Windows 11 26H2: Copilot search, Explorer overhaul, and more feature unlocks
Windows 11 26H2 will roll out in late September to early October 2026 as a lightweight enablement package that unlocks features added since 25H2. Highlights include Ask Copilot taskbar search, deeper Copilot integration in File Explorer with a dockable side panel, a WinUI-based Run window, an Outlook-linked agenda in the notification center, Sysinternals System Monitor for security, expanded camera controls and Emoji 16.0, a gaming-mode with an Xbox-style full-screen interface, and agentic AI features. The update extends support to 24 months for consumers and 36 months for businesses and does not require a full OS reinstall.