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Let's face it: most monthly Windows 11 patches are ho-hum. They usually focus on bug fixes and security updates, with the occasional new feature sprinkled in. The February 2026 update, however, looks significant, introducing several new features that will change how users interact with the operating system.
Also: 5 Windows apps I always install first on a new PC - and they're free to download
While the update won't officially roll out until February 10, Microsoft has already released Preview Update KB5074105 to Windows Insiders. This early patch includes the same features and fixes that'll arrive next Tuesday. Below is a breakdown of the major new features and fixes coming with the update, available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2.
If you're interested in trying out the preview build, ZDNET Contributing Writer Lance Whitney has a detailed guide explaining how to join Microsoft's Windows Insider Program.
1. Cross Device Resume expansion
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (Gen 8)
Cross Device Resume was first introduced back in May 2025, allowing users to start a task on an Android phone, and seamlessly pick it up on their PC -- similar to Apple's Handoff tool. With this update, Microsoft is expanding the feature.
Cross Device Resume now works with Spotify playback, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and browsing sessions from the Vivo Browser app. Additionally, users with Honor, Oppo, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi phones can work on online files opened via the Copilot app.
2. Windows Midi improvements
The February patch also updates the Windows MIDI service with enhanced support for both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. New capabilities include shared MIDI ports across apps, custom port names, performance improvements, and multiple bug fixes.
It's worth noting that the App SDK and Tools packages that enable access to these MIDI changes are part of a separate download. You can find them on Microsoft's Windows MIDI Services landing page.
3. New Narrator controls
Narrator is getting more granular customization options. Users can now adjust how on-screen controls are announced, choose which details are spoken, and set the order in which information is read aloud.
4. A better location for the Device card in Settings
Microsoft has made a small but welcome quality-of-life change by moving the Device information card from the bottom of the System page to the Home tab in the Settings menu. This makes it much easier to quickly check key system details, like the processor.
5. Activate and deactivate Smart App Control
Smart App Control (SAC) is a security feature that blocks untrusted or malicious apps before they run. While effective, the tool can be overly aggressive and flag safe software. With the February update, users will finally be able to deactivate Smart App Control at any time. No need to reinstall Windows 11; thereby making SAC managment far more convenient than before.
6. A redesigned Voice Access
Voice Access lets users control their PC and navigate Windows 11 using speech. The tool now includes a redesigned setup wizard that walks users through downloading a speech model for their chosen language, connecting a microphone, and explaining how the feature works.
7. New Voice Typing control
In the same vein, Voice Typing is getting some improvements. For example, it's gaining a new "Wait Time Before Acting" setting. This option lets users adjust the delay before a spoken command is executed, helping improve accuracy and better support people with different speech patterns.
8. Increased Windows Hello support
Preview Update KB5074105 also updates Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) to support peripheral fingerprint sensors. Previously, ESS only worked with built-in fingerprint sensors. To set it up, Microsoft says users simply need to connect a supported biometric device, then head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. New language support
Finally, Microsoft is expanding language support for the AI-powered agent in the Windows 11 Settings menu. This on-device assistant helps users find and change system settings via natural language. It now supports German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Simplified Chinese.
10. Windows 11 fixes
Alongside the new features, the February patch delivers separate bug fixes across a variety of apps. File Explorer received tweaks to its navigation responsiveness, Microsoft addressed a Lock Screen issue that caused it to become unresponsive, and lastly, a bug has been fixed where desktop icons would unexpectedly move around when opening or renaming certain files.
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