Microsoft releases an initial experimental version of the Windows 11 26H2 update. Windows 11 26H2 promises to be only a minor upgrade.
The annual major Windows update is just around the corner. Microsoft is trying to build excitement for Windows 11 26H2 with a blog post, and has already released an initial test version via the Experimental channel in Windows Insiders. An exact release date has not yet been announced by Microsoft.
The update will be sent out as an ‘enablement package’ to keep the installation as light as possible. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same core as the current Windows 11 25H2 version. As a result, only the new features need to be installed during the update process, and the core of the operating system can be preserved.
Forgiving search bar
Anyone expecting an announcement packed with new features will be slightly disappointed. Although Windows 11 26H2 is this year’s major Windows update, new functions are rather limited. This is because new Windows features are now added gradually via monthly updates. Microsoft is, however, tackling the search function.
In Microsoft’s words, the search bar will be ‘more forgiving.’ Currently, the smallest typo can cause the Windows search function to completely fail to understand which program you are trying to find. That is about to change: for example, if you type utlook, the search function should still know that you want to open Outlook.
Local files will also take precedence over web results, although you will still have to manually disable the forced Bing integration. Relevant settings will also appear higher in the search results.
From 26H1 to 26H2
Microsoft has not yet shared precise information regarding the broad release of Windows 11 26H2. The new version will first have to go through the Insider testing process. An initial experimental version is available as of now.
In a blog post aimed at IT administrators, Microsoft writes that you can already start preparing your organization for the next update cycle. Windows 11 26H2 will receive 24 months of support for the Home and Pro versions, while the Enterprise version will be supported for 36 months.
So, we still have to wait a little longer for Windows 11 26H2, but version 26H1 is gradually becoming more widely available. However, if you don’t have a laptop with a Qualcomm processor, you shouldn’t expect this update. Microsoft considers 26H1 to be a completely different Windows version. Consequently, Qualcomm laptops will also make the transition from Windows 11 26H1 to 26H2 later than their x86 counterparts.