Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as Windows 11 version 26H2. It is the next annual feature update and is rolling out to eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2.
Windows 11 version 26H2
Windows 11 version 26H2 uses the same servicing foundation and underlying codebase as versions 25H2 and 24H2. It arrives through a lightweight enablement package, requiring a single restart in most scenarios.
Since the releases share the same platform, organizations can reduce validation effort while maintaining consistent management, security, and update experiences. Microsoft also continues delivering features through monthly quality updates, so some 26H2 capabilities may already be present before the update activates them.
Servicing and deployment
For commercial devices, several capabilities are enabled by default, including:
- Windows settings backup for supported Windows settings and Microsoft Store app lists.
- App-specific taskbar actions.
- Selected File Explorer improvements previously under temporary commercial controls.
- Features released disabled by default in Windows 11 version 25H2.
Security
Version 26H2 adds Administrator protection, which uses just-in-time privileges and profile separation for administrative tasks. It is off by default and can be configured through Intune or Group Policy.
Other security changes include:
- Sysmon: Built into Windows, with custom configuration support and events recorded in Windows Event Log. It is off by default.
- Smart App Control: Can be enabled or disabled without a clean installation and blocks untrusted or potentially harmful applications when enabled.
- Plugin credential managers: Support passkeys and security-key PIN setup.
- Enhanced Sign-in Security: Supports compatible peripheral fingerprint sensors on Windows 11 PCs, including desktops and Copilot+ PCs.
- Driver trust: Cross-signed drivers are no longer trusted by default. WHCP drivers and an allow list of trusted legacy drivers remain supported.
- Post-quantum cryptography: Adds ML-KEM and ML-DSA support under FIPS 203 and FIPS 204 through CNG and .NET. ML-KEM can also be used for TLS key exchange.
Device management and recovery
Windows Autopilot device association can identify trusted devices before enrollment and apply device-targeted policies during deployment. Recovery changes include:
- First sign-in restore: Supports Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi-user environments, restoring supported settings and Microsoft Store app lists. It can also support device refreshes, upgrades, and migrations.
- Point-in-time restore: Returns a PC to a recent automatic restore point containing apps, settings, and personal files.
- Quick machine recovery: Performs a one-time remediation scan when enabled with automatic solution checking. It remains off by default on domain-joined and enterprise devices unless enabled.
- Policy-based app removal: Administrators can remove additional MSIX or APPX applications through Group Policy using package family names.
File Explorer and Search
File Explorer adds AI actions for supported image editing and document summaries. Copilot can summarize supported OneDrive and SharePoint files without opening them, with an active Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot license required.
Other changes include:
- Work and school accounts get Open file location and Ask Copilot actions in File Explorer Home.
- Archive support adds uu, cpio, xar, and nupkg formats.
- View and Sort preferences are preserved when applications open Downloads and Documents directly.
- Voice typing can be used for file renaming.
- File Explorer Home launches faster and is more responsive.
- Search supports previews, typos, and partial app names.
- Frequently used folders can be automatically indexed.
Start menu, taskbar and camera
The Start menu adds a scrollable All section with category and grid views. Users can choose its size and show or hide the Pinned, Recent, and All sections.
The taskbar can now be positioned at the bottom, top, left, or right, with a smaller taskbar option. Supported AI agents, including Researcher in Microsoft Copilot, can also show progress and completion notifications.
For cameras, Windows adds:
- Multi-App Camera: Allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously.
- Basic Camera: Provides a simplified camera mode for troubleshooting or stability.
- Both modes can be configured through Group Policy.
Bluetooth, USB and Windows Update
Bluetooth improvements cover LE Audio, voice calls, microphone mute synchronization, and reconnection after hibernation. USB4 changes address displays connected through USB4 docks and hubs when devices resume from standby.
Windows Update can install eligible updates with the monthly security update when possible, reducing additional restarts. Individual updates remain available under Settings > Windows Update > Available updates, while expedited or critical updates can still be installed separately.
Accessibility
Version 26H2 updates Magnifier, Narrator, and Voice access. Magnifier adds specific zoom percentages, adjustable increments, clearer screen-reader announcements, and full-screen color tinting.
Narrator adds Braille Viewer for displaying on-screen text and its Braille equivalent on a refreshable Braille display, along with Microsoft Word navigation improvements.
On supported Copilot+ PCs, Voice access supports natural-language commands, including filler words and synonyms, rather than only predefined commands. It also adds:
- French, German, Spanish, and Korean.
- Voice Isolation to reduce interference from other speakers and background noise.
Task Manager and administration
Task Manager adds optional NPU and NPU Engine columns to the Processes, Users, and Details pages, while NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory are available on the Details page.
Neural engines included in a GPU appear on the Performance page, and an Isolation column identifies applications running in an AppContainer. A secure processing mode can also prevent batch files from changing during execution.
Removed feature
Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) is no longer available on Windows 11 version 24H2 and later. Microsoft has also removed it as a Feature on Demand (FoD).
How to get Windows 11 version 26H2
The update is rolling out to eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. To check:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Enable Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
- Download and install version 26H2 when it appears.
Microsoft is using a controlled rollout, so the update may not appear immediately on every eligible device. Safeguard holds can also prevent installation on devices affected by known compatibility issues.
For commercial and education customers, version 26H2 is available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Existing update rings, policies, and deployment tools continue to apply.
Windows 11 continues its annual feature-update cadence, with feature updates released in the second half of the calendar year. Version 26H2 has the following support periods:
- Home and Pro: 24 months.
- Enterprise and Education: 36 months.