The Windows 11 Updates in 2026: What’s Improving (And What Still Drives People Crazy)

Windows 11 has had a strange reputation.

Some people hate it.

Most people just want it to stop getting in the way.

In 2026, Microsoft is still pushing AI features heavily — but the good news is that some real improvements are also showing up in the updates.

Here’s what’s actually getting better, and what Microsoft still refuses to fix.

Security Is Finally More “Modern”

One of the biggest improvements is that Windows is slowly adopting a security style closer to smartphones.

Instead of assuming every program is trustworthy, Windows is getting better at:

• warning users clearly

• blocking suspicious app behavior

• controlling permissions for sensitive access

This matters because modern malware doesn’t look like “a virus” anymore.

It looks like a normal app.

Cross-Device Features Are Becoming More Useful

Microsoft has been trying to connect Windows to phones for years.

In 2026, it’s finally becoming smoother.

The goal is simple:

Start something on your phone, continue on your PC.

This isn’t revolutionary, but it’s extremely practical — especially for people who use Android and Windows together.

Some Small Quality-of-Life Features Are Finally Here

This is the part Windows users will actually appreciate.

Microsoft has been slowly improving:

• Settings navigation

• small interface consistency issues

• accessibility tools

• voice typing and speech features

These aren’t headline features, but they reduce daily frustration.

The Gaming Experience Is Getting More Serious

Microsoft is paying more attention to handheld Windows gaming devices and controller-first experiences.

The console-style full-screen experience is becoming more common, and it’s a step in the right direction.

Windows still isn’t as clean as SteamOS on handhelds, but Microsoft is at least trying.

The Biggest Complaints Are Still the Same

Even with improvements, Windows users still complain about the same things:

• too many ads and upsells

• Edge and Bing being pushed everywhere

• system bloat

• AI features appearing where they’re not wanted

• performance issues on mid-range laptops

This is where Windows feels frustrating.

Microsoft often improves the OS… then adds three more layers of things nobody asked for.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 in 2026 is better than it was in 2022.

Security is improving.

Cross-device features are improving.

Gaming support is improving.

But Microsoft still has a habit of pushing “company goals” ahead of user comfort.

If they can reduce ads, reduce bloat, and make AI optional instead of forced, Windows could feel genuinely great.

Until then, Windows remains what it has always been:

Powerful, flexible… and occasionally annoying.