- 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.
- October 2026 (KB5124010)
- September 2026 (KB5124008)
- August 2026 (KB5121003)
- July 2026 (KB5101650)
- June 2026 (KB5094126)
- May 2026 (KB5089549)
- April 2026 (KB5079391)
- March 2026 (KB5079473)
- February 2026 (KB5077181)
- January 2026 (KB5074109)
October 2026 (KB5124010)
The September 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
File Explorer gets a handful of useful refinements
Starting with this release, the “Preview” pane lets you preview downloaded HTML files after you acknowledge the warning, while other files such as PDFs preview automatically.
File Explorer Home also remembers which sections you expanded or collapsed, so you can return without resetting the layout.
Microsoft improves cloud-file thumbnail reliability in the “Details” pane and reorganizes file properties for easier viewing. The update also fixes an annoying issue that could clear the address bar when you clicked near its right side to edit it.
Personalization gets a much-needed polish
Microsoft is making the Personalization > Background experience more reliable and fixing several frustrating wallpaper issues. The page should now behave better when you change wallpapers quickly, and previews get higher resolution and better handling for portrait-oriented monitors.
The update also adds DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and improves slideshow transitions, particularly on newly created accounts. Slideshow wallpapers can now work across multiple desktops without unexpectedly switching back to “Picture.”
A simpler way to open apps maximized
Windows 11 is also removing a small but annoying bit of friction with a new “Open apps maximized” accessibility setting.
When you enable the feature, the system automatically maximizes apps as they launch, which can be especially useful with screen readers, magnification, tablet use, or simply for anyone who prefers a consistent full-screen workspace.
The option is known as “Open apps maximized,” and it’s available under Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
The update also makes the Bluetooth quick settings page easier to navigate when using a keyboard, gamepad, or Narrator, improving accessibility for users who don’t rely on a mouse or touch input.
Magnifier gets a visual refresh
The Magnifier is getting a small but welcome visual makeover. Microsoft is refreshing the tool’s toolbar with updated icons that better match the operating system’s current design language, along with refined spacing and padding for a cleaner, more polished layout.
The important part is that nothing changes about how Magnifier works. Your existing views, zoom controls, keyboard shortcuts, and Read Aloud feature will continue to behave exactly as before.
Bluetooth gets a long list of reliability fixes
The company is addressing several Bluetooth annoyances in this build, improving how the operating system handles connections, audio, microphones, and settings.
The volume flyout now appears during voice calls when you adjust a Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory from its controls, while connection status reporting and the “Bluetooth & devices” page are more reliable.
The update also fixes an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be off while its settings toggle still appeared enabled, improves Bluetooth audio and microphone compatibility, and resolves a potential 0x139 crash while streaming audio. LE Audio accessories and shared audio also receive reliability and performance improvements.
Settings gets several small but useful refinements
In this release, Microsoft polishes several parts of the Settings app.
For instance, the “Printers & scanners” page gets reliability improvements, while “Installed apps” now shows version numbers at the top level for packaged apps.
The time picker also respects your preferred 12-hour or 24-hour format when setting active hours or scheduling Night light.
The company is also improving the reliability of the “Allow multiple apps to use the camera at the same time” option so the setting persists as expected.
Touchpad gets more useful gesture controls
In October, precision touchpads gain two new gesture options in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. You can now scroll vertically with one finger from either the left or right side of the touchpad, or keep scrolling by moving your finger toward the edge without lifting it.
Copilot key remap option
Microsoft is giving users more control over the dedicated Copilot key on compatible keyboards. A new Windows 11 setting lets you remap the key to work as Right Ctrl or the Context Menu key, making it easier to keep familiar keyboard shortcuts and accessibility workflows.
Windows 11 adds Camera Roll Backup
This update adds Camera Roll Backup to Settings, giving eligible users a way to protect their photos with OneDrive.
You can enable the feature from the Settings Home or Accounts page, then complete the setup on your mobile phone by scanning a QR code.
