Windows 11 26H2 follows the model of an enablement package and is technically based mostly on model 25H2. An enablement package deal is a small characteristic replace that doesn’t set off a whole reinstallation of the working system. Microsoft makes use of this course of to unlock present however beforehand disabled options that have been added to the system by way of common month-to-month updates.
The enablement package deal primarily adjustments the model identifier of Windows and prompts these options collectively with out comprehensively changing system information or affecting present functions and settings. The set up course of takes only some minutes and is technically extra like a cumulative replace than a traditional characteristic improve.
The replace to 26H2 adjustments the model identifier with out reinstallation and extends the help interval by 24 months for client editions and 36 months for enterprise editions. Functional adjustments already attain techniques by way of month-to-month updates for 25H2 after which carry over unchanged to 26H2.
A big enhance in performance is especially evident on techniques migrating from older variations resembling 23H2. The rollout is scheduled for the acquainted time window from late September to early October 2026. Those collaborating within the Insider Program will, after all, obtain the brand new options upfront as a take a look at model.
Copilot-based search on the taskbar
The traditional Windows search is being changed by an optionally available “Ask Copilot” characteristic. This may be activated within the taskbar settings underneath “Personalization.” Once activated, a compact search window opens with direct entry to functions, information, and system settings. The technical foundation stays the present Windows search index.
Thomas Joos
Copilot additionally interprets the person’s intentions and hyperlinks search queries to acceptable settings, resembling brightness or show parameters. The interface doesn’t show Bing pop-ups and responds noticeably extra instantly.
A later extension will embrace file and picture uploads in addition to Copilot Vision, which includes content material from open functions. Without activation, the acquainted Windows search stays unchanged on the taskbar. Copilot doesn’t entry native information except information are explicitly transferred.
File Explorer with revised context construction
File Explorer has been given a restructured context logic with nested menus to cut back the variety of seen entries. Actions resembling compression, path copying, or picture rotation are grouped underneath “Manage file.”
Image-related capabilities resembling background task or rotation are additionally grouped collectively. Compression codecs may be chosen in a separate submenu. OneDrive-related choices are moved to a separate space. Individual instructions resembling “Ask Copilot,” “Edit with Clipchamp,” “Edit in Notepad,” “Edit in Paint,” and Microsoft Photos nonetheless seem a number of occasions. Context-dependent prioritization by way of ML doesn’t happen.
At the identical time, Microsoft is engaged on a darkish show for the Properties tab in File Explorer. In addition, background preloading of Explorer is being examined to hurry up startup, which may be disabled within the folder choices.
Copilot integration in File Explorer
In addition, there might be deeper Copilot integration in File Explorer. The plan is to have a dockable aspect panel close to the element and preview views with the choice to detach it right into a separate window. Unlike the present forwarding of information to the Copilot app, Copilot operates instantly within the file system and permits dialog-based interactions with folders and information.
Thomas Joos
The Run window, which has remained unchanged for many years, will get a WinUI-based variant with a Mica background, an enlarged enter subject, and a command overview above the enter. It may be activated within the superior part of the system settings. Once activated, the system will conceal the traditional variant.
The new interface shows matching functions, together with icons, as you kind. At the identical time, Microsoft is testing a darkish mode for the traditional Run window. Both variations coexist as choices.
Return of the agenda within the notification heart
The agenda view returns to the notification heart and integrates with Outlook. After logging in, appointments are robotically synchronized and seem within the Win+N calendar view. The implementation makes use of WebView2 and occupies over 100MB of RAM. The view lets you be part of conferences and examine present appointments in actual time. A Copilot button enhances the interface.
System Monitor as an built-in safety element
Sysinternals System Monitor is built-in instantly into Windows 11. The element comes from the exterior Sysinternals suite and logs system occasions for risk detection. Events are saved within the Windows occasion database and may be filtered utilizing separate configuration information. Activation is optionally available by way of Windows options or the command line. No restart is required.
Camera settings and emoji replace
The digital camera settings have been expanded to incorporate pan and tilt management for supported {hardware}. The choices seem within the settings underneath “Bluetooth and devices” within the fundamental digital camera settings. The interface at the moment nonetheless exhibits inconsistencies in window adjustment. At the identical time, Microsoft is introducing Emoji model 16.0 with new symbols.
Gaming mode with Xbox full-screen interface
An optionally available full-screen mode replaces the desktop interface with a controller-oriented dashboard based mostly on the present Xbox apps. It may be activated within the gaming settings. The mode reduces background processes and saves system assets, which has an affect on gaming efficiency and battery life.
A restart prompts the brand new interface. You can swap again to the desktop utilizing the Windows key. For productive work, it is suggested to deactivate it earlier than restarting.
Agentic AI capabilities within the system
An experimental space for agentic capabilities seems within the AI parts of the settings. Applications resembling Copilot tackle automated duties associated to file group, scheduling, or emailing. The perform stays disabled till you flip it on and use it.
Thomas Joos
Bug fixes and element enhancements
Current Windows builds additionally repair visible glitches with the robotically hidden taskbar, the surprising rebuilding of desktop icons, and show points with Windows safety login home windows. File Explorer changes enhance accessibility, permit customized folder names, and add tooltips to favorites.
A repair addresses software hangs throughout file operations with OneDrive and Dropbox, in addition to issues with Outlook configurations that retailer PST information in OneDrive. Voice Access extends language help to incorporate the Netherlands.
