It is that time of the year again. Microsoft has released 26H2 version of Windows 11 on September 29. Same like last year update from 24H2 or 25H2 is done via an enablement package (eKB). Small package to enable all the new code that is already present. As it is sharing the same servicing branch between 24H2-26H2 update should be more compatible and brake less things. But as usual with Microsoft, testing is recommended before deploying widely. As there is no clear delineation on which features appear in which version (some features listed by Microsoft have also appeared in older releases), it is hard to say what exactly is brand new. Below is a compilation of more interesting features from Microsoft’s official blog post and other sources:
- Enhanced administrator protection with just-in-time privileges (enabled via GPO or Intune).
- Sysmon included in OS (disabled by default).
- Windows Hello Enhanced security supports fingerprint sensors which expands range of devices working with this feature.
- Windows settings backup is now enabled by default in this version and saves and restores Windows and Microsoft store apps settings (say when replacing PC). Although by default it only backs up. Restore must be enabled by administrator.
- Point in time restore allows to revert Windows state along with settings and user files to a previous point in time (which is different from System restore that only reverted system files).
- Built in apps can be removed using policies instead of using scripting when preparing new devices.
- RSAT is available on Arm64 version. Although, it doesn’t seem that Snapdragon PCs were very popular (along with Copilot+ brand).
- Taskbar can now be repositioned to the right or left or even top of the screen. It is a pity it took so many years to bring such an obvious comfort feature to Windows 11. Also start menu button can be moved to not just left or center, but in a case of a vertical taskbar to the top or center.
- Sticking with Taskbar – now there is an option to have a smaller taskbar. Or just the smaller icons, if you want to stay with a normal size of taskbar.
- Start menu layout can be customized a bit more allowing to toggle off Pinned apps or All apps along with Recent/Recommended section.
- Can also set Start menu size to be smaller, so it doesn’t become huge on a higher DPI screen size.
- Search now shows just the recent searches without any highlights/ads/recommendations. Can also pin or run as admin from the search result using buttons on the side.
- In Search settings Web search and MS Store search can be disabled, which will make search performance much better.
- Task manager shows NPU usage (as well as memory usage for such processes).
- File Explorer allows to view content of PDF files in Preview pane.
- The Apps menu in Settings shows versions of apps in the list.
- Copilot keyboard key can be remapped to use as Right Ctrl or context menu key (along with search and mapping it to a particular app launch).
- Not yet available, but should be rolling out soon is the option to customize Windows 11 context menu (right click).
Official release post for IT professionals:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/an-it-pro%e2%80%99s-guide-to-windows-11-version-26h2/4559760
Nice video summary of most of the features by Tech Based:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDGM69Q68Ik
Intune catalog and baseline settings update:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/microsoft-intune-settings-catalog-updated-to-support-windows-11-version-26h2/4560815
As usual ISO can be downloaded from
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
ISO size is 8.8 GB (1.3 more than 25H2) and on download page today it says build 26300.9457.
Although in the video i have linked it says that 26H2 build number is 26300.9550.
Could be that Microsoft already fixed some issues since the ISO release.
Windows 11 26H2 Home and Pro versions will be supported until October 9, 2028.
EDU\Enterprise versions until October 8, 2029.