Microsoft outlines major Windows 11 update: taskbar, start menu, performance

Microsoft is preparing a major Windows 11 update, identified as version 26H2, slated for release by the end of 2026. The update will re‑introduce a freely movable taskbar that can be placed on any screen edge, a customizable Start menu with size templates and optional sections, and a revamped Windows Search box with broader local indexing.

In parallel, Microsoft is improving memory efficiency so that Windows 11 runs smoothly on devices with 8 GB of RAM. The effort includes a more efficient memory allocator, tuning of WinUI 3, and optimizations to Chromium and WebView2 components. Additional work targets driver quality, reduction of AI‑heavy features, and smoother Windows Update experiences. A beta build (26220.9022) already offers the taskbar change, and a separate KB5102117 update enhances the Windows Recovery Environment without altering the core OS.

Overall, the changes aim to address long‑standing user complaints about flexibility, performance, and resource usage, delivering a faster, more reliable Windows experience across a broad range of PCs.