Microsoft’s Windows 11 26H2 update brings a collection of new features and improvements designed to make Windows more useful, easier to manage, and better optimized for everyday tasks. In this article, we look at 13 useful features and improvements, including File Explorer, AI Search, Wi-Fi sharing, Windows Backup, Emoji 17.0, Dynamic Refresh Rate, Bluetooth audio, Magnifier, and more.
1. Better PDF Preview in File Explorer
File Explorer gets an improved preview experience that makes it easier to view supported files without opening them in a separate application.
You can quickly preview a PDF and move through its pages directly from File Explorer.
How to use it:
File Explorer → View → Preview pane → Select a PDF file
This is particularly useful when you have many PDF documents and want to quickly identify the correct file.
2. Built-in File Compression
Windows 11 continues to improve its built-in archive support, allowing users to compress files without installing a separate compression application.
You can create supported archive formats directly from File Explorer.
How to use it:
Right-click a file or folder → Compress to → Select the available format
Depending on your Windows configuration, formats such as ZIP, 7z and TAR may be available.
3. More Taskbar Customization
Windows 11 provides additional options for controlling how the Taskbar behaves and how its icons are displayed.
You can customize different Taskbar behaviors and choose options that better suit your desktop workflow.
How to access it:
Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors
This is useful if you want a cleaner or more compact Taskbar.
4. Improved AI-Powered Windows Search
Windows Search continues to receive AI-related improvements, particularly on supported Copilot+ PCs.
The goal is to make it easier to find files, applications, settings and other content using more natural search queries.
How to use it:
Start → Search → Type what you are looking for
For example, instead of remembering an exact setting name, you can try describing what you want to find.
Availability of AI-powered Search features depends on the device and Microsoft's rollout.
5. Wi-Fi QR Code Sharing
Windows makes sharing Wi-Fi credentials easier by providing a QR-code option on supported systems.
Instead of manually typing a complicated Wi-Fi password on another device, you can display the network information and scan it.
How to access it:
Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Connected network → Show Wi-Fi network password
Look for the QR-code sharing option if it is available on your system.
This is particularly convenient when connecting smartphones and other devices to your home or office network.
6. Windows Backup Improvements
Windows Backup helps protect important Windows settings and preferences so they can be restored when setting up another Windows PC.
You can manage backup options directly from Windows Settings.
How to access it:
Settings → Accounts → Windows backup
From here, you can review options for remembering your apps, settings and other supported Windows preferences.
7. New Emoji 17.0
Windows 11 also receives the Emoji 17.0 update, bringing new emoji characters and updated emoji designs.
You can access the Windows emoji panel from almost any application that accepts text.
How to use it:
Press Windows + .
Then select the Emoji tab and browse the available characters.
8. Dynamic Refresh Rate
Dynamic Refresh Rate allows supported displays to automatically adjust their refresh rate depending on what you are doing.
A higher refresh rate can provide smoother scrolling and animations, while dynamically lowering the refresh rate can help reduce power consumption.
How to check it:
Settings → System → Display → Advanced display → Choose a refresh rate
If your monitor supports Dynamic Refresh Rate, you may see the option there.
Note: This feature depends on your display and hardware.
9. Improved Bluetooth Audio
Windows 11 includes improvements to Bluetooth audio reliability and supported Bluetooth audio technologies.
This can improve the experience when using wireless headphones, earbuds, speakers and Bluetooth microphones.
How to access Bluetooth devices:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Devices
For audio settings:
Settings → System → Sound → Output/Input
The exact Bluetooth audio features available depend on your Bluetooth hardware and connected device.
10. Improved Magnifier
The Magnifier experience has received interface improvements, making its controls easier to access while using Windows accessibility features.
Magnifier can enlarge content on your screen and is useful when text or interface elements are difficult to see.
How to use it:
Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier
You can also quickly launch Magnifier using:
Windows + +
11. Camera Roll Backup
Windows 11 26H2 also includes Camera Roll Backup functionality for supported configurations.
It can help back up photos from a connected mobile device to OneDrive.
How to access it:
Settings → Accounts → Camera Roll Backup
If the feature is available on your PC, Windows provides the setup process, including QR-code-based connection.
Note: Availability can depend on your device, account and rollout.
12. Open Apps Maximized
Windows 11 includes an option designed to open applications maximized automatically.
This can be useful if you prefer applications to use the entire available desktop rather than opening in smaller windows.
How to access it:
Settings → Accessibility → Visual effects → Open apps maximized
Important: This option may not be available on every PC yet because Microsoft can roll out features gradually.
13. New Touchpad Scrolling Options
Supported precision touchpads receive additional scrolling capabilities, including one-finger edge scrolling and automatic scrolling.
These features can make navigation easier when browsing long webpages or documents.
How to check:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad → Gestures
Note: This requires a compatible touchpad, so desktop PCs and systems without a supported touchpad will not show these options.
Conclusion
Windows 11 26H2 brings a wide range of changes across File Explorer, Search, Taskbar, networking, backup, display, Bluetooth, accessibility and personalization. The most useful features for everyday users include better PDF preview, built-in compression, improved AI Search, Wi-Fi QR-code sharing, Windows Backup, Emoji 17.0, Dynamic Refresh Rate, improved Bluetooth audio and Magnifier.
Some features, particularly AI Search, Camera Roll Backup, Open Apps Maximized and new Touchpad capabilities, are device- or rollout-dependent, so they may not appear on every Windows 11 26H2 installation immediately.
Important: 26H2 is an enablement-style Windows release, so not every feature discussed above is completely new to Windows. Some improvements were delivered through previous Windows updates and are now included or activated as part of the 26H2 experience.