Font support expansion
The Ebrima font now supports the Garay and Beria Erfe scripts, making it the first Microsoft font to support both.
Garay was added to Unicode 16.0, while Beria Erfe was added to Unicode 17.0. Microsoft is also refining Ebrima’s Adlam glyph designs to align with the current Unicode standard and provide greater consistency.
Windows 11 adds a new Tips widget
Microsoft is giving the Widgets experience a new “Tips” widget that offers short guidance about Windows features.
You can add it from “Add widgets” on the Widgets board or place it on the lock screen through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
Windows 11 gets new Emoji 17.0 characters
Windows 11 is expanding its emoji collection with support for Emoji 17.0, bringing several new characters to the built-in emoji picker. The additions include distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature, among others.
You can try the new emoji by pressing the “Windows key + Period (.)” keyboard shortcut to open the emoji panel and selecting them from the picker.
Microsoft is also making a handful of existing emoji look more consistent across platforms. The refreshed designs include the saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat emoji, giving some familiar characters a subtle visual cleanup.
WinRE with Wi-Fi support
Getting a computer back up and running should not require fighting with Wi-Fi first. Microsoft is improving Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) with a new networking capability that can automatically reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already saved in Windows, including supported certificate-based Wi-Fi networks.
Previously, WinRE could automatically connect only to wired, unauthenticated Ethernet or separately preconfigured Wi-Fi networks. For other WPA2/WPA3 networks, users had to connect manually by entering the password.
The new capability, enabled by default, allows WinRE to use saved Wi-Fi profile information when recovery needs an internet connection. This can help devices connect automatically during scenarios such as Quick Machine Recovery or cloud rebuilds, without requiring users or network administrators to configure Wi-Fi credentials separately in WinRE.
Finally, the company is adding a recovery remote management plug-in to WinRE, extending its management capabilities for mobile device management (MDM) providers.
Kiosk mode blocks more keyboard shortcuts
Microsoft is tightening the restricted experience in Kiosk mode by disabling additional keyboard shortcuts.
For example, the “Windows key + Tab” shortcut is now blocked in restricted user experience kiosks, while the “Windows key + A” and “Windows key + C” shortcuts are disabled in single-app kiosk mode.
Windows Backup replaces discontinued PC-to-PC transfers
Microsoft is removing PC-to-PC Migration, a feature that let users transfer files and settings directly from an old computer when setting up a new device.
The company now points users to Windows Backup to back up and restore files, settings, and other supported items when moving to a new computer.
September 2026 (KB5124008)
The September 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
Taskbar positioning and resizing
The Taskbar is becoming much more flexible, with new options that let you move it to any edge of the screen or shrink it to reclaim valuable space.
You can now place the Taskbar at the bottom, top, left, or right, with tooltips, flyouts, animations, and most customization options, including never combining icons, working in all four positions.
The search box and smaller Taskbar are currently limited to the top and bottom positions. You can change its location under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position.
Microsoft is also adding a smaller Taskbar option for devices where every pixel of screen space matters. It reduces both the icon size and Taskbar height while keeping Start, Search, and the system tray accessible.
The option is available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size. The Taskbar behaviors section is also expanded by default, making these controls easier to find.
Finally, Microsoft has improved the reliability of loading the system tray on non-touch devices.
Start menu new customization
The company is giving the Start menu more control, including new size options and cleaner ways to decide what appears. You can now choose “Small,” “Large,” or “Automatic” (the default) under Settings > Personalization > Start > Start menu size, giving you more control over how much space Start takes up.
The “Recommended” section is also being renamed “Recent,” while a new option lets you hide your name and profile picture from Start.
Microsoft has also redesigned the Start settings page with separate toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All, so you can show or hide each section independently.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find an option to hide your profile name and picture from the Start menu, which helps keep your information more private during presentations.
Windows Search improvements
Windows Search is getting a useful cleanup that makes results easier to understand before you click anything. The home interface has been simplified to reduce clutter and make recent searches easier to revisit, while results now more clearly identify whether they come from an app, setting, file, web, or Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is also giving users more control over what Search shows. A new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets you decide whether web results and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.
