Microsoft has released the KB5127646 cumulative update for Windows 11 26H1, bringing the system version to Build 28000.3231. The update introduces significant taskbar customization, allowing users to position it on any of the four sides of the screen and enabling a new small taskbar mode for compact displays.
The Start menu now offers adjustable size layouts and allows users to hide their profile name and picture. The 'Recommended' section has been renamed to 'Recent', and users gain granular control over the visibility of pinned items, recent files, and all applications within the menu.
Search functionality has been simplified with clearer result categorization and improved indexing for frequently accessed folders. File Explorer performance has been enhanced, featuring faster home page loading and touch-gesture support for the featured content carousel.
New security and administrative features include Admin Guard for on-demand privilege elevation and Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) for process isolation. Additionally, the update introduces support for the ML-KEM post-quantum cryptographic algorithm for TLS key exchanges.
The update refines system-wide UI elements, including a modernized progress bar style. It also updates the Windows installation process, improves virtual desktop transition animations, and adds support for in-app purchases in WinUI3 applications via the Microsoft Store.
