Microsoft preps this year's Windows 11 feature tweaks: 26H2 hits Release Preview
Same servicing branch as 24H2 and 25H2... and the same buggy updates
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 Release Preview, marking a significant update for the operating system. This latest version shares the same servicing branch as previous releases, Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Among its notable features are a movable taskbar, enhanced Start Menu customization, and the ability to remove web and Microsoft Store suggestions from local Windows Search results.
The update arrives via an enablement package, a compact piece of code that activates existing but dormant functionality. Rather than a full-scale operating system overhaul, this is more akin to a switch that turns on specific features. Microsoft emphasizes that resetting the support timeline is a key reason behind this update.
Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 24H2 will no longer receive support after October 13, 2026. However, Windows 11 26H2 extends this support period to 24 months for Home and Pro, and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Despite the shared codebase and update schedule, Microsoft advises organizations to test the new release on relevant devices to ensure compatibility with their applications, policies, and infrastructure.
Some users have reported issues after installing the August Preview Update, including cursor problems and black desktop backgrounds. Microsoft currently reports no known issues with the update.
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