Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) does not introduce a dramatic overhaul of the desktop. However, it brings significant improvements to three of the operating system’s most used experiences, including Start menuTaskbar and Windows Search.
Throughout the 2026 development cycle, Microsoft has been paying attention to adding long-requested personalization options, streamlining navigation, and improving search accuracy.
Before continuingIt is worth clarifying that although these changes are expected to appear in version 26H2Microsoft will continue to introduce new improvements through regular monthly updates. As such, changes for the Start menu, taskbar, and search are also expected to roll out in version 25H2. This could happen even before they are available for version 26H2.
on this guideI’ll walk you through the most important changes coming with version 26H2.
Taskbar changes
When Microsoft first introduced windows 11introduced a redesigned taskbar with a cleaner and more modern look. However, that redesign also removed several long-standing customization options, including the ability to move the taskbar to different edges of the screen. This change quickly became one of the operating system’s most criticized design decisions.
In Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is finally restoring that functionality. Users can now position the taskbar at the top, bottom, left or right edge of the screen, regaining a level of flexibility that had been available in previous versions.
The operating system also automatically adjusts the interface based on the selected position on the taskbar. For example, when the taskbar is placed at the top of the screen, the Start menu and search interface open downward from the top edge. Taskbar buttons, system tray icons, and clock are also correctly repositioned to match the chosen layout.
There are some differences when using a vertical taskbar. The watch displays the year using the abbreviated format instead of the full four-digit year, and the option to display seconds is not currently available. However, both layouts (left and right) fully support app unbundling and labels when using the “Never combine” option.
You can change the position of the taskbar from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviorswhere Microsoft also includes a live preview of each design before applying the change.
Another legacy customization that was not included in the new design was the ability to resize the taskbar. Additionally, the taskbar was noticeably taller than in previous versions, in part because the company intentionally optimized the experience for touch devices.
Now, in version 26H2, there is a new option under the “Taskbar position” which allows users to reduce the size of the taskbar.
One important note I want to make is that using the taskbar smaller will also make the icons smaller and the option to make the icons smaller at the bottom of the page will be disabled.
The Start menu has been one of the most controversial parts of Windows 11 since the operating system debuted. Although the company replaced the old windows 10 Designed with a streamlined interface, the new experience sacrificed many customization options in the process. As part of Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is (sort of) reintroducing several changes that give users more control over how the Start menu looks and behaves.
Although the redesign modernized the Start menu, it also removed several customization options, making it one of the most criticized parts of Windows 11. Since its debut, users have repeatedly asked for more flexibility and control over the experience.
In this release, Microsoft addresses many of those requests with a series of long-awaited improvements.
The Start menu is also increasingly customizable. Instead of forcing a layout based on your screen size, Windows 11 will include different size options that you can select yourself. You still won’t be able to drag the edges to resize the menu or switch to a full-screen layout like Windows 10, but having preset sizes is a welcome improvement.
Microsoft is also adding more ways to customize the Start menu. Now you can choose if the “Pinned”, “Recent” (previously recommended), and “All” Sections appear, making it easy to hide the parts you don’t use.
The company is also separating file recommendations from system recommendations. As a result, users can disable recommended content in the Start menu without affecting Recent Files or Jump Lists in other parts of the desktop, such as the taskbar and File Explorer.
The company is also adding a privacy feature to the Start menu. A new setting hides the user account name and profile picture when sharing the screen, helping prevent personal or work-related information from appearing during meetings, presentations, or live streams.
Windows 11 also gets a new privacy option for the Start menu. The feature is designed for users who share their screen during meetings, presentations or live streams by hiding sensitive content that could reveal personal or work-related information.
These new personalization and privacy settings are available in Settings > Personalization > Begingiving users more control over one of the most used Windows 11 experiences.
Search changes
Windows Search is also receiving one of its biggest updates since the launch of Windows 11, with Microsoft focusing on a cleaner interface, more relevant results, and greater user control.
One of the most notable changes is a redesigned Search home page. Instead of displaying trending topics, promotional content, and other distractions, the experience now focuses on your recent searches, making it easier to return to previous queries and reducing visual clutter.
Microsoft is also changing the way Windows Search displays results. When a web result is the best fit, Search now puts the answer front and center instead of prioritizing products or sponsored content. The interface has also been updated with better spacing, clearer source labels, and thumbnail previews to make results easier to scan.
For users who prefer a local search experience, Windows 11 now includes separate options to turn off web results and suggestions from the Microsoft Store. These settings are available in Settings > Privacy and security > Look forallowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.
Behind the scenes, the software giant also updated the rating system to prioritize local content. For example, apps, settings, and files now appear in front of web and Microsoft Store results when they are the most relevant matches, making it faster to find content stored on your computer. As part of these improvements, settings searches are more accurate and consistently rank higher in results.
The company has also improved search accuracy by improving support for misspelled queries, missing or extra letters, and partial words. Additionally, Windows Search can now find local files using as few as two characters and does a better job of identifying matching cloud and connected files when they are the most relevant result.
Finally, Microsoft is also making the search box taller by increasing its height by four pixels.
Windows Central’s opinion
I think version 26H2 is shaping up to be another practical update. Instead of looking for another visual redesign or introducing features that only appeal to a small group of users, the company is finally improving parts of Windows 11 that millions of people interact with every day. The investment in a movable taskbar, more control over the Start menu, and a cleaner Windows search experience show that Microsoft is listening to user feedback.
I also like that these changes focus on giving users more options rather than forcing a new way of using the operating system. While I would have liked to see even more customization, such as free-form Start menu resizing or additional taskbar options, this is a significant step in the right direction.
What do you think about the new changes to the Start menu, taskbar, and search coming to Windows 11 26H2? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more detailed how-to guides, troubleshooting tips, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your ideas and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
