Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) does not offer a dramatic overhaul of the desktop. It does, however, lead to three of the most commonly used operating system experiences, including significant operating system improvements Start menuTaskbar and Windows Search.
Throughout the 2026 development cycle, Microsoft is focused on adding long-requested customization options, simplifying navigation, and improving search accuracy.
Before continuingit is worth clarifying that these changes are expected to appear 26H2 versionMicrosoft will continue to provide new improvements through regular monthly updates. So, it is expected that the changes for the Start menu, Taskbar and Search will also be applied for the 25H2 version. This may even happen before they are available for version 26H2.
In this guideI will introduce you to the biggest changes coming with version 26H2.
The taskbar changes
When Microsoft first introduced Windows 11introduced a redesigned Taskbar with a cleaner, more modern look. However, this 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 version 26H2 of Windows 11, the company finally restores this feature. Users can now position the Taskbar at the top, bottom, left or right edge of the screen, bringing back the level of flexibility available in previous versions.
The operating system also automatically adjusts the interface based on the selected Taskbar position. For example, when the Taskbar is placed at the top of the screen, the Start menu and Search interface open from the top edge to the bottom. Also position the taskbar buttons, system shell icons and clock correctly to match the selected layout.
There are a few differences when using the vertical taskbar. The clock displays the year using an abbreviated format instead of the full four-digit year, and the option to display seconds is currently unavailable. However, it fully supports app grouping and tags when using both layouts (left and right). “Never Merge” choice.
You can change the position of the taskbar from here Parameters > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviorswhere Microsoft also includes a live preview of each layout before applying the change.
Another old customization not included in the new design was the ability to resize the Taskbar. Additionally, the Taskbar was noticeably taller than previous versions, in part because the company deliberately optimized the experience for touch devices.
Now, in version 26H2, there is a new option below “Taskbar Position” This allows users to minimize the Taskbar.
One important note I would like to make is that when using the smaller Taskbar, it 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’s debut. Although the company replaced the obsolescence Windows 10 With a simplified interface design, the new experience sacrificed many customization options in the process. As part of Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is (somewhat) reintroducing a number of changes that give users more control over how the Start menu looks and behaves.
While 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 demanded more flexibility and control over the experience.
In this release, Microsoft addresses many of these queries with a series of long-awaited improvements.
The Start menu is also more customizable. Instead of forcing a layout based on your screen size, Windows 11 will include a variety of size options that you can choose from. 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 whether or not “Saved”, “Last” (previously recommended) and “all” sections appear, making it easy to hide the parts you don’t use.
The company also separates file recommendations from system recommendations. As a result, users can disable recommended content in the Start menu without affecting recent files or Jump Lists elsewhere on the desktop, such as the Taskbar and File Explorer.
The company is also adding a privacy feature for the Start menu. The new setting hides a user’s account name and profile picture when sharing a screen, preventing 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 screens during meetings, presentations or live broadcasts by hiding sensitive content that may reveal personal or work-related information.
These new personalization and privacy settings can be accessed here Parameters > Personalization > Get startedgiving users more control over one of Windows 11’s most used experiences.
Search changes
Windows Search is also getting one of its biggest updates since the launch of Windows 11, with Microsoft focusing on a cleaner interface, more relevant results, and more user control.
One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned Search homepage. Instead of showing popular topics, promotional content, and other distractions, the experience now focuses on your recent searches, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to return to previous queries.
Microsoft is also changing how it displays Windows Search results. When a web result is the best match, Search 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 scanning results easier.
For users who prefer a local search experience, Windows 11 now includes separate options to turn off web results and Microsoft Store suggestions. These settings are available from here Parameters > Privacy and security > Searchallowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.
Behind the scenes, the software giant has also revamped its ranking system to prioritize local content. For example, apps, settings, and files now appear before web and Microsoft Store results when they’re the best match, making it easier to find content stored on your computer faster. As part of these improvements, parameter 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. In addition, Windows Search can now find local files using fewer than two characters and does a better job of identifying matching cloud and associated files when the most relevant result is found.
Finally, Microsoft is also making the Search box taller by increasing its height by four pixels.
Windows Central’s Take
I think version 26H2 will be another practical upgrade. Instead of chasing another visual design or introducing features that only appeal to a small group of users, the company is finally improving the parts of Windows 11 that millions of people interact with every day. A moveable Taskbar change, 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 are aimed at giving users more choice rather than forcing a new way of using the operating system. While I’d like to see more customization like free Start menu resizing or additional Taskbar options, it’s a significant step in the right direction.
What are your thoughts on the new Start menu, Taskbar and Search changes coming to Windows 11 26H2? Let me know in the comments.
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