
Microsoft reveals 18 Windows 11 upgrades planned for 2026 to speed up and simplify the OS
Microsoft has outlined an 18-feature plan to overhaul Windows 11 in 2026, spanning UI, performance, reliability, and developer tools. Highlights include a customizable taskbar, native Start menu with WinUI, trimmed Copilot usage, redesigned update flow, faster OOBE, faster File Explorer, improved dark mode consistency, Settings app redesign, broader hardware/driver reliability fixes, enhanced Bluetooth/audio, more reliable Windows Hello, better haptic/touchpad support, major WSL developer upgrades, a move to 100% native first‑party apps, a new in-OS Feature Flags system, and upgraded Feedback Hub/Insider experience, with phased rollout starting with Windows Insiders and continuing monthly throughout 2026.