The operating system will also automatically index your most-used folders so their files appear faster in future searches. You can control this behavior under Settings > Privacy & security > Search > Automatically find additional relevant locations.
File Explorer speed boost
File Explorer is getting a small but welcome performance boost. The Home page now launches faster and feels more responsive, while the “Recommended” section now supports touch scrolling, making it easier to swipe through files in its carousel on touch-enabled devices.
Spinner redesign
Windows 11 gets another small visual polish with updated progress indicators that give the operating system a more consistent, modern look.
You’ll see the refreshed indicators during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation, replacing some older-looking experiences that have lingered across the desktop.
Windows Share improvements
The Windows Share experience is becoming more useful for work and school accounts, with the ability to discover and install relevant apps directly from the share window. This could make sharing files and content less of a hassle when you need an app that isn’t already installed.
You can control the feature under Settings > System > Share > Show suggested apps in share surfaces.
Administrator Protection finally arrives
Microsoft is beginning to roll out Administrator Protection, a security feature designed to reduce the risk of elevation-of-privilege attacks by keeping administrator rights from remaining freely available. It uses just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks and introduces profile separation to harden the system, although the company notes that it’s not a formal security boundary.
The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled through Microsoft Intune using OMA-URI or Group Policy.
Microsoft first disclosed Administrator Protection in October 2025, and the feature is now beginning to roll out.
August 2026 (KB5101684)
The August 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
File Explorer improvements
Microsoft is improving File Explorer with several usability and reliability enhancements.
In “Details” view, file sizes now display using the appropriate units, such as KB, MB, and GB, instead of showing every value in kilobytes. The company is also making tabbed browsing more consistent by allowing users to middle-click folders in the address bar and on the “Home” page to open them in a new tab.
The update also fixes a gray flash that could appear while the “Home” page was loading and resolves an issue that sometimes caused the page to scroll back to the top unexpectedly. In addition, thumbnails in the “Recommended” section are now sharper and easier to read.
Windows Search changes
Windows Search is becoming more accurate and useful. The search experience can now find files across local storage, cloud services, and connected content more effectively, including support for searching with only two characters.
Microsoft has also improved app search to better recognize partial names and typing mistakes, making it easier to locate installed applications. In the Settings app, search results have been refined to prioritize more relevant options higher in the results.
Windows Hello new feature
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports external fingerprint readers. This means desktop computers, Copilot+ PCs, and other devices without built-in fingerprint sensors can now use supported ESS-compatible fingerprint readers for more secure authentication.
The feature was first announced in the January 2026 preview update and is now beginning to roll out more broadly.
AI components uninstall option
Copilot+ PCs now allow users to remove the Image Generation AI component when it is installed, providing additional control over AI features available on supported devices.
Widgets improvements
Microsoft is making Widgets less distracting and simplifying the Lock screen experience.
Notification badges on the Taskbar now use your selected system accent color instead of the previous red indicator. On the Lock screen, new users will now only see the Weather widget by default, creating a cleaner experience while still allowing additional widgets to be added later.
Touchpad new features
Precision touchpads gain new customization options under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
Users can now adjust the base speed for scroll and zoom gestures and enable accelerated scrolling, which increases scrolling speed as gestures are repeated, making it easier to navigate long documents and webpages.
Voice Access new features
Voice Access receives several new capabilities, including Voice Isolation, a feature designed to improve speech recognition by filtering out background noise and other speakers.
Users can now choose from three speech recognition modes in Settings > Voice Access > Improve speech recognition. The “Voice Isolation” option requires a one-time voice setup and filters both background noise and nearby conversations. The “Remove background noise only” mode suppresses sounds such as typing or doors closing without additional setup, while “No filtering” uses the microphone input without any processing.
Microsoft is also expanding Voice Access with support for Korean.
