Windows 11’s July 2026 Update: New Features, Changes, and Improvements Explained

What Is the Windows 11 July 2026 Update?

The Windows 11 July 2026 update brings a practical mix of recovery, accessibility, productivity, and reliability improvements. Instead of focusing only on visual changes, this release improves how users recover their PCs, pause updates, manage Bluetooth devices, use File Explorer, connect phones, and customise accessibility settings.

Many of these features were previewed in Microsoft’s KB5095093 update for Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 11 version 25H2. Microsoft notes that some improvements are released through a gradual rollout, which means not every device will receive every feature at the same time.

Quick Answer: What’s New in the Windows 11 July 2026 Update?

The Windows 11 July 2026 update adds Point-in-Time Restore, improved Windows Update pause controls, accessibility upgrades, Bluetooth fixes, File Explorer improvements, Phone Link updates, and system reliability fixes. It is designed to make Windows 11 easier to recover, more accessible, and more reliable for everyday users. Some features may roll out gradually, so not every Windows 11 device will receive every change immediately.

Windows 11 July 2026 Update: Quick Feature Summary

Here are the biggest new features and improvements in the Windows 11 July 2026 update:

Who Should Pay Attention to This Update?

The Windows 11 July 2026 update is especially relevant for:

• Windows 11 users who want stronger recovery options

• Laptop users who rely on Bluetooth headphones, touchpads, and Phone Link

• Business users managing updates across multiple PCs

• Windows 10 users deciding whether to upgrade to Windows 11

• Users who rely on accessibility tools such as Magnifier, Voice Access, and display adjustments

• Anyone who wants a smoother and more reliable Windows 11 experience

This update is not just for power users. Many of the changes are designed for everyday PC owners who want Windows to feel easier, quieter, and less troublesome to manage.

1. Point-in-Time Restore Helps You Recover Windows More Easily

One of the biggest new features in the Windows 11 July 2026 update is Point-in-Time Restore.

Point-in-Time Restore helps you recover your PC by rolling it back to a recent working state. This can be useful if your computer starts having problems after a driver update, app installation, system change, or Windows update.

Instead of manually troubleshooting every issue, users can restore Windows to a previous point where the system was working properly. This can help reduce downtime and make recovery easier for home users, students, and business users.

You can find this setting under:

Settings > System > Recovery

This feature is especially helpful for users who want a simpler recovery option without needing advanced technical steps.

2. Windows Update Gets Better Pause Controls

The Windows 11 July 2026 update also improves how users pause updates.

Previously, Windows Update pause options were more limited. With this update, users can choose a specific pause end date using a calendar-style control. Updates can be paused for up to 35 days.

This is useful if you want to delay updates while:

• Travelling

• Working on an important project

• Avoiding interruptions during work hours

• Waiting to check whether an update is stable

• Managing a business or shared computer

You can find this setting under:

Settings > Windows Update

This does not permanently disable Windows Update, but it gives users more control over when updates are installed. For business users, this can also help reduce disruption during working hours.

3. Widgets Become Quieter and Less Distracting

Microsoft has also improved the Widgets experience in Windows 11.

With the July 2026 update, Widgets are designed to be less intrusive. Widgets will no longer open on hover by default, and notifications are reduced by default.

Key changes include:

• Widgets no longer open automatically on hover by default

• Taskbar notification badges are reduced

• Widgets open directly to the dashboard on first use

• Dashboard alert badges clear after leaving the dashboard

• Personalisation and notification controls are easier to manage

• Widget performance and reliability are improved

This is a practical change for users who want Widgets available but do not want frequent desktop interruptions.

4. Screen Tint Adds a New Accessibility Display Option

The Windows 11 July 2026 update introduces Screen Tint, a new accessibility feature that adds a colour overlay across the screen.

Screen Tint can help improve readability, reduce visual discomfort, and make the display easier to view for some users. Users can adjust the tint colour and intensity to suit their preferences.

You can find this setting under:

Settings > Accessibility

Screen Tint is different from Night Light. Night Light mainly reduces blue light, while Screen Tint applies a broader colour overlay for accessibility and viewing comfort.

5. Magnifier Gets More Precise Zoom Controls

Windows Magnifier also receives a useful improvement in this update.

Users can now enter a specific zoom percentage instead of relying only on preset zoom steps. This gives more precise control when reading text, checking details, or navigating Windows.

This is helpful for users who rely on Magnifier for accessibility, reading, design review, documents, or detailed on-screen work.

6. File Explorer Is Faster and More Reliable

File Explorer receives several practical improvements in the Windows 11 July 2026 update.

Microsoft has improved File Explorer launch performance, which should make it faster to open folders and browse files.

Other File Explorer improvements include:

• Better responsiveness when mounting disk image files

• More reliable address bar suggestions

• Better handling of certain file paths

• Fixes for OneDrive shortcut issues

• Fixes for duplicated OneDrive files in Favorites

• Better file renaming behaviour

• New quick actions for supported work or school accounts

Because File Explorer is used so often, these updates should make Windows 11 feel smoother during everyday tasks. Even small performance improvements can make a big difference when users open, move, rename, or search for files every day.

7. Bluetooth Audio and Device Connections Improve

The July 2026 update also includes several Bluetooth improvements.

These changes are especially useful for users who use Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, microphones, keyboards, mice, or other wireless accessories.

