Story perspectives

Windows 11 Preview: Taskbar Updates and New Features Unveiled

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft released a Windows 11 Release Preview build that previews features expected in the next weeks.
The update focuses on quality-of-life improvements, including Taskbar updates and Emoji 16.0 with a fingerprint, harp, and shovel.
Windows Backup for Organizations now includes a sign-in restore experience to streamline setup during refreshes.
Quick Machine Recovery will automatically activate for non-domain Windows Professional devices.
A built-in network speed test is available from the taskbar.

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Story summary

Microsoft released a Windows 11 Release Preview build that previews features expected in the next weeks.
The update focuses on quality-of-life improvements, including Taskbar updates and Emoji 16.0 with a fingerprint, harp, and shovel.
Windows Backup for Organizations now includes a sign-in restore experience to streamline setup during refreshes.
Quick Machine Recovery will automatically activate for non-domain Windows Professional devices.
A built-in network speed test is available from the taskbar.