Microsoft has released the optional cumulative preview update KB5124006 for Windows 11 26H1, bringing the system version to Build 28000.3086. The update introduces significant interface customization options, including the ability to dock the taskbar on any of the four sides of the screen.
Users can now enable a compact taskbar mode for smaller displays, which scales down icons, the Start menu, and the system tray. The Start menu itself has received new size options, a renamed 'Recent' section, and the ability to hide user profile information. Additionally, individual sections for pinned items and applications can now be toggled.
Search functionality has been streamlined with clearer source labeling and new privacy settings to control web and store suggestions. Windows will now automatically index frequently accessed folders to improve search accuracy. The update also introduces a new platform security feature for administrator accounts and adds support for the ML-KEM post-quantum encryption algorithm.
For enterprise users, the update enables trusted device identification during the out-of-box experience and supports automated corporate enrollment. New process isolation capabilities, specifically the MXC framework, have been added to support AI-driven workloads and agent-based code generation.
The update includes several system-wide improvements, such as a unified progress bar design and enhanced sleep management during updates. Notably, Microsoft has announced that the WMIC tool will be removed from Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 starting in August 2026.
