Windows 11 has quietly improved in 2026 thanks to new Start menu options and a reworked search function, according to the technology outlet SlashGear.
SlashGear's writers noted that many users still dislike Windows 11 because of frequent crashes, aggressive promotion of artificial intelligence tools, and intrusive product advertising built into the operating system. Despite that, the outlet's authors said the operating system has genuinely gotten better this year and listed the features they consider most important.
Update pauses and a customizable taskbar
According to the outlet, Microsoft now lets users pause the installation of updates for up to 35 days. Engineers also added a floating taskbar that can be resized and moved to almost any position on the desktop, a feature of Windows 10 that had been missing from Windows 11 until now.
SlashGear's writers also said the search tool built into the operating system now runs faster and more reliably than before.
A more flexible Start menu
In 2026, Microsoft gave computer owners more control over the Start menu, the main navigation hub and one of the defining features of Windows since it was introduced. The outlet reported that the company also listened to user complaints and reduced the number of buttons tied to artificial intelligence features across its apps.
SlashGear's writers said the initial setup process that runs right after installing the operating system has also gotten simpler. The system as a whole feels more streamlined than it used to be, which is good news for users, they concluded.
Background
Windows 11 is Microsoft's flagship desktop operating system, first released in 2021 as the successor to Windows 10. It has drawn criticism from some users over stability issues, mandatory account sign-ins and the growing integration of AI-powered tools such as Copilot into everyday functions.
What's next
Earlier in September, the outlet MakeUseOf reported that Windows 11 will get a memory protection feature that will slow down games. The feature is designed to make it harder for malicious software to seize control of critical components of the operating system.
