Microsoft’s February 2026 Windows 11 update introduces important quality improvements—here’s everything you need to know.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Microsoft is set to roll out a new Windows 11 patch, delivering a range of new features, performance improvements, and important bug fixes as part of the year’s second monthly update.
With this update, the software giant is introducing the ability to resume Android apps directly on your PC. It also delivers a major upgrade to Windows MIDI Services, expands Windows Hello’s enhanced security to external devices, and allows users to manage Smart App Control without requiring a system reinstallation.
Microsoft has implemented targeted performance optimizations in File Explorer to reduce latency and improve responsiveness, alongside updates to Voice Access and typing that enhance recognition accuracy, input handling, and system integration.
In this guide, DMG willcover the most notable changes introduced in the February 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as both updates are identical.
Windows 11’s New Feature Update
1. Cross-device Resume
Start with this quality update, the development team is expanding the Cross-Device Resume feature to more devices. The feature allows you to resume features from your Android phone on your computer directly from the Taskbar. Currently, you can resume Spotify playback, work in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continue a browsing session.
Microsoft notes that cross-device browsing session continuity is available on Vivo smartphones via the Vivo Browser on Windows 11. Furthermore, smartphones from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi support resuming cloud-based files opened in the Microsoft Copilot app directly on Windows PCs
2. Device Info Card Settings
Home page in the settings apps is getting a new “Device info” card, which will highlight the technical specifications, such as processor, memory, graphics, and storage
3. Windows MIDI Services
Windows 11 is receiving significant MIDI enhancements, adding improved in-box support for MIDI 1.0 & 2.0. These updates include full WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 compatibility with built-in protocol translation, shared MIDI ports across applications, customizable port naming, loopback functionality, and app-to-app MIDI routing.
4. Smart App Control Changes
SAC is a security feature that locks down the system, allowing only trusted apps to run
When Microsoft initially introduced this feature in 2025, enabling it required a full operating system reinstallation to disable it later. However, beginning with the February 2026 update, users can now toggle the feature on or off without reinstalling Windows. The setting is available under Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control.
5. Windows HELLO
Windows 11 now extends Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) to supported external fingerprint readers, allowing setup and management directly from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
6. Voice Access improvements
The upcoming February update introduces a new setup wizard that simplifies onboarding by downloading the required speech model, selecting a microphone, and guiding users through initial configuration.
7. Voice Typing Change
The Voice Typing lets you set a wait time before a voice command runs. The setting is available under Voice Typing Settings> Wait Time before Acting.
8. File Explorer Navigation Speed Boost
This particular update includes an improvement to speed up the responsiveness of File Explorer when navigating network locations.
DMG Verdict
Microsoft’s February 2026 Windows 11 update is a well-rounded quality release that focuses on real-world usability rather than headline-grabbing changes. Features like Cross-Device Resume bring tighter Android-PC integration, while long-requested improvements— such as easier Smart App Control management and broader Windows Hello ESS support— remove friction from everyday workflows.
Power users and creators will especially appreciate the major upgrades to Windows MIDI Services, and general users benefit form oticeable performance gains in File Explorer, Voice Access, and typing. While this is not a radical redesign, it’s a meaningful refinement of Windows 11 that improves security, performance, and cross-device continuity across the board.
Given Microsoft’s recent update-related quality issues, it’s recommended to create a system restore point before installing this update. Creating a full backup is also advised, as some users have reported difficulties uninstalling quality updates since the January 2026 Security Update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is included in the February 2026 Windows 11 update?
The update introduces Cross-Device Resume, Windows MIDI service upgrades, Smart App Control improvements, Windows Hello ESS expansion, and performance optimizations.
Which Windows 11 versions receive this update?
The February 2026 Security Update is available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, and both updates are identical.
Does Cross-Device Resume work with Android phones?
Yes. It allows users to resume supported apps and activities from Android phones directly from the Windows taskbar.
Which phone brands support Cross-Device Resume features?
Support includes phones from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi, with specific features varying by device and app.
What changes were made to Smart App Control?
Smart App Control can now be enabled or disabled without reinstalling Windows, starting with this update.
Are there performance improvements in File Explorer?
Yes. Microsoft has optimized File Explorer to improve responsiveness, especially when navigating network locations.
Should I back up my PC before installing the update?
Yes. Creating a system restore point and a full backup is recommended due to recent update-related issues.
