What is new in Windows 11 for September 2026

With the end of September came a big milestone: Windows 11, version 26H2 is now generally available. If you're ready to get started, explore how to get the update. Then dive into the details regarding updating via enablement package, the support lifecycle, features now on by default, and adoption tools. You'll find some of those resources outlined below, along with other updates across the Windows ecosystem, so let's dive in.

New in Windows update and device management​

• [26H2] – New and updated tools and resources are now available to help you evaluate and roll out Windows 11, version 26H2 at scale:
  • Windows 11, version 26H2 security baseline
  • Administrative templates (ADMX) for Windows 11, version 26H2
  • Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows 11, version 26H2
  • What's new in Windows 11, version 26H2 for IT pros
  • Windows 11, version 26H2 update history
  • Windows release health: Known issues and notifications
  • Windows 11 Enterprise Evaluation
  • Microsoft Intune settings catalog
• [BACKUP] – Starting with Windows 11, version 26H2, Windows settings backup is enabled by default for eligible devices. Any existing administrator-configured policy (enabled or disabled) will continue to be honored.
• [W365] [PROVISIONING] – User-initiated provisioning for Windows 365 Reserve is now generally available, allowing eligible users to provision their own Reserve Cloud PC.
• [AUTOPILOT] – New guidance can help you move from Windows Autopilot to Windows Autopilot device preparation, so you can plan the transition while accounting for your existing deployment configurations and processes. Also, if you missed it, you can now associate a Windows 11 device with your organization before enrollment. Do this to target device-specific policies and configure parts of the out-of-box experience before a user signs in.
• [AUTOPATCH] – Starting October 15, Windows Autopatch gives you more granular control over Windows quality updates. Automatically or manually approve monthly security, non-security, and out-of-band updates individually. Manage supported .NET Framework updates and Quick machine recovery through quality update policies. New reporting gives you visibility into update approvals, applicability, installation progress, and deployment status. Quickly see what's installed, in progress, paused, failed, or needs attention.
• [INTUNE] [APPS] [POLICIES] – Now in public preview, deployments in Microsoft Intune let you gradually roll out apps and device configuration policies to Windows devices using defined deployment rings.
• [PODCAST] – Tune in to a new monthly podcast for a quick rundown of what's new in Windows management. Airing live the last Monday of each month, Ctrl + Manage is an opportunity to hear what the latest capabilities mean for your organization, and how you can try, plan for, and use them today.
• [VIRTUALIZATION] – Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid is now generally available. Run session hosts on your existing on-premises infrastructure while managing them through Azure Virtual Desktop.
• [ACTIVATION] – Do you use VBScript, and specifically slmgr.vbs, to automate Windows activation> Learn how to keep Windows activation automated using PowerShell.

New in Windows security​

• [NTLM] – Get answers to frequently asked questions about the multi-phase Microsoft effort to move Windows to a secure-by-default authentication posture by eventually disabling NTLM by default.
• [PRIVACY] – Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, decide which desktop apps access your camera, microphone, and location with individual controls. For more details, see Giving you more control over camera, microphone, and location.

To explore what's new in security across the Microsoft platform, see What's new in Microsoft Security: September 2026.

New in Windows Server​

For the latest features and improvements for Windows Server, see the Windows Server 2025 release notes and Windows Server 2022 release notes.

• [ADMIN] [VMODE] – Windows Admin Center version 2610 is now in public preview with a single installer for Administration Mode and Virtualization Mode. Additional new Virtualization Mode features include Azure Arc onboarding, backup and restore, and certificate lifecycle management.

New in productivity and collaboration​

Install the September 2026 security update for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2 to get these and other capabilities, which will be rolling out gradually:

• [FILE EXPLORER] – The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling, making it easier to browse files in the carousel.
• [START] – You can now choose between a small or large Start menu in addition to the default option that's available today. We've also updated Start menu settings, so you can independently show or hide Pinned, Recommended, and All.
• [TASKBAR] – You can now customize where the taskbar appears, choosing the bottom, top, left, or right side of your screen. You can also select a smaller taskbar option to help maximize screen space on smaller devices.
• [SEARCH] – Search does a better job showing where a result comes from—app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion—so it's easier to tell where you will go before you make a selection. A new setting lets you choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results. In addition, Windows now automatically indexes your most used folders to make those files appear in subsequent search results.
• [UI] – Updated progress indicators across Windows provide a more consistent and modern experience during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation.

New features and improvements are coming in the October 2026 security update. You can preview them by installing the September 2026 optional non-security update for Windows 11, versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2. This update includes the gradual rollout of:

• [FILE EXPLORER] – File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off. In addition, the preview pane now enables you to preview PDFs downloaded from the web automatically.
• [BLUETOOTH] – Bluetooth reliability and audio performance are improved. Experience more accurate connection and volume status, better microphone compatibility, and improved stability with LE Audio and shared audio accessories.
• [ACCESSIBILITY] – A new setting, Open apps maximized, automatically maximizes app windows as they open. This removes a bit of everyday friction whether you use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer a consistent, full-screen workspace.
• [TOUCHPADS] – Gesture controls for touchpads now include single-finger scrolling and automatic scrolling.
• [KEYBOARD] – This update introduces a new Windows 11 setting that lets you remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key. This feature helps preserve familiar keyboard shortcuts and accessibility workflows.

To learn about planned productivity, security, and reliability updates for Windows 11, visit the Windows Roadmap.

Lifecycle reminders​

• [W11] [24H2] – On October 13, 2026, Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of updates. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and non-security preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats. Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 12, 2027.
• [W11] [24H2] – The September 2026 non-security preview update is the final preview update for Windows 11, version 24H2. Supported editions of version 24H2 will continue to receive monthly security updates in accordance with their servicing lifecycle. If you rely on preview releases, we recommend that you update to a newer version of Windows 11 to continue receiving non-security preview updates.
• [W10] [LTSB] [LTSC] – On October 13, 2026, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach the end of extended support. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will reach end of support (EOS) on January 12, 2027. In both cases, we recommend updating to the latest LTSC release, Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. If you need additional time to complete the transition, explore options and Extended Security Update (ESU) offerings for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021.
• [SERVER] [2022] – On October 13, 2026, Windows Server 2022 will reach end of mainstream support. After this date, Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support, which includes security updates at no additional cost. These devices will continue to receive monthly security updates through October 14, 2031. For detailed information, see the Windows Server 2022 lifecyclepage.

Check out our lifecycle documentation for the latest updates on Deprecated features in the Windows client and Windows Server 2025.

Additional resources​

If you want to be among the first to see what's next, register now for Microsoft Ignite, November 17-20. In-person passes are still available for the full conference experience in San Francisco, or you can register for free digital access. Browse the catalog of Windows sessions and save your favorites.

Looking for the latest news and previews for Windows, Copilot, Copilot+ PCs, the Windows and Windows Server Insider Programs? Find out this and more through the following resources:

• What’s new in Windows 365: September 2026 recap for a monthly roundup of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop updates
• Windows Roadmap for new Windows features – filter by platform, version, status, and channel or search by feature name
• Microsoft 365 Copilot release notes for latest features and improvements
• Windows Insider Blog for what's available in the Beta and Experimental channels
• Windows Server Insider for feature preview opportunities
• Understanding update history for Windows Insider preview features, fixes, and changes to learn about the types of updates for Windows Insiders

Join the conversation​

Is this update missing areas or topics you want us to include? Drop us a note in the Comments and share your thoughts on what you'd like to see.