Accessibility improvements
The Magnifier experience has been refined for touch-enabled devices. The horizontal and vertical touch bars used to move around the magnified screen are now disabled by default so they no longer cover on-screen content.
Fonts changes
The company has restored support for Unicode variation sequences in the Myanmar Text font and improved character shaping and rendering for the Mongolian Baiti font, resulting in more accurate text display.
Account Control flyout design update
The Account Control flyout available through the Start menu is getting a refresh on Windows 11, with a more modern design and clearer account information.
The updated experience adds a visible subscription badge that makes it easier for users to quickly understand their current account state, view available benefits, and discover upgrade options. The flyout also provides additional details, including account benefits and storage information, giving users a more centralized place to manage their Microsoft account experience.
The redesigned Account Control flyout is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to improve account-related experiences across Windows 11 by making important information easier to find without requiring users to navigate through multiple settings pages.
Windows Setup new parental notice
Windows Setup now displays a parental controls notice during the installation process, highlighting the family safety features available after setup is complete.
Power and battery
Microsoft is making power management settings more consistent across Windows 11.
Changes made to display timeouts, sleep and hibernate timers, power button behavior, and laptop lid actions from the Settings app are now automatically applied to every power plan instead of only the active one. The update also improves the reliability of saving those preferences.
In addition, Windows once again allows users to configure the battery percentage at which Energy Saver automatically turns on from Settings > System > Power & battery.
Windows Update changes
Windows Update now provides more accurate progress estimates while updates are downloading and installing.
The company has also updated the cleanup process that runs after installing updates to improve system performance immediately after the installation is complete.
Sounds tweaks
The update improves several system sounds when Windows 11 is running in dark mode.
Printing improvements
Printing performance has been improved for IPPS (Internet Printing Protocol Secure) printers, allowing pages to print faster in supported environments.
July 2026 (KB5101650)
The July 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
Point-in-time restore for Windows
Starting with the July 2026 update, Windows 11 introduces Point-in-time restore, a new recovery capability that introduces a faster way to revert a system to a previous working state without lengthy troubleshooting.
The feature captures automatic snapshots that include apps, settings, and personal files, allowing users to roll back to a known-good configuration when problems arise. The goal is to reduce recovery friction and minimize downtime during system instability or configuration issues.
Windows Update new controls
Windows Update gains a more flexible scheduling model centered around a calendar-based pause system. Instead of relying on fixed intervals, users can now choose a specific end date when pausing updates, extending control up to 35 days.
The pause can be adjusted at any time by selecting a new date, giving users more predictable control over update timing without losing the ability to temporarily defer installations.
Widgets become quieter and less distracting
The Widgets experience is shifting toward a quieter and less intrusive design, with changes aimed at reducing interruptions and simplifying default behavior. Widgets no longer expand automatically on hover, and both notifications and Taskbar badges are minimized by default, with accent-matching colors for a subtler visual presence.
On first use, the dashboard now opens in a simplified state, while lock screen access defaults to a single Weather widget for clarity. Settings are easier to adjust directly from the navigation bar, allowing users to customize behavior without having to navigate deep into system menus. Notification counters remain visible but clear automatically when leaving the dashboard, keeping the interface clean.
Under the hood, the experience also benefits from improvements in reliability and responsiveness, along with refinements to visual consistency across the dashboard.
Accessibility changes
Accessibility enhancements focus on improving readability and giving users more precise control over visual scaling. A new Screen tint option applies a full-display color overlay designed to reduce eye strain, with adjustable intensity and preset configurations available directly from Settings under Accessibility.
Magnifier changes
Magnifier receives more granular zoom control, allowing users to enter exact percentage values rather than relying solely on step-based adjustments. This makes it easier to fine-tune zoom levels for specific tasks.
Control is also streamlined within the Magnifier interface itself, where zoom increments can now be adjusted directly from the toolbar, eliminating the need to switch between system settings during use.
File Explorer improvements
The hover actions in File Explorer Home now work for work and school accounts (Entra ID), not just personal ones. This adds quick options like Open file location and Ask Copilot. The feature is still not available in the European Economic Area.
