- Windows 11 features in 2026 are rolling out gradually, with Microsoft continuing to introduce visible changes through monthly updates.
- This guide tracks confirmed features as they become available, and it will be updated throughout the year as new rollouts are announced.
- In 2026, features will roll out for versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2.
Windows 11 continues to evolve through regular monthly updates, and 2026 is expected to bring a steady flow of visible changes across the operating system. Beyond security fixes, Microsoft is using cumulative updates to introduce new features and changes that affect how the operating system looks, behaves, and is maintained.
This guide tracks the complete Windows 11 feature history for 2026, organized month by month. Each section highlights the most important new features and improvements introduced through monthly updates.
As updates ship throughout the year, this page will be continuously updated to reflect confirmed rollouts across supported Windows 11 versions. Whether you want a quick snapshot of what changed in a specific month or a full timeline of how Windows 11 evolved in 2026, this post serves as a comprehensive reference page.
- May 2026 (KB5083631)
- April 2026 (KB5079391)
- March 2026 (KB5079473)
- February 2026 (KB5077181)
- January 2026 (KB5074109)
May 2026 (KB5083631)
The May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
Xbox mode new feature
Xbox mode is now rolling out to regular PCs running Windows 11, bringing a console-style experience to laptops, desktops, and tablets.
The feature has been designed around the Xbox app interface, and this full-screen mode prioritizes your games while reducing background activity and distractions. It’s built for a more relaxed, controller-first experience, letting you jump in and play without the usual desktop clutter.
You can enable Xbox mode from Settings > Gaming > Xbox mode by turning on the “Enable Xbox mode” toggle switch.
File Explorer new preview anyway and more
Microsoft is refining the File Explorer experience on Windows 11 with a series of usability and performance improvements. The folder view preferences are now more consistent, meaning settings like sorting order or icon size follow you regardless of how you open the same folder.
Performance is also getting attention, with faster launch times and smoother overall responsiveness when opening the file manager. In addition, the company has fixed a long-standing visual annoyance by removing the white flash that could appear in dark mode when launching the app or resizing the details pane.
The update also introduces a new “Preview anyway” button in the preview pane, allowing you to view files downloaded from the internet even after a warning prompt. File Explorer is expanding its capabilities as well, adding support for more archive formats, including uu, cpio, xar, and NuGet packages (nupkg).
Finally, reliability has been improved behind the scenes, reducing issues where explorer.exe processes would continue running after closing the File Explorer windows.
Feel haptic feedback effects
The Windows 11 May 2026 Security Update expands support for haptic feedback, bringing more tactile interactions to compatible devices. You can now feel subtle vibrations when performing actions like aligning objects in PowerPoint or snapping and resizing windows, adding a more responsive, physical layer to everyday tasks.
These haptic signals can be customized or turned off from Settings > Bluetooth & devices, under “Mouse,” “Touchpad,” or “Pen” settings. The experience is currently supported on devices such as the Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, and MSI Pen 2, all of which have haptic feedback.
Microsoft is also opening the door for broader support, with additional devices expected to gain compatibility through future updates from hardware partners. This could include select mice, such as the Logitech MX Master 4, as manufacturers roll out firmware and driver updates.
Voice Typing changes
Voice Typing on the touch keyboard is getting a cleaner, more streamlined design. Instead of taking over the screen, the experience now stays compact, with animations appearing directly on the dictation key. This change keeps the interface out of the way, making it easier to stay focused while speaking without unnecessary visual interruptions.
Also, Voice Typing is getting more consistent, with the Fluid Dictation setting now properly persisting across sessions.
Keyboard layouts
This update is also adding a new Arabic 101 Legacy keyboard layout, giving users the option to return to the previous typing experience before recent AltGr changes.
In addition, keyboard navigation in the emoji panel using “Windows key + Period” has been improved for better responsiveness.
Drop Tray changes
The feature previously known as Drag Tray has been renamed to Drop Tray, and it now ships with some changes. For example, the settings have also been relocated, moving from Nearby sharing to Settings > System > Multitasking, aligning it more closely with other window and workspace controls.
In addition, Drop Tray now uses a more compact peek view. This refinement helps reduce accidental activation when working near the top of the screen and makes it easier to dismiss it when it appears, resulting in a smoother, less disruptive multitasking experience.
Taskbar new AI agents
Windows 11 also introduces a new way to monitor your agents from the Taskbar, providing real-time visibility into background AI agent activity across both first-party and third-party apps.
With this update, you can monitor supported agents directly from the Taskbar without opening the full app. The first integration comes with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, where the Researcher agent can now show live progress while it generates reports. When it’s working, the operating system surfaces status updates on the Taskbar so you can quickly check what’s happening at a glance.
Hovering over the Microsoft 365 Copilot icon reveals more detailed, real-time progress, and once the report is complete, the system delivers a notification. From there, you can jump straight back into the app to review and use the results.
For developers, Microsoft is exposing this capability through the Windows.UI.Shell.Tasks API, enabling deeper integration of agent-based workflows into the Taskbar experience.
