Windows 11 KB5120998 Update: New Taskbar Features, Start Menu & 26H2 Release
The major Windows 11 update many users have been eagerly anticipating is finally here! Features previously tested in the 26H2 Beta builds are officially rolling out to stable Windows 11 builds (25H2/24H2) through update KB5120998 (Build 26200.9278).
At the same time, Windows 11 Version 26H2 has officially entered the Release Preview Channel, marking its step into a semi-stable phase ahead of full public release.
Here is a breakdown of what’s new, what’s changing, and how you can get these features on your PC today.
What’s New in Update KB5120998?
This update focuses heavily on personalization and user experience fixes that community members have requested for a long time.
1. Flexible Taskbar Customization
For years, Windows 11 restricted the taskbar to the bottom of the screen. With this update, taskbar customization is back in full force:
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Move Taskbar Position: You can now position your taskbar anywhere—Top, Bottom, Left, or Right.
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How to use: Right-click the taskbar > select Taskbar settings > expand Taskbar behaviors > adjust Taskbar position.
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Smaller Taskbar Sizes: A new Taskbar size dropdown allows you to choose between default and Small mode, giving you more active screen space.
2. Compact Start Menu & Privacy Controls
The Windows 11 Start Menu is getting much needed sizing options and privacy toggles under Settings > Personalization > Start:
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Compact Start Menu: Switch from the default "Automatic" size to Small for a much sleeker, compact interface.
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Hide Account Profile Name & Picture: You can now hide your personal name and avatar from displaying openly on the Start Menu. Clicking the generic user icon will reveal your account details only when clicked.
3. Smarter, Cleaner Windows Search
Windows Search has been revamped to prioritize local files and applications over online results:
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Local Results First: Searching now shows Best Match, local apps, and system settings at the very top of the list.
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Web Searches Moved to Bottom: Online web search suggestions and store results have been moved down, preventing accidental web clicks when you're just looking to open a local program or setting (like Windows Update).
Windows 11 Version 26H2 Moves to Release Preview
In addition to update KB5120998, Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 Version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel.
Key Highlights for 26H2:
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Lightweight Upgrade: Because 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share the same underlying core platform, updating to 26H2 will be a quick enable-pack update for users already on 24H2 or 25H2.
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Gradual Feature Rollout: Features are rolled out via controlled feature rollout (CFR), so some settings may appear right away while others activate over a short period.
How to Get These Updates Right Now
Option 1: Enable Early Updates (For Stable Build Users)
If you are on the regular stable build of Windows 11 and want KB5120998 today:
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Open Settings > Windows Update.
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Toggle ON the option: "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available."
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Click Check for updates and install the latest cumulative patch.
Option 2: Join the Windows Insider Program (For 26H2)
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Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
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Choose the Release Preview Channel.
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Restart your PC and check for updates.
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Alternatively: Official Release Preview ISOs will be available for download within a week or two for those who prefer a clean install or direct upgrade without joining the Insider Program.
Official Links & Resources
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Patch Notes & Update Info: Microsoft Support KB5120998 Article
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Windows Insider Announcement: Windows Blog - Releasing Version 26H2 to Release Preview