The address bar is now more flexible and accepts paths with double backslashes or quotation marks. This makes it easier to paste or type folder paths from different sources without errors.
Search suggestions in the address bar are also more stable and now close properly after you pick an option. At the same time, an issue that caused duplicate OneDrive items in Favorites has been fixed.
Renaming files is now more reliable and less disruptive during edits. Text no longer gets repeatedly reselected during edits, and changes that only involve letter case now update instantly across both local files and cloud content.
Bluetooth changes
Bluetooth reliability and performance see a broad set of refinements focused on audio stability, device compatibility, and connection behavior. Windows 11 now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), improving consistency for supported Bluetooth headphones with physical mute controls or indicators.
Device compatibility is also improved, with faster pairing detection for devices like AirPods and more reliable microphone performance on headphones such as the Beats Studio Pro. Audio stability benefits from fixes targeting driver-related issues, while voice call quality is enhanced on classic Bluetooth devices using HFP.
LE Audio handling becomes more resilient, with improved streaming recovery after disconnections and faster audio start times when the microphone is active. Classic Bluetooth devices also reconnect more quickly after system hibernation, improving overall responsiveness.
Device management is more reliable as well, reducing “Remove failed” errors when hardware states change during unpairing. The “Bluetooth & devices” settings page also becomes more stable during everyday use.
Connection behavior is further refined to improve recovery when multiple devices are active, such as when a phone reconnects and temporarily interrupts LE Audio accessories.
Phone Link improvements
As part of the Phone Link experience, call handling between a paired phone and computer using Bluetooth becomes more consistent and predictable, particularly in routing audio during the early stages of a call. Outgoing calls now remain on the phone during the ringing phase, switching seamlessly to the device only once the call is answered on Windows 11.
Incoming call behavior is also refined when “Do Not Disturb” is enabled, preventing unwanted audio interruptions on the PC when calls are being managed on a connected phone.
Voice Access and Typing languages
Voice Access and Voice Typing now support French, German, and Spanish, expanding dictation options across more regions.
Also, as you speak, the system refines text in real time by correcting grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors. It also adapts better to background noise, improving clarity and reducing the need for manual edits. This feature is available on Copilot+ PCs.
Network virtualization fixes
Networking receives improvements across both virtualized and standard environments. Confidential Virtual Machines now default to SR-IOV hardware acceleration for better performance and throughput.
A nested Hyper-V networking issue has been resolved to improve the reliability of virtual machine provisioning. In addition, system-level updates reduce Wi-Fi bug checks, improve cellular connectivity, including IPv6 VPN support, and enhance compatibility with third-party VPN tools.
Finally, network settings are also preserved more reliably during operating system upgrades.
IPP printing setup
New printer installations now use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, streamlining setup and improving reliability. A new Settings toggle allows users to control this behavior, supporting a more modern printing model.
You can control this behavior by using the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print.
Location settings clarity
Location settings in “Privacy & Security” are now easier to understand when location services are turned off.
Also, related options, such as Default location and location override, are now automatically disabled to clearly indicate when location data is unavailable.
Touchpad customization
Touchpad settings gain more control with a new option to adjust the size of the right-click zone. Users can define how much of the corner responds to single-finger right-click actions on supported devices.
Also, Japanese handwriting input improves recognition of English characters, enabling better mixed-language typing.
June 2026 (KB5094126)
The June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 includes the following changes.
Low Latency Profile
Starting with the June 2026 Security Update, Microsoft is rolling out the Low Latency Profile feature, which is a technique that the system uses to spike the CPU to its maximum frequency for one to three seconds to speed up specific tasks, such as launching apps and features like the Start menu.
In the official notes, the company isn’t calling it Low Latency Profile. Instead, it notes that this update accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center
Shared Audio
Windows 11 is also introducing a new “Shared Audio” feature that allows two people to listen to the same audio from a single computer simultaneously.