Debloat policy changes for Microsoft apps
Microsoft is also introducing a more flexible way for organizations to control preinstalled apps through an updated policy that removes Microsoft Store packages.
The change is intended for administrators of the Enterprise and Education editions, who can extend the “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages” policy with a dynamic list. This allows additional MSIX and APPX apps to be removed by specifying their app package family names through Group Policy.
The update gives organizations granular control over default apps beyond the standard list, making device customization more scalable in managed environments. However, the dynamic list is not yet available in the Intune Settings Catalog, meaning validation must currently be handled through Group Policy or custom OMA-URI configurations.
Windows Driver Policy update
Windows 11 is also tightening driver security with a major update to how the Windows kernel handles third-party drivers.
The change removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, shifting enforcement toward more secure validation. Going forward, only drivers signed through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) and a curated list of trusted legacy drivers will be permitted by default.
Before enforcement is enabled, the operating system runs a compatibility audit for at least 100 hours of active use and three system reboots, ensuring stability across real-world scenarios. Once enforcement is active, some previously accepted cross-signed drivers may be blocked if they do not meet the updated trust requirements.
This update is part of a broader push to strengthen the Windows driver ecosystem and reduce kernel-level risk exposure.
Batch files with better security and performance
This quality update ships a new security and performance control for batch file and Command Prompt script execution, aimed at reducing runtime manipulation risks.
Administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors can now enable a hardened processing mode for batch files. When it’s active, this mode prevents batch files from being modified while they are executing, helping protect against tampering during runtime.
The setting can be enabled via the Registry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor by adding the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse DWORD value and setting it to 1. A value of 0 keeps it disabled.
Alternatively, policy authors can enforce the same behavior using the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control, as defined in the Application Control for Business schema.
April 2026 (KB5079391)
The April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 24H2 and version 25H2 includes the following changes.
Smart App Control improvements
The Smart App Control (SAC) feature has been updated to no longer require a complete operating system reinstallation to turn it on or off.
You can manage settings in Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control.
Narrator’s new image description
As of the April 2026 update, Windows Narrator on Copilot+ PCs already includes rich image descriptions generated with AI. However, the feature now uses Copilot to generate those descriptions, making it available on all devices, including systems without dedicated AI hardware.
You can use the “Narrator key + Ctrl + D” shortcut to describe the focused image or the “Narrator key + Ctrl + S” shortcut to describe the full screen.
Device info card tweaks
On the Home page for the Settings app, the “Device info” card has now been refined to make it easier to understand. For instance, memory and processor are easier to read.
About page changes
Starting with the release, Microsoft is rolling back the top cards to show key hardware specifications on the About page.
Also, the “Device info” section shows more hardware details, including the graphics card and storage, as well as the processor, memory, system type, and more.
Accounts settings changes
Subscribers with a Microsoft 365 Family plan will see an option on the “Accounts” page in the Settings app to upgrade to another Microsoft 365 subscription. If you prefer not to see this prompt, you can disable it by turning off suggested content in Settings.
In addition, the company is also updating the dialog for when changing the account type to match the design language on Windows 11.
Pen settings update
This cumulative update for Windows 11 will include a clearer, more modern pen settings page that also lets you choose the new “Same as Copilot key” option to open the same app as the “Copilot” key.
Monitor specific changes
As part of the April 2026 update, the company plans to roll out various changes for displays. For example, monitors will now report refresh rates higher than 1000Hz.
When using a native USB4 monitor connection, the USB controller can now drop to its lowest power state while the computer is asleep, improving battery life.
Auto‑rotation will behave more reliably after waking from sleep after installing this update, and HDR performance has improvements for displays that include non‑compliant DisplayID 2.0 blocks. In addition, monitors that use DisplayID now report their physical size more accurately through the WMI monitor APIs.
March 2026 (KB5079473)
The March 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 24H2 and version 25H2 includes the following new features and improvements.
Quick Machine Recovery behavior
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) now activates by default on the “Pro” edition of Windows 11 for non-domain-joined computers that are not enrolled in enterprise endpoint management. These systems receive the same automated recovery protections as Windows 11 Home.
For domain-joined or enterprise-managed devices, QMR remains disabled unless an organization chooses to enable it.
Speed test in the Taskbar
The Taskbar introduces a built-in network speed test. You can launch it from the Wi-Fi or Cellular Quick Settings panel, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. The test opens in your default web browser and measures Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Cellular connections, making it easier to evaluate performance and diagnose connectivity issues.
Also, when the Taskbar is set to show uncombined buttons, apps with multiple open windows will no longer shift all instances to the overflow menu when space runs out.
Instead, only windows that exceed the available space overflow. This change prevents the overflow area from appearing underutilized and delivers a more accurate visual layout.
Start menu new account benefits option
A new entry in the account menu on the Start menu now links directly to the Microsoft account benefits page. This addition makes it easier to view, explore, and manage the benefits associated with your Microsoft account within the Windows experience.
Microsoft Entra ID new support
Starting with the March 2026 Security Update, the system now supports Microsoft Entra ID group and role SID resolution. In addition, the system can now translate Entra Cloud Group and Role security identifiers into readable names.
