In November 2025, Microsoft released updates for Windows 11, featuring new capabilities previewed across various builds, including the upcoming version 26H1. These updates primarily emphasize hardware enablement for new processors, such as Intel X2 and NVIDIA N1X, scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Notable Interface Enhancements
The Widgets board in build 26220.7070 received a redesign, inspired by Copilot's web layout, and now includes a left rail navigation. Furthermore, the Lock Screen widget options, included in build 27982, allow users to display up to four widgets before login, enhancing personalization and usability.
Microsoft also altered the Quick Machine Recovery process in this update. The feature now executes a single scan by default and suggests alternative recovery steps if issues remain unresolved.
AI and System Features
In build 26220.7262, experimental agentic features were introduced, enabling automated tasks in AI-driven environments. Initially, these are accessible in a separate Windows session called agent workspace and remain disabled by default due to ongoing security evaluations.
Smart App Control (SAC) now allows toggling without reinstalling Windows. Meanwhile, enhanced Narrator and Magnifier features provide improved text-to-speech HD voices, aiming to reduce listening fatigue.
Additional Updates and Future Plans
Build 28000 marks the first glimpse of Windows 11’s version 26H1. This version focuses on supporting new hardware rather than introducing substantial new features, although subsequent cumulative updates will bring further enhancements.
- Widgets board: Redesigned in build 26220.7070.
- Quick Machine Recovery: Simplified to one scan per trigger.
- Smart App Control: Toggle without reinstalling in build 26220.7070.
- Version 26H1: First preview in build 28000 for hardware enablement.
- Agentic AI features: Available in experimental build 26220.7262.
Microsoft plans to continue regular updates, potentially leading to version 26H2 and other iterations later.
