Microsoft Unveils 7 Windows 11 26H2 Features as 2026 Update Shifts to Small Package
Updated
Updated · Windows Central · Jul 5
Microsoft Unveils 7 Windows 11 26H2 Features as 2026 Update Shifts to Small Package
3 articles · Updated · Windows Central · Jul 5
Summary
Windows 11 version 26H2 is set for the second half of 2026 with seven highlighted additions, including an AI-powered Ask Copilot search, a redesigned Start menu and a modernized Run dialog.
26H2 will install as a small enablement package for 25H2 users rather than a full feature-drop upgrade, while extending support by another 2 years.
User control is the main theme: Microsoft is testing taskbar position and size options, a switch to remove web results from Windows Search, and update tools that can pause installs for up to 35 days.
Security changes are also part of the release, with Administrator Protection using temporary elevated accounts and Windows Hello authentication to replace traditional User Account Control.
Most features are now in Insider experimental builds and may change or roll out gradually, reflecting Microsoft's model of shipping Windows 11 improvements through monthly cumulative updates before the annual release.