The August 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2. Information about the contents of this update is available in the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 update history page.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1462812
Last Modified: August 28, 2026
Category: Message Center
Tags: New feature, Admin impact
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: Windows
To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see Understanding Windows monthly updates.
Looking to explore upcoming features and improvements in Windows 11? Check the Windows roadmap. It includes what’s coming to the Windows Insider Program, what’s gradually rolling out, and what’s generally available.
Highlights for the Windows 11, version 25H2 update:
- You can now choose whether the taskbar appears at the bottom, top, left, or right side of your screen, with tooltips, flyouts, and most customization settings, such as never combining taskbar icons, working in every position.
- A new smaller taskbar option reduces the size of taskbar icons and taskbar height to maximize screen space on smaller devices, while keeping quick access to Start, Search, and the system tray.
- The Start menu is now more personal, letting you choose a small or large menu size, independently show or hide the Pinned, Recommended, and All sections, and hide your name and profile picture.
- Windows Search now makes results easier to scan by showing where each result comes from—app, setting, file, web, or Store—and can automatically index your most used folders so those files show up in your searches.
- Launching File Explorer Home is now faster and more responsive, and the Recommended section supports touch scrolling for easier browsing.
- Administrator protection helps reduce the risk of elevation-of-privilege attacks by using profile separation and just-in-time administrative privileges. It is off by default and can be enabled through Microsoft Intune (OMA-URI) or Group Policy.
For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB article for your operating system listed below:
- Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5120996
- Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5120998
Note: With recent and upcoming Windows updates over the next few months, a limited number of consumer and business devices might experience one additional restart during installation. This one‑time restart occurs after a Secure Boot certificate update is applied as part of the Secure Boot update process.