Five years. Well, almost. That is how long we’ve all been using Windows 11. And it won’t be wrong to say that it hasn’t really been an easy transition. For those unaware, many users had simply refused to move to Windows 11 when it first rolled out. But now, as per Statcounter Global Stats, over 69% users are using Windows 11. Now, we all know that Windows updates keep on arriving from time to time. But what if we tell you that towards the end of this year, you will be getting an update that will actually change your experience with Windows 11? Yep, you read that right.
The update we are referring to here is the Windows 11 26H2 update and it could be here later this year. So what can we expect from this update and what does it mean for you as a user? Read on to know.
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One of the biggest changes in the update is something that many Windows 11 users have been asking for. Microsoft is finally allowing users to move the Taskbar to different sides of the screen. Instead of being locked at the bottom, you will be able to place it at the top, left or right, much like older versions of Windows.
Windows 11 will also automatically adjust the interface depending on where the Taskbar is placed. For example, if you move it to the top of the screen, the Start menu and Search panel will open downwards. System icons, the clock and app shortcuts will also reposition accordingly.
Microsoft is also introducing an option to shrink the Taskbar. This means that choosing the smaller Taskbar size will reduce both the height of the Taskbar and the size of the icons, giving users more screen space.
The Start menu has been one of the most debated parts of Windows 11 since launch, largely because it removed several customisation options that were available in Windows 10. With the 26H2 update, Microsoft appears to be addressing many of those complaints.
Users will be able to choose from different preset Start menu sizes instead of being limited to a single layout. While you still will not be able to freely resize it by dragging the edges, the new options should make it easier to find a layout that suits your display.
Microsoft is also giving users more control over what appears inside the Start menu. You can decide whether sections such as Pinned apps, Recent items and All apps should be displayed. This makes it easier to remove parts of the interface you rarely use.
Another welcome change is the separation of file recommendations from system recommendations. This means users can disable suggested content in the Start menu without affecting recently opened files or Jump Lists elsewhere in Windows.
Privacy is also getting some attention. A new setting will automatically hide your profile picture and account name while sharing your screen during meetings or presentations, reducing the chances of exposing personal information.
Microsoft is also refreshing the Windows Search experience with a cleaner design and better search results.
The Search home page will now focus on your recent searches instead of showing trending topics and promotional content. This should make it quicker to continue previous searches while keeping the interface less cluttered.
Search results are also being improved. When the best match is from the web, Windows will display the answer more clearly with improved spacing, source labels and thumbnail previews. At the same time, Microsoft is changing how results are ranked so that local files, apps and settings appear before web results whenever they are the most relevant match.
Users who prefer searching only their PC will also get separate controls to disable web results and Microsoft Store suggestions.
Microsoft has also improved search accuracy. Windows Search will now do a better job of understanding spelling mistakes, incomplete words and missing letters. It can even find local files using just a couple of characters, making searches faster than before.
Microsoft has not yet announced a final release date for Windows 11 version 26H2, but the update is expected to roll out later this year, as per a Windows Central report. Moreover, as with previous Windows releases, many of these features could start appearing earlier through monthly updates for supported Windows 11 versions.
What do you think of this update? Let us know and keep watching this space for more such updates.
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