Microsoft is poised to unveil an array of new features for Windows 11 in the upcoming months, following its strategic decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 at the end of last year. With a singular focus on their flagship operating system, the tech giant is gearing up for two significant updates slated for 2026. The first update, known as Windows 11 Version 26H1, will be exclusively available for new PCs equipped with the Snapdragon X2 system-on-a-chip, while the second update, Version 26H2, is expected to roll out to all users this autumn.
Latest Developments
Reliable sources, including the well-informed Zac Bowden, have provided insights into what users can anticipate from these feature-rich updates. For those who prefer to remain in suspense, it may be wise to pause here. One of the standout additions is the integration of Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant powered by advanced models from OpenAI, which will be accessible in more areas across the operating system. Notably, users will soon have the option to replace the standard search box on the Taskbar with Copilot, ensuring that the AI assistant is just a click away.
You can choose to switch the standard search box for Microsoft Copilot — so the AI assistant is never more than a single click away on Windows 11 |
As reported by the observant team at Windows Latest, setting Copilot as the default search experience will enable users to pose general knowledge questions, search through documents, contacts, and applications using natural language, or browse the internet—all with a simple click on the Taskbar shortcut.
While Windows 10 may be fading into memory, some of its beloved features are making a comeback in Windows 11. Microsoft plans to restore the ability to view upcoming events and reminders directly in the calendar flyout on the Taskbar, a feature that has been highly requested by PC users. This enhancement allows for a quick overview of one’s schedule without the need to launch Outlook’s Calendar view. All events will sync seamlessly with the Outlook app, ensuring that new appointments or video call invitations appear in the Taskbar flyout for easy access.
The full-screen Xbox experience on Windows 11 will let you bypass the traditional Start Menu, Taskbar and other staples of the Microsoft-developed operating system since its inception — transforming your gaming PC into a powerhouse Xbox console |
Additionally, Microsoft is set to introduce a new Xbox app designed for the growing number of Windows-powered gaming handhelds, which will also debut on desktop for the first time. When launched in fullscreen mode, this application will convert a user’s machine into an Xbox PC, prioritizing gamepad inputs and optimizing performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience. With this new mode activated, users will encounter an interface that closely resembles the Xbox Dashboard, replacing the conventional Windows 11 desktop. However, switching back to the standard desktop is as simple as pressing the Xbox logo button on the controller, catering to gamers who primarily use their PCs for gaming.
Early builds suggest that Microsoft is exploring the introduction of video-based wallpapers in the upcoming update. This concept is not entirely new; it was initially available in Windows Vista Ultimate but was phased out in favor of static backgrounds in Windows 7. Unlike Apple’s implementation of Live Wallpapers, which transitions to a static image after a brief animation, Windows 11 will allow users to set a video to play continuously on their desktop.
Apple offers several Live Wallpapers, with a short burst of animation that settles into a static image after a few seconds, with all macOS installations since late 2023 |
Lastly, Copilot will find another home within File Explorer, where users can launch a chat window to obtain answers about their files, generate summaries of document contents without opening them, and much more. This integration is expected to enhance productivity and streamline the user experience within Windows 11.