The feature uses Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology to stream audio to two compatible Bluetooth devices at once, making it easier to share music, movies, or other media without speakers.
Users can enable the feature from the Quick Settings panel by selecting “Shared Audio,” choosing two supported paired devices, and starting the audio session.
There’s also a new Taskbar indicator that appears whenever audio sharing is active. This visual cue makes it clear that your sound is being shared and provides one-click access to the sharing settings.
Magnifier improvements
Microsoft is improving the accessibility experience on Windows 11 with several updates for Magnifier.
The app now delivers clearer and more consistent announcements when used alongside a screen reader, including notifications for zoom level changes, view mode switches, color inversion, and when Magnifier is turned on or off.
The company is also adding support for magnifying permitted protected content and improving the smoothness of movement while using Magnifier in lens mode.
Task Manager with more NPU support
Task Manager is gaining several improvements focused on AI hardware monitoring and system diagnostics.
On computers equipped with an NPU, the app now includes optional columns to track NPU usage, NPU engine activity, and dedicated or shared NPU memory across the “Processes,” “Users,” and “Details” pages.
Windows 11 will also display neural engines integrated into the GPU on the “Performance” page to provide a broader view of AI-related workloads. In addition, Microsoft is adding a new “Isolation” column that shows which apps are running inside an AppContainer sandbox.
The update also fixes an issue causing incorrect process speed readings on virtual machines after resuming from hibernation.
Camera with multi-app support
As part of the improvements rolling out with the cumulative update, Microsoft is making new advanced webcam configuration settings available on the “Camera” settings page, including two new features: “Multi-app Camera” and “Camera Basic Mode.”
The “Multi-app Camera” feature lets you stream the same camera across multiple apps. On the other hand, the “Camera Basic Mode” feature enables the camera to be used in debugging mode for troubleshooting.
For managed devices, enterprise administrators can configure both Multi-App Camera and Basic Camera modes through Group Policy under Camera settings.
Windows Hello improvements
Microsoft is also rolling out improvements for Windows Hello in this update. The company says it has optimized the WinBio service to reduce latency when resuming a device from Modern Standby, which should help biometric sign-ins respond faster after the computer wakes.
In addition, the update fixes an issue that could cause Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security authentication to unexpectedly block due to missing secure enrollment metadata.
Storage settings changes
In the Settings app, Windows 11 improves the storage management and Dev Drive configuration in this update.
When creating a Dev Drive, the dialog now supports specifying the size in gigabytes instead of being limited to megabytes, making setup more intuitive for larger volumes. The same improvement has been applied when resizing volumes from Settings > System > Storage, offering a more consistent experience.
In addition, Microsoft has refined the behavior of the Storage settings page. Rather than triggering a User Account Control (UAC) prompt immediately upon opening the page, the prompt now appears only when you access specific actions, such as viewing temporary files, reducing unnecessary interruptions while navigating storage options.
Personalization settings improvements
The update for June improves the reliability and accuracy of personalization. The automatic accent color feature in Settings > Personalization now delivers more precise color matching when adapting the system accent to your wallpaper, resulting in a more consistent visual experience.
Microsoft is also addressing wallpaper stability issues. The update improves persistence across restarts and system upgrades, with enhanced support for high-resolution wallpapers and other edge cases that previously caused the system to revert to a solid color background.
Windows Setup with custom folder name
The software giant is also updating the setup experience with a new option to choose a custom name for the user profile folder during installation. The option appears on the “Device Name” page, allowing users to set the folder name before completing setup rather than relying on the automatically generated name.
If you skip this step, the operating system will continue to create the profile folder using the default naming convention. As expected, custom folder names must still comply with standard Windows 11 naming rules.
Windows Search improvements
This release also improves Windows Search. Starting with the June 2026 update, the search experience can now find and prioritize files using as few as two characters, making shorter queries more effective when searching locally.
The change should improve discoverability for files and folders with abbreviated names, especially for users who rely heavily on keyboard search workflows from the Start menu or File Explorer.
May 2026 (KB5089549)
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 23 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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