Windows 11 September Updates Bring Movable Taskbar and Security Fixes

Microsoft released cumulative updates KB5124008 and KB5122880 for Windows 11 versions 25H2/24H2 and 23H2, including mandatory security patches for over 1,000 vulnerabilities. The updates introduce a movable taskbar, a smaller taskbar option, and a Start menu size choice. They also remove Bing from Windows Search.
The September 2026 Patch Tuesday release bundles mandatory security fixes for over a thousand vulnerabilities across Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2. Users can obtain these via the standard Windows Update interface or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Notably, the 25H2 and 24H2 builds receive identical feature sets, with no exclusive additions.
Beyond security, the update introduces significant interface customization. The taskbar can now be repositioned to any screen edge, with a compact size option for smaller displays. The Start menu gains adjustable dimensions and a renamed "Recent" section, while search functionality drops Bing integration, adds clearer result source indicators, and automatically indexes frequently used folders for faster retrieval.
The mandatory security patches affect all Windows 11 users, particularly IT administrators who must deploy them quickly to mitigate 1,000 vulnerabilities. For individual users, the movable taskbar and smaller size could enhance ergonomics on compact devices, while dropping Bing from search may reduce distractions. Organizations with limited IT resources could face deployment challenges, potentially delaying critical security fixes. The new customization options may also shift user expectations for OS flexibility, though adoption will depend on hardware compatibility.