According windows Central, Windows 11 version 26H2 will restore taskbar movement to any edge of the screen, introduce Start menu personalization, and overhaul Windows Search. These features are in development for the 2026 cycle.
This update doesn’t include a complete redesign of the desktop, but it does target three core areas of the operating system. Windows Central reports that these changes may also come to version 25H2 via monthly updates, possibly before 26H2.
microsoft has not confirmed a final release date for version 26H2, which is expected in fall 2026.
Mobile taskbar returns, Start menu gains size options
Windows 11 initially removed the ability to reposition the taskbar, a change that was widely criticized. Version 26H2 will allow users to place the taskbar on the top, bottom, left or right edge of the screen.
The interface automatically adjusts to the position of the taskbar. When placed at the top, the Start menu and Search open downwards and all taskbar items are repositioned accordingly.
Windows Central notes two limitations for vertical layouts: the clock displays the year in abbreviated format, and the option to display seconds is not available. Both the left and right layouts support ungrouping of apps and labels with the “Never Merge” option.
Version 26H2 introduces a smaller taskbar option in the taskbar position settings. The smaller taskbar reduces the size of the icons and the separate icon size option is disabled when active. Taskbar position controls are located in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors, with a live preview of each layout.
Version 26H2 restores several Start menu customization options that were removed when Windows 11 started.
The Start menu will offer preset size options instead of depending on the screen size. While users can’t drag to resize or switch to a full-screen layout like in Windows 10, preset sizes improve flexibility over the previous fixed layout.
Users can now choose whether Pinned, Recent (previously recommended), and All sections appear, allowing unused sections to be hidden.
Microsoft is also separating file recommendations from system recommendations, so users can turn off recommended content in the Start menu without affecting recent files or Jump Lists elsewhere, including in the taskbar and File Explorer.
A new privacy setting hides the user account name and profile picture when sharing the screen to prevent personal or work information from appearing in meetings, presentations, or live streams. These settings are available in Settings > Personalization > Home.
Windows Search prioritizes local results and gets new controls
Windows Search receives its biggest update since the launch of Windows 11. The redesigned Search home page now focuses on recent searches, reducing the visual clutter of trending topics and promotional content.
Microsoft has updated how results are displayed. When a web result is the best match, Search now places the answer prominently instead of prioritizing products or sponsored content.
The interface features improved spacing, clearer source labels, and thumbnail previews. The ranking system now prioritizes local content, so apps, settings, and files appear before web and Microsoft Store results when they are most relevant. Windows Central notes that settings searches are now more accurate and rank higher.
Search accuracy has improved for misspelled queries, missing or extra letters, and partial words. Windows Search can now find local files with as few as two characters and better identify matching cloud and connected files. Microsoft has also increased the height of the search box by four pixels.
After you install version 26H2 or the equivalent monthly update 25H2, the new options are available in the following locations:
- Open Settings, then Personalization, then Taskbar, then Taskbar Behaviors, to reposition the taskbar and enable the smaller taskbar, using the live preview before applying.
- Open Settings, then Personalization, then Home, to set the size of the Start menu, toggle the Pinned, Recent, and All sections, and enable screen sharing privacy settings.
- Open Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Search, to turn off web results and suggestions from the Microsoft Store for a local-only search experience.
Windows Central expects version 26H2 to be released in fall 2026, although Microsoft has not confirmed a release date. Because features are delivered through monthly updates, changes to the taskbar, Start menu, and search may also be implemented in version 25H2, sometimes before 26H2.
Individual features may appear on a staggered schedule and some options in testing may change before general availability.
