Five years after the release of Windows 11, Microsoft is demonstrating its readiness to listen to users. Instead of introducing controversial features, the focus has shifted to optimization and improving the user experience. This direction has been named Windows K2, representing a set of guiding principles for future changes and updates to the operating system. The first major update implementing the K2 initiative is Windows 11 version 26H2.

Key Changes in Windows 11 26H2

The 26H2 update includes a number of significant improvements aimed at enhancing system usability and customization. It's important to note that some features may appear gradually as Microsoft rolls out the update.

Customizing the Start Menu and Taskbar

For the first time in Windows 11's history, users have the ability to customize the Start menu and taskbar.

• Start Menu:

  • Customize the display of pinned applications (enable/disable).
  • Manage the "Recent" section (formerly "Recommended"): completely disable or customize displayed content.
  • Customize the display of "All apps": disable or choose one of three modes - "Category," "Grid," or "List."
  • Change the size of the Start menu by selecting preset options: "Small" or "Large."
  • Option to hide the user account and avatar.

• Taskbar:

  • The ability to place the taskbar on any of the four sides of the screen has been restored.
  • The auto-hide taskbar option is available regardless of its position.
  • A "Small taskbar size" mode has been added, reducing application icons to the size of the system tray.
  • The clock in the system tray now displays only the time, without the date.

• Widgets:

  • Widgets no longer open on hover; a click is required to activate them.

Context Menu Customization

The update provides enhanced context menu customization options:

• Menu Customization: A "Customize menu" option has been added to the new context menu, leading to a separate settings page.
• File Actions: Ability to enable or disable specific items such as "Copy as path" and "Rotate image."
• App Extensions: Items related to applications (e.g., "Edit in Clipchamp," "Paint," "Notepad") have been moved to the "App extensions" submenu, which can be customized or disabled. When the submenu is disabled, enabled items appear as separate entries in the main menu.
• Advanced Settings:
  • Option to arrange primary actions (e.g., "Cut," "Copy," "Rename") into a single row instead of their default placement at the top.
  • Customize the OneDrive item.
  • Disable the "Customize menu" option after completing settings.
  • Ability to disable the "Show more options" item (which brings up the classic context menu).
  • Move the "Properties" item to the bottom of the menu to maintain a familiar user experience.

Search Improvements

The built-in search has become faster, more accurate, and more functional:

• Preview: When searching for images, a preview is displayed, along with suggested actions and minimal data.
• Disable Web Results: A search settings option has been added to disable web and Microsoft Store results.
• Search History: A history of recent search queries has been added, which can also be disabled.

Visual Changes and Interface Updates

Work continues on modernizing the interface:

• File Properties Window: While the file properties window remains legacy, elements of WinUI design consistent with Windows 11 style are now visible in the properties window for deleted files.
• Autoplay Window: An update to the autoplay window, which appears when external media is connected, is expected.
• File Explorer:
  • File Explorer launch speed has been improved.
  • Large file deletion operation speed has been improved.
  • Search speed and accuracy have been improved through indexing.
  • A bug related to incorrect closing of the address bar has been fixed.
  • The details pane has been improved, with useful information and additional buttons added.
  • The File Explorer options window now supports dark mode.
  • File sizes are displayed in kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes.

Built-in App Updates

Built-in applications have also received improvements:

• Notepad: The Copilot button has been removed.
• Photos: The minimalist interface has been updated, and the built-in editor has been redesigned.
• Magnifier: The design has been completely redesigned, and a "contrast mode" has been added.
• Task Manager: A function to monitor NPU module activity has been added.

New "Run" Window

An option to enable the new "Run" window has been added in system settings. Despite its improved design, it lacks a "Browse" button for selecting applications.

Lock Screen Settings

Minimal customization of the lock screen includes adjusting the order of widget display, and adding or removing necessary elements.

Temporary File Management

A new page for clearing temporary files has been added under "System" -> "Storage." Users can choose which data to delete.

Accessibility

• Visual Effects: An option to launch applications in a maximized state has been added under "Accessibility" -> "Visual Effects."
• Screen Tints: "Screen tints" have been added to reduce eye strain, with options to choose color and intensity.
• Subtitles: Ability to read subtitles from the screen.
• Mouse Pointer: The mouse pointer indicator has been updated with modern animation and appearance, with minimal activation settings.

Privacy and Security

In "Privacy & security" settings, you can choose which applications to share location, camera, and microphone data with.

Sound and Recovery

• Sound: The sound settings page has been updated, with a sound indicator, adaptive volume level settings, and a redesigned page for all audio devices added.
• Recovery: An option to restore the system to a specific point in time has been added, with the ability to configure creation frequency, retention period, and size.
• Cloud Recovery: An option for cloud system recovery has been added in advanced startup options, with the ability to delete files or completely wipe the drive.

Internal Improvements

• Hibernation mode optimized for better power saving.
• Operating system startup accelerated.
• Legacy component Mk removed.
• Camera CCX Framework component added for webcam management.

Future Plans

Future updates promise a new modern cursor, automatic theme switching based on the time of day, and the default enabling of memory integrity protection, which may affect processor performance.

Architectural Changes

Microsoft plans to transition many system applications and dialog boxes to the WinUI architecture, moving away from legacy Win32 and Webview. This transition aims to unify design, improve performance, and eliminate legacy code.

The Windows 11 26H2 update demonstrates a shift towards a more user-centric approach to development, offering significant improvements in customization, performance, and user experience.