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Microsoft's latest major update to Windows, version 26H2, has been let loose on the Release Preview Channel ahead of its public release later this year. The theme is very much in keeping with the Windows K2 initiative we reported on earlier this year, and forms part of a structural overhaul that focuses on speed, simplicity and customisability.

This means it's now very easy to try some of its new features by signing up for the Windows Insider Program - see screenshot below - so I thought it would be interesting to tell you what those features actually are. Here are the top seven inclusions.

1. Taskbar customisation: As far back as I can remember, it was possible to place the Windows taskbar on the top, bottom, left or right side of your monitor. That flexibility went away with Windows 11, but now it's finally returning - starting with a top placement option. There are also sizing options that allow you to grow or shrink the taskbar if you don't like the default thickness.

2. Local-only search: Yup, another popular registry hack is becoming an official feature. If you liked the extremely rapid search in earlier Windows versions, thanks to the OS only looking at your local (cached) file system, you can now make that the default Windows 11 experience. That means you no longer will see web results in search, but given that most people use their web browser of choice for this, that feels like a fair trade-off.

3. Ask Copilot integration: Another segment of people ask AIs to answer their questions, and this feature is intended for them. When enabled in taskbar settings, you will be able to ask Microsoft's Copilot to access settings, find files and launch applications. Thankfully, this is an optional feature for those that aren't interested in using Copilot.

4. Start menu redesign: This isn't a huge one, but the start menu is gaining more customisation options too. You're now able to hide your name and profile photo - which isn't really necessary to show on a single-user PC - and/or activate a more streamlined layout that just includes the bare essentials.

Windows Insider Programme screenshot
If you search for "Windows Insider Program", you should be directed to this setting to enroll and access the new updates.

5. Low latency profile: A new performance-enhancing feature ramps up processor performance when opening an app or the start menu, thereby speeding up load times and overall responsiveness.

6. Pause Windows Updates for longer: This may not be of interest if you want to remain on the cutting edge by downloading a release preview, but it is now possible to pause updates for up to 35 days, and extend it as often as required. Update is also getting smarter behind the scenes, bundling updates together to minimise the number of times per month that you'll need to restart your computer to install them.

7. Modern run: The run window is finally getting a new lick of paint, with a contemporary appearance, a larger input field and the ability to show matching apps and their icons as you type. There's also a dark mode.

For more information on how to access the new features/version, you can check out the 26H2 Preview Channel blog post. Are there any features I missed? Or anything remaining on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments below.

[source blogs.windows.com]