By Paul Thurrott
Publication Date: 2026-08-14 18:37:00
After taking off last Friday, the Windows Insider Program has just two builds for us this week, both in the Release Preview Channel. And it looks like some of the most significant changes coming to Windows 11 this year will first show up in the September Patch Tuesday.
They are:
Notable new features and changes include:
- Taskbar. The new Taskbar can be placed on any screen side and resized.
- Start menu. The new Start menu can be resized, features a Recent section that replaces the Recommended section, and has independent on/off toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All.
- Windows Search. The new Windows Search has a simpler, less cluttered home view and you can choose whether it displays web and Store results.
- File Explorer. Minor changes related to performance and touch scrolling.
- Design. Windows 11 now has updated progress indicators throughout, including during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installs.
- Windows Share. Minor change that includes a suggested…
