next Windows 11 feature update, expected to be version 26H2. The fifth major update for the operating system is based on the same platform as versions 25H2 and 24H2, indicating it’ll be a quick install using an enablement package similar to the release of 25H2 for 24H2.

Since the Windows 11 2026 Update will be delivered as a small update, the company will continue to release new features, visual changes, and improvements throughout the year, and then, once those changes are implemented, the enablement package will be offered with some specific specific improvements and the version number to renew support for another 24 months for consumers, and 36 months for organizations.

Currently, the company is rolling out preview builds for version 26H2 through the Dev Channel through the Windows Insider Program under the 26300 build series.

At the time of writing, the official Windows 11 version is still set to 25H2, but builds in the 26300 series already reference version 26H2.

Release date

Microsoft hasn’t revealed the official release date. However, if the company follows the same release cycle as previous rollouts, we can expect version 26H2 to begin rolling out at the end of September or early October 2026.

New features

The enablement package by itself is unlikely to include many significant changes. However, Windows 11 26H2 will inherit the same feature set as versions 25H2 and 24H2, meaning that the improvements the company pushes through monthly quality updates will eventually become part of version 26H2.

Technically speaking, you’ll only see significant changes in this version if you’re still running an older version, such as 23H2.

While the company plans to release the same set of features across all supported versions of the operating system, Microsoft is expected to roll out these features, among others, in 2026.

Run dialog UI update

Microsoft is preparing one of the most unexpected visual updates. After almost three decades of neglect, the classic Run dialog box is getting a modern redesign.

The company refers to the feature as the modern Run dialog interface. It adopts the Fluent Design principles used throughout Windows 11, with rounded corners, updated spacing, and a cleaner layout that aligns with the rest of the operating system.

The new design is also much larger, offering a wider text field, clearer spacing, and a new “recent commands” section positioned above the input box. When you type, the interface can also surface matching apps with their respective icons, which is a thoughtful usability improvement.

Perhaps more interestingly, Microsoft will make this change optional, and you’ll need to enable or disable the dialog in Settings > System > Advanced using the “Run dialog” toggle.

Xbox Full Screen Mode for PCs

On Windows 11, the Full Screen Experience (FSE) replaces the traditional desktop interface with a more controller-friendly, full-screen dashboard, similar to a console interface, but using the Xbox app already available in the operating system.

Additionally, by replacing the standard desktop experience, the system frees up memory and other resources typically used by background processes, improving gaming performance and battery life.

The feature will be available through Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience.

Agenda view in Notification Center

The company plans to restore the ability to view upcoming events and reminders directly from the Taskbar calendar flyout, a capability that previously existed on Windows 10.

The feature will be integrated with the Outlook app on Windows 11. Once you sign in, your calendar events sync automatically and appear in the Notification Center calendar view.

This view allows you to check your schedules, create new events, and jump straight into meetings or calls linked to items on your agenda.

Copilot chat in File Explorer

The company also plans to embed Copilot directly inside File Explorer, likely as a docked side pane similar to the “Details or “Preview” panes.

References uncovered in recent Windows 11 preview builds suggest that File Explorer will gain a native “Chat with Copilot” feature, allowing users to interact with files and folders without leaving the file manager. However, it’s still unclear how this feature will be implemented.

Although Copilot is already present in File Explorer, the current implementation is superficial. This new integration changes that model, because it would become an AI-assisted interface for understanding and managing local data.

This would be the first time Copilot operates directly within the file system rather than as a detached assistant.

Ask Copilot in Taskbar

Microsoft plans to replace the Windows Search box on the Taskbar with a Copilot search box. The idea is to give users quicker and easier access to interact with a chatbot to find and do pretty much anything.

However, it appears the company won’t replace the existing search box by default. Instead, it’ll be a feature that you’ll have to enable manually.

The search entry point will be identical to the current search box, but it’ll read “Ask Copilot anything” and include two additional options to access Copilot Vision and Voice.

When you click on Copilot, you’ll now get a floating prompt box where you can perform regular searches for files, apps, and settings, and pretty much anything.

As you type a query, you’ll start to see the results, similar to the existing experience, but with a slightly different design.

Agentic feature support

Microsoft plans to introduce AI agentic features for Windows 11 that enable apps (such as Copilot) to automate everyday tasks (for example, organizing files, scheduling meetings, or sending emails), freeing you to spend less time on routine tasks while boosting productivity on more important ones.

The AI agentic features will come disabled by default, and you’ll have to enable them manually from Settings > System > AI components by turning on the “Experimental agentic features” toggle switch.

Other improvements

In addition to the biggest ticket items, we’ll continue to see smaller improvements across the operating system, including changes to the Settings app with more features being ported from the Control Panel.

Microsoft may also spend time addressing issues with dark mode and long-neglected parts of the operating system that still rely on legacy components.

Also, since the features and changes from version 25H2 will also become part of version 26H2, it’s important to highlight that starting with the February 2026 Security Update, Windows 11 getting several other improvements, including Cross Device Resume, upgrades the Windows MIDI Services, allows users to disable Smart App Control without reinstallation, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors, and a lot more.

What else is going on

Microsoft has already revealed that it plans to focus on fixing the “pain points” of Windows 11, including improving system performance, reliability, and the overall experience.

Furthermore, the company noted that it’s pausing its aggressive approach to AI on Windows 11, scaling back Copilot implementations across the operating system, and reviewing existing implementations in apps like Notepad and Paint.

Also, Microsoft is reviewing Windows Recall after acknowledging that the feature has failed to gain meaningful traction with users. However, the company isn’t planning to scratch the feature. Instead, it may get reworked with a different name.

As a result of Microsoft rethinking its AI strategy, it’s unclear whether the Copilot improvements in the Taskbar and File Explorer will actually become part of the operating system’s feature set. However, since the company won’t be abandoning AI, features like agentic capabilities are still expected to arrive.