The Windows 11 Field Guide has been rebranded as the Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 edition, covering all supported versions of Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, and 26H1) and highlighting new and existing features. The guide will evolve throughout 2026, with updates requiring considerable effort and likely unfolding over several editions.
Outdated content has been removed, including chapters on Mail, Calendar, Microsoft 365, Movies & TV, and the Microsoft Store. Chapters have been consolidated for clarity, with three upgrade chapters merged into one and four installation chapters also consolidated. New chapters have been added on Microsoft Paint, Notepad, Quick Machine Recovery, and account security basics. Existing chapters, such as those on Desktop and Passkeys, are being revised.
The focus has shifted from assisting users transitioning from Windows 10 to supporting the over one billion Windows 11 users, with all "Where did it go?" sections eliminated. Visuals have been refined to optimize file sizes, and a new companion book, De-Enshittify Windows 11, has been created. Future editions will be year-based rather than version-based, with free updates for existing owners through the release of Windows 11 version 26H2 in late 2026. Thurrott Premium members will have complimentary access to the 2026 edition.