This enhancement allows Entra-only groups to appear and function correctly in file permissions, local group memberships, and other access-control scenarios without requiring on-premises or hybrid Active Directory identities.
Camera Pan and Tilt support
Microsoft is updating the “Cameras” settings to enable pan and tilt on supported cameras. The settings available under the “Basic settings” options are while on the camera’s page.
Sysmon native support
This is a significant shift in Windows 11 endpoint security. For over a decade, Sysmon (System Monitor) has been the gold standard for security professionals, but it required manual installation. However, the software giant is making Sysmon a native Windows 11 component rather than a standalone Sysinternals tool.
According to Microsoft, Sysmon lets you capture detailed system activity useful for threat detection, and its customizable configuration files allow you to filter exactly which events you want to track.
You can enable the feature from Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features, checking the “Sysmon” item.
Once you complete the steps, from PowerShell or Command Prompt, run the Sysmon -i command.
Microsoft notes that if you have the web version of Sysmon, you’ll need to uninstall it before installing the new native version.
Widgets improvements
Widget settings now open as a full-page experience within the Widgets app instead of appearing in a dialog.
Desktop background
This update also adds support for the .webp file format for setting desktop background images.
Emoji 16
In this rollout, the development team is also including new emojis from version 16, including face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, harp, shovel, and splatter.
Backup restoration changes
The first sign-in restore experience is now integrated into Windows Backup for Organizations, extending this capability to a broader range of device scenarios. As a result of this enhancement, user settings and Microsoft Store apps are automatically restored the first time a user signs in on Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi-user environments.
This addition streamlines device refreshes, upgrades, and transfers by delivering a consistent and predictable setup experience across managed environments.
Windows Search improvements
The Task Manager icon for the search process has been updated to a magnifying glass for clearer identification.
Storage settings new dialogs
Several dialogs in the Storage settings area have been modernized to match the design language of Windows 11.
File Explorer tweaks
In the March 2026 Security Update, File Explorer adds “Extract All” to the command bar for non‑ZIP archive folders.
February 2026 (KB5077181)
The February 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 24H2 and version 25H2 includes the following new features and improvements.
Android app resume on Windows 11
Windows 11 is expanding the ability to resume Android apps on your computer from the Taskbar. You can, for example, resume Spotify playback, work in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continue a browsing session.
Microsoft also notes that Vivo phone users can continue browsing from Vivo Browser on their computer.
The feature works by turning on the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” option in the “Manage Devices” settings, under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices to connect your PC with your Android phone.
Furthermore, if you use a phone from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi, you can resume online files that you opened in the Microsoft Copilot app on your phone and continue working on them on your computer.
When the feature is turned on, you can start using an app on your Android phone, and then you’ll receive a “Resume alert” notification in the Taskbar that allows you to launch the Spotify app on your computer to resume the same track or anything else you were listening.
If the app isn’t available on your computer, you’ll see the option to install it from the Microsoft Store.
Of course, this feature works only if your Android phone is already set up on your computer in the “Mobile devices” settings.
Windows MIDI Services
This update rolls out improvements for MIDI with expanded support for MIDI 0 and MIDI 2.0, adding full WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 compatibility with automatic translation, shared MIDI ports across apps, custom port naming, loopback, and app‑to‑app routing, along with performance boosts and reliability fixes to give musicians a smoother, more capable workflow.
The company also notes that the App SDK and Tools package is offered as a separate download that unlocks in‑box MIDI 0 capabilities and provides utilities such as the MIDI Console and the MIDI Settings app.
Windows Narrator changes
Windows Narrator provides better control over how it announces on‑screen controls, letting you choose which details are spoken and in what order so the flow matches how you move through apps.
Settings app
In the Home page, you’ll now find a new Device card that shows key technical specifications, and there’s even a link to open the About settings page.
Smart App Control improvements
The company is making changes to allow you to enable or disable Smart App Control (SAC) without requiring a clean install. This can be done from Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control.
Voice Access changes
A simpler setup makes it easier to start using Voice Access. The new flow will walk you through downloading a speech model for your language, choosing the microphone you want to use, and learning how Voice Access can help you control your device.
Voice Typing update
The “Wait time before acting” setting is now available in Voice Typing, allowing you to choose how long the operating system pauses before executing a voice command. Adjusting this delay helps Voice Typing understand you more accurately, whether you speak slowly or quickly.
Windows Hello with external fingerprint sensors support
Until now, the Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) experience has only supported built-in biometric sensors. However, you can now connect and configure any supported Windows Hello ESS fingerprint reader from the “Sign-in options” settings page.
Copilot+ PCs improvements
The AI Agent for the Settings app now supports more languages, with expanded support for German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Chinese (Simplified).
January 2026 (KB5074109)
The January 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 24H2 and version 25H2 didn’t include any new features or significant changes.
After releasing the 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623), the company has already made the Out-of-band (OOB) updates KB5077744 and KB5078127 available to address critical issues in the operating system.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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