Big Windows 11 Changes Coming in 2026 — What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that 2026 is the year they're going to fix the things people have been complaining about since Windows 11 launched. Faster Start menu, quicker File Explorer, a movable taskbar, less aggressive Copilot AI, and lower RAM usage. Some of these changes are already rolling out, with more coming through the year.

If you've been frustrated with Windows 11 feeling sluggish or bloated, this is genuinely good news. Here's what's changing and what it means for your PC.

The Start Menu Is Getting Rebuilt from Scratch

This is the big one. Microsoft has admitted that the Windows 11 Start menu was built using React — a web technology designed for websites, not operating systems. That means every time you opened the Start menu, your PC was essentially running a tiny web app. It worked, but it was slower than it needed to be, especially on older or budget PCs.

They're now rebuilding the Start menu using WinUI 3, which is a proper native Windows framework. In plain English: the Start menu will open faster, scroll smoother, and use less memory. The "Recommended" section and "All apps" list — the two bits people interact with most — are being moved to this new framework first.

The Recommended section is also getting a smarter algorithm that actually shows things you've used recently, instead of random suggestions that feel like adverts. And you'll be able to turn it off entirely if you want — something people have been asking for since day one.

File Explorer Will Actually Be Fast Again

If you've noticed that File Explorer in Windows 11 feels slower than it did in Windows 10 — you're not imagining it. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is working on substantially lower latency for search, navigation, and right-click menus.

Specifically, you'll see improvements in:

• Opening folders — less delay when clicking into directories, especially on drives with lots of files
• Right-click context menus — these have been notoriously slow in Windows 11, sometimes taking a full second to appear. That's being fixed
• Search — finding files will be faster with better indexing and more accurate results
• Copying and moving large files — more consistent speeds, fewer unexplained slowdowns during file transfers
• Launch time — File Explorer itself will open quicker, with less UI flicker when it loads

Microsoft says these are "just the first round" of File Explorer improvements, with more planned through the year. About time — File Explorer being slower than Windows 10 has been one of the most common complaints I hear from customers.

The Taskbar Can Move Again

When Windows 11 launched, Microsoft removed the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. It was locked to the bottom and that was that. If you were someone who'd had the taskbar at the top for years, tough luck.

That's coming back. You'll be able to right-click the taskbar and move it to the top, left, right, or bottom of your screen. A small change on paper, but a big deal for people who have specific monitor setups or just prefer it in a different position.

Less Copilot, Less AI Clutter

Microsoft went all-in on Copilot AI in 2024 and 2025, bolting it onto everything — Notepad, Photos, Snipping Tool, Widgets, even the taskbar. A lot of people found it annoying, especially on PCs that weren't powerful enough to run AI features smoothly.

The good news: Microsoft is pulling Copilot out of several apps where it didn't add much value. Specifically, Copilot integration is being removed from:

• Snipping Tool
• Photos
• Widgets
• Notepad

They're not killing Copilot entirely — it's still available as a standalone app and in Edge — but they're being "more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates". Translation: they listened to the feedback that having AI shoved into every app was more annoying than helpful.

Lower RAM Usage

Microsoft is also working on reducing how much RAM Windows 11 uses just sitting there doing nothing. This matters most for PCs with 4GB or 8GB of RAM — which is still the majority of machines I see. When Windows itself is eating 3–4GB at idle, there's not much left for your actual programs.

They haven't given specific numbers yet, but they've confirmed that lowering baseline memory usage is one of the priority targets. Combined with the switch away from React-based UI components, this should make a noticeable difference on budget laptops and older PCs.

Windows Update Getting Less Aggressive

This one will make a lot of people happy. Microsoft is easing up on forced updates:

• You'll be able to skip updates during initial PC setup — no more being held hostage during the out-of-box experience
• Shut down or restart without being forced to install updates — you'll have the choice
• Longer pause options — you can delay updates for longer without registry hacks
• Fewer restarts — Microsoft says they're working on reducing the number of updates that require a full restart

When Will You See These Changes?

Some improvements are already rolling out through regular Windows Update. The April 2026 security update (expected around 14 April) includes several of these changes. Others will arrive through the year as part of the 25H2 and 26H2 update cycles.

You don't need to do anything special — just keep Windows Update running and you'll get them automatically. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates if you want to grab them as soon as they're available.

What This Means for Your PC

If your PC currently feels sluggish on Windows 11, these updates should help — especially the RAM reduction and the WinUI migration for the Start menu. Budget laptops and machines with 8GB of RAM or less will benefit the most.

That said, updates can only do so much. If your PC is slow because of a failing hard drive, dust-clogged cooling, or 4GB of RAM trying to run modern software, no amount of software optimisation will fix that. If you're still struggling after updating, it might be time for a proper tune-up or to consider whether it's worth upgrading.

For the full technical details on everything Microsoft has announced, Windows Central's write-up covers the complete roadmap, and Windows Latest has details on the File Explorer and Copilot changes.

Mark

Mark has been fixing computers since the late '90s and went self-employed in 2008. Based in St Helens since 2013, he works evenings and weekends from his home in Laffak — friendly, affordable repairs for PCs, laptops, and Macs. See reviews on Google