Microsoft tests Windows 11 updates including Search redesign and taskbar changes

Microsoft is rolling out significant updates to Windows 11, specifically focusing on the 26H2 version and the Windows Search experience. A major overhaul of Windows Search, built on the WinUI 3 framework, is being tested in the Experimental Insider channel. This redesign aims to improve performance and reduce memory usage by moving to a streamlined single-column interface. New “inline actions” allow users to execute system commands directly from the search bar, such as toggling dark mode, adjusting brightness, or managing Bluetooth settings, often using natural language.

Taskbar functionality is also seeing changes. Microsoft is testing a feature that allows users to switch from the standard window thumbnails to a simple list of window titles, a layout reminiscent of Windows XP. This option is intended to help users identify specific windows more easily when multiple instances of an app are open. Additionally, new “Mobile device” tiles in Quick Settings are being tested, enabling users to perform actions on connected Android phones, such as ringing the device to locate it.

Other updates include improvements to File Explorer, such as native support for more archive formats and AI-assisted actions, as well as refinements to the Start menu and Windows Update processes to reduce system disruptions.