Bluetooth improvements include:

• Better microphone mute syncing

• Faster pairing detection for some devices

• More reliable microphone performance

• Improved Bluetooth voice calls

• Faster audio start times for supported accessories

• Better reconnection after waking from hibernation

• Improved Bluetooth settings stability

• Better handling when removing Bluetooth devices

For users who attend online meetings or use wireless headphones daily, this is one of the most practical improvements in the update.

8. Phone Link Call Handling Is Improved

Phone Link also gets call-related improvements in the Windows 11 July 2026 update.

When making a call from a paired phone, Windows now keeps the audio on the phone while the call is ringing. The audio transfers to the PC only after the call is answered from Windows.

This helps prevent awkward audio switching before the other person picks up.

The update also improves Do Not Disturb behaviour. When Do Not Disturb is turned on in Windows, incoming phone calls from a connected phone should no longer ring through the PC.

This is useful for users who connect their phone to Windows 11 during work hours and want fewer interruptions.

9. Voice Access and Voice Typing Get Smarter

Voice Access and Voice Typing receive new language and dictation improvements.

The update adds support for more languages, including:

• French

• German

• Spanish

On supported Copilot+ PCs, Windows can also improve dictated text in real time by correcting recognition errors, punctuation, and grammar.

This makes voice input more useful for writing emails, notes, documents, messages, and search queries. For users who prefer speaking instead of typing, this helps Windows feel more natural and accessible.

10. Printer Setup Becomes Easier with Windows Ready Print

The Windows 11 July 2026 update also improves printer setup.

New printer installations can use Windows Ready Print by default when supported. This uses Internet Printing Protocol, also known as IPP, to make printer setup easier and reduce the need for traditional printer drivers.

You can check printer settings under:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

This is a helpful improvement for home users, students, and businesses that want simpler printer installation with fewer driver issues.

11. Location Settings Are Easier to Understand

Microsoft has also made location settings clearer in Windows 11.

When location services are turned off, related settings such as default location and location override may appear greyed out. This makes it easier to understand which settings are active and which are unavailable.

You can check this under:

Settings > Privacy & security > Location

This improvement gives users more clarity over privacy and location access.

12. Touchpad Right-Click Settings Can Be Customised

The July 2026 update adds a new touchpad setting for compatible devices.

Users can customise the size of the bottom-right corner area used for one-finger right-click.

Available options may include:

• Default

• Small

• Medium

• Large

• Custom, depending on the device manufacturer

You can find this setting under:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad

This is useful if you often right-click by accident or want a larger right-click area on your laptop.

13. Networking, WSL, Taskbar, and Reliability Fixes

The Windows 11 July 2026 update also includes several under-the-hood improvements.

These include:

• Better Wi-Fi reliability

• Improved cellular connection behaviour

• Better IPv6 VPN support

• Improved third-party VPN compatibility

• Better networking in virtualised environments

• Windows Subsystem for Linux networking improvements

• Taskbar notification badge fixes

• Better explorer.exe reliability

• Improved storage usage for certain system files

• Improved shutdown behaviour for background services

These fixes may not be obvious immediately, but they can help Windows 11 feel more stable and reliable over time. For business users, the networking and VPN improvements may be especially valuable.

Before You Install the Windows 11 July 2026 Update

Before installing the update, it is a good idea to prepare your PC first.

Here are a few simple steps:

• Back up important files

• Save your work and close open apps

• Make sure your device has enough free storage

• Restart your PC if it has been running for a long time

• Check that important business apps, VPNs, and printer tools are working properly

• Install the update outside working hours if you use your PC for work

For most home users, the update should be straightforward. For businesses, it is safer to test updates on selected devices before deploying them across multiple PCs.

Known Issue in the Windows 11 July 2026 Update

Microsoft has noted a known issue affecting some Microsoft Office apps.

After installing certain Windows updates released in or after June 2026, some third-party apps may be unable to launch Office apps or open Office documents through automation. Affected apps may include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other Office applications launched through third-party software. Microsoft says it is working on a resolution.

If this happens, users may still be able to open the Office app or document directly instead of launching it through the affected third-party app.

How to Install the Windows 11 July 2026 Update

To install the Windows 11 July 2026 update manually:

1. Open Settings

2. Select Windows Update

3. Click Check for updates

4. Download and install the update if available

5. Restart your PC if prompted

Some features may roll out gradually, so you may not see every new feature immediately after updating.

Should You Install the Windows 11 July 2026 Update?

Yes, most Windows 11 users should install the July 2026 update because it includes security improvements, recovery features, accessibility upgrades, Bluetooth fixes, and general reliability improvements.

You should consider installing the update if you want:

• Better recovery options

• More control over Windows Update

• Improved Bluetooth performance

• A quieter Widgets experience

• Faster File Explorer performance

• Better accessibility tools

• Improved overall Windows 11 reliability

Business users should test updates before deploying them across multiple company devices, especially if they rely on older software, third-party automation tools, VPNs, or specialised hardware.

Final Thoughts

The Windows 11 July 2026 update is more than a routine monthly update. It adds useful improvements across recovery, updates, accessibility, File Explorer, Bluetooth, Phone Link, printing, networking, and system reliability.

The biggest highlight is Point-in-Time Restore, which gives users a simpler way to recover their PC when something goes wrong. The improved Windows Update pause controls are also helpful for users who want more control over when updates are installed.

Overall, this update makes Windows 11 easier to manage, more accessible, and more reliable for everyday users.

For Windows 10 users, consider upgrading to Windows 11, especially as Microsoft continues to focus its latest features and security improvements on Windows 11 and future Windows releases.