Microsoft starts rolling out Windows 11 26H2 to eligible PCs

Windows 11 26H2 is officially here, and Microsoft has now detailed what users can expect from its 2026 Update. The company says the release builds on Windows 11 25H2 and brings together features and improvements delivered through Windows updates over the past year.

For users who have kept Windows 11 updated, some of these features may already look familiar. Microsoft is essentially bringing them together under the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as version 26H2.

Windows 11 26H2 brings more AI features to the desktop

One of the bigger areas Microsoft is highlighting is AI. The Settings app now includes an Agent that can help users find and manage settings using natural-language commands.

Task Manager is also getting new AI monitoring capabilities designed to provide more visibility into AI workloads and NPU activity. Microsoft is also adding new taskbar experiences for accessing AI-powered tools and tracking progress across tasks.

The Start menu is getting more personalization options too. Users can choose different menu sizes, hide their profile picture and account name, and control which sections appear.

Search, File Explorer and accessibility are also getting updates

Windows Search is being simplified with improved results for frequently indexed folders and new controls for web and Microsoft Store suggestions. File Explorer is also receiving usability improvements, including more intuitive file size displays.

Microsoft is expanding Voice Access language support while improving voice recognition through Voice Isolation. Narrator is getting richer image descriptions, while Magnifier receives enhanced zoom controls.

The update also brings improvements to Windows Share, Android-to-PC cross-device experiences, Windows Hello, Smart App Control and Windows Security.

Windows 11 26H2 also adds new device and gaming features

Microsoft is adding Shared Audio support for compatible Bluetooth devices, allowing audio to be shared across multiple devices simultaneously. Multi-App Camera will let multiple applications access the camera at the same time, while Basic Camera provides a simpler compatibility-focused mode.

There are also gaming improvements and deeper Xbox integration, alongside networking and Widgets changes.

Here’s how to download and install it

Microsoft says the Windows 11 2026 Update is rolling out in phases, so availability can vary by device and market. You can check Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, while turning on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available can provide earlier access to eligible non-security updates.