Microsoft has initiated the rollout of Emoji 17.0 support for select users through a Windows 11 Release Preview update. This update is currently accessible in specific regions and serves as a precursor to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2, which is anticipated to be fully available later this year.
As part of this servicing update, Microsoft has introduced 163 new emojis to the Fluent emoji design set. Among these, 13 are entirely new concepts, while the remaining 150 consist of skin tone variations for existing emojis such as 🤼 People Wrestling and 👯 People With Bunny Ears. The new emojis were recommended in the Emoji 17.0 list released in September 2025, and their animated 3D designs were first showcased by Microsoft on World Emoji Day earlier this year.
What about the 2D set?
In this release, the 2D Fluent emoji set has also received updates. However, as noted in previous discussions regarding Windows 11’s emoji updates, the 3D Fluent design has become the standard experience across Windows 11, enhancing the user interface in a variety of applications, web browsers, and Microsoft 365 tools. This shift has been largely attributed to the widespread adoption of Microsoft’s COLRv1 color font format, which has allowed for greater integration of 3D designs even in contexts where 2D versions were previously used, such as browser tab text.
⏯️ Changed
Several emoji designs have undergone modifications in this update, primarily aimed at achieving greater design consistency with other platforms, particularly Apple. Notable changes include:
- 🫡 Saluting Face now features a neutral expression instead of a smile.
- 🫣 Face with Peeking Eye has been altered to show a closed mouth.
- 🤒 Face with Thermometer exhibits a more relaxed eyebrow position.
- 😽 Kissing Cat no longer displays a heart beside its lips, though it now has rosy blush marks.
- 🤏 Pinching Hand has changed direction, now facing left.
- 🪿 Goose is now depicted entirely in white.
- 🦪 Oyster’s shell has been redesigned to open from the top, with a smaller pearl.
- 🪷 Lotus has had its green lily pad removed and is presented from a side view.
- 🍋🟩 Lime now points towards the lower right.
- 🧁 Cupcake’s icing color has shifted from bright pink to a softer cream tone.
- 🛞 Wheel now features a modern tire instead of a wooden wheel.
- 🪮 Hair Pick, 🎺 Trumpet, and 🔦 Flashlight have all been adjusted to face downward to the left.
💻 Release
This update for Windows 11 26H2 is currently available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in designated regions, with a broader rollout expected to unfold over the coming weeks and months. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already experienced Emoji 17.0 support at various stages, depending on their Insider channel settings. The emoji set was first introduced through Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9212 on August 17, 2026.
