Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 26H2 to Release Preview with new taskbar and search tweaks

Microsoft has pushed Windows 11 version 26H2 into the Release Preview channel of its Insider program, bundled with the August Preview Update (KB5120998). Instead of a full OS download, the update is delivered as an enablement package that simply switches on code already present on the machine. The rollout introduces a movable taskbar, richer Start menu personalization, and the option to hide web and Microsoft Store suggestions from local Search results.

Because 26H2 shares the same servicing branch as 24H2 and 25H2, it inherits their KB identifiers while restarting the support clock, extending Home and Pro support to 24 months and Enterprise and Education support to 36 months. Microsoft recommends organizations validate the build on recent Windows 11 devices to ensure app, policy, and infrastructure compatibility. Early feedback highlighted occasional cursor issues and black desktop backgrounds, but the company reports no confirmed widespread problems. This measured approach follows earlier missteps with problematic Windows updates.