Windows 11's 26H2 update could trigger the rollout of delayed features

Date:
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:52:11 +0000

Description:
If you've been annoyed that you still haven't got a Windows 11 feature that was rolled out earlier this year, you might be in luck.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Windows 11 26H2 is here and Microsoft says it's a "predictable and low-disruption update" There are users on social media who very much disagree, and are expressing their nervousness in varying degrees However, the 26H2 update could trigger the rollout of features that your PC hasn't yet received, so it might prove very useful Windows 11 's annual update has arrived, and while 26H2 doesn't bring in notable new features , it should trigger the rollout of functionality from earlier this year if you still don't have some of those bits and pieces.

As Microsoft explains : "Windows 11 version 26H2 delivers the latest Windows innovations with a streamlined update experience designed to minimize disruption and help you stay secure, productive, and up to date." As with
last year's update, this is what Microsoft calls a "small enablement
package", meaning it's a minimal download with a quick installation that happens in a single reboot. All it's effectively doing is flicking a switch
to turn on some preloaded code, with no actual new features delivered as
such. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

There's a key point to note here though, because as Microsoft says, this update "activates new features already included in the operating system through previous monthly servicing updates."

So, if you haven't yet had a feature rolled out to you such as Microsoft's change to more speedily load apps , or the ability to reposition the taskbar
, or the various changes for the Start menu applying the 26H2 update should ensure that anything missing reaches your PC. You may like Windows 11's September update has arrived here are 3 key features Windows 11's August update has arrived here are 3 reasons to download it New Windows 11 update
is a big one these are my top 4 features

It's also worth bearing in mind that installing a new version of Windows 11 extends your support timeframe (through to October 2028 in the case of 26H2). Analysis: skeptics aplenty (Image credit: Unsplash) I say that installing version 26H2 should mean that any missing Windows 11 features are enabled on your PC, because obviously there's no guarantee, but if you've been hankering after a particular piece of functionality, there's a good chance you'll get
it by applying this upgrade (certainly with older features, anyway). Get
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As ever, though, it's never a great idea to rush to download any update, at least in my opinion, because of the danger that some unforeseen bug has crept in. Microsoft talks about this update being small and "designed to minimize disruption", and it should be a clean enough installation in theory, but people have been burned before and the reaction on Reddit shows that quite clearly.

Posting in response to Microsoft calling 26H2 a "predictable and low-disruption update", one Redditor summed up the broad feeling in the
thread by saying: "Well, now I'm really suspicious." Another poster simply says : "Uh oh."

And there are countless jokes or sarcastic barbs about how 26H2 will be just great because AI coded it, such as : "Don't worry they told Copilot not to make any mistakes with this update." What to read next Microsoft fixes
Windows 11's nasty bugs with Dell laptops with one catch Windows 11 update packs some much-wanted features and very-much unwanted bugs How I think Microsoft's campaign to fix Windows 11 is going so far

Another Redditor takes a similar attitude to myself: "I'll wait 3 weeks and then see what the situation looks like before updating."

There's no need to jump right on this update, so it just seems prudent to
hold fire for a short while and see if any annoying incidents happen that
move the needle on the glitch-o-meter.

Let's hope not, and then at some point later in October, you can apply
version 26H2 and with any luck you'll get any features that have missed out your PC in Microsoft's rollout schedule. Speaking of which, it's notable how many more folks are complaining about Windows 11 being very slow to deploy
new capabilities this year, but that said, you can't exactly blame Microsoft for being cautious given that bugs remain a big problem for its desktop OS.

Slowing down to a treacly pace with feature rollouts isn't exactly an ideal solution, though, is it? Microsoft needs to address some more deep-seated issues with its testing processes here (and no, I won't shut up about this until something is actually seen to be happening at the company in this regard). Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best laptops for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best laptops 1. Best overall: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 2. Best budget: Apple MacBook Neo 3. Best Windows 11 laptop Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch 4. Best thin and light: Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 5. Best Ultrabook Asus Zenbook S 16



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/uh-oh-windows-11-26h2-is-here-and- microsoft-says-its-a-predictable-and-low-disruption-update-but-a-lot-of-people -are-preparing-for-the-worst


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