Microsoft releases Windows 11 version 26H2 with new taskbar and performance features
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, bringing a flexible taskbar and a low-latency profile to eligible devices.
The update rolls out gradually to systems running Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2, as reported by Vietnam.vn, with SweClockers noting that the installation acts as an enablement package. Users who enable the option to get the latest updates as soon as they are available in Windows Update receive the software first.
Windows 11 Home and Pro Support Ends October 2026
PC för Alla reported that users unsure of their current system version can open Settings using the Windows key plus I shortcut, click System on the left menu, select About, and scroll down to Windows specifications. Devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 in Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates on October 13, 2026, according to Microsoft’s support documentation. After that date, those editions will no longer receive monthly security updates, timezone updates, or fixes for known issues, and technical support will end. Enterprise and Education editions receive continued support until October 12, 2027.
Taskbar and Start Menu Gain New Flexibility
Vietnam.vn reported that the headline feature of version 26H2 is the return of taskbar flexibility, allowing users to place the taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. SweClockers added that a smaller icon option is also available.
The Start menu has been redesigned with a scrollable All apps section, grid layouts, and automatic screen-size scaling, alongside options to hide or show pinned and recent sections. Windows Search now includes result previews, improved handling of typos and incomplete app names, and automatic indexing for frequently used folders.
Race to Sleep Boosts Processor Speeds and Lowers RAM Use
Notebookcheck reported that Windows 11 26H2 introduces a low-latency profile that temporarily boosts processor clock speeds near maximum capacity for one to three seconds when opening apps, the Start menu, search, or the notification center. Microsoft calls this technique “race to sleep.”
Notebookcheck also highlighted reports from Windows Latest indicating lower RAM consumption after the update, noting that a three-year-old laptop with 16 GB of memory used about 7 GB right after rebooting with 26H2, compared to over 10 GB previously. Other users reported reductions of roughly 2 GB on a system with 48 GB of RAM and a drop from 9.1 GB to 7.5 GB on a 32 GB system.
New Rollback Function Improves System Recovery and File Explorer
According to Vietnam.vn, version 26H2 introduces a time rollback function to restore apps, settings, and files to the latest automatic restore point, alongside updates to the quick machine recovery feature for unbootable systems. Users can now enable or disable Smart App Control without reinstalling the operating system.
SweClockers noted that File Explorer has been optimized for faster response times and added support for more archive formats, while Bluetooth and USB stability have been improved, particularly for reconnections after sleep mode and displays connected via USB4 docks. Windows Update can now group multiple qualified updates to reduce required system reboots.