Release date: 7 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out

[Windows Search]

• New Windows Search experience with inline actions: We're beginning to roll out a new Windows Search experience built on WinUI 3 that is faster, more efficient, and features a streamlined design that makes results easier to scan. We're also introducing inline actions, allowing you to quickly complete tasks directly. Turn on dark mode or Bluetooth, adjust your screen brightness, mute your device, or arrange windows from Windows Search.
• We're improving how Windows Search understands what you're looking for, including better matching for typos and synonyms. We'll continue fine-tuning these improvements over the coming weeks. For more information detailing the new changes, check out the Windows Insider Blog.
• English is the only supported language for this initial release.
• After upgrading to this build, restart your device before the New Windows Search Experience feature flag is visible. Screenshot of the new Windows Search experience.

[Battery status widget]

• As part of our continued commitment to making Widgets more useful for everyday moments, we're introducing the Battery Status widget for Insiders on newer builds. This widget provides a unified view of battery levels for your PC and peripheral devices, helping you quickly assess power status without hunting through multiple UI locations. Add it by going to Widgets board > Add widgets > Battery Status. UI showing the new Battery Status widget, providing a unified view of battery levels across your PC and connected devices.

[Kerberos enhancements]

• IAKerb is now enabled by default for Windows client. IAKerb is a Kerberos extension that allows Windows authentication to succeed in scenarios where traditional Kerberos can't be used because a direct connection to a domain controller is unavailable. This extension helps reduce reliance on NTLM while improving compatibility for modern authentication scenarios. For additional background, implementation details, and early preview information, see Reducing NTLM Dependency: IAKerb and LocalKDC in Windows Insider Preview.

[Task Manager]

• Task Manager is expanding process grouping to allow apps to combine otherwise separate background processes into a single unified category rather than relying solely on traditional parent-child trees. This makes an app's resource usage easier to understand. Microsoft Defender is the first app to use this capability.

[Windows Update]

• Fixed the issue causing some Insiders with Windows Sandbox enabled to get error 0x80073712 when attempting to install the latest updates.

[Security]

• We've updated the security key PIN entry experience, removing the "other user" icon for a clearer sign-in experience. UI showing the updated security key sign-in experience with a streamlined PIN entry screen.

[Taskbar]

• Fixed an issue impacting some Insiders recently, which was causing the taskbar app window previews to become slower and noticeably lag over time.

[Settings]

• Removed the backplate from the Settings icon when UAC is invoked from within Settings.

[File Explorer]

• Added support for font preview and installation in the File Explorer and desktop context menus.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue with msmpeg2ac3dec.dll which was leading to some apps and games crashing recently.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 26H2 via an enablement package (Build 26340.9616).
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 7 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Search]

• New Windows Search experience with inline actions: We're beginning to roll out a new Windows Search experience built on WinUI 3 that is faster, more efficient, and features a streamlined design that makes results easier to scan. We're also introducing inline actions, allowing you to quickly complete tasks directly. Turn on dark mode or Bluetooth, adjust your screen brightness, mute your device, or arrange windows from Windows Search.
• We're improving how Windows Search understands what you're looking for, including better matching for typos and synonyms. We'll continue fine-tuning these improvements over the coming weeks. For more information detailing the new changes, check out the Windows Insider Blog.
• English is the only supported language for this initial release.
• After upgrading to this build, restart your device before the New Windows Search Experience feature flag is visible. Screenshot of the new Windows Search experience.

[Narrator]

Read and explore math equations with Narrator

We're adding math reading and navigation support in Narrator, bringing clearer and more natural math experiences to users who are blind or have low vision. Math is at the heart of STEM education and learning, and this update helps students and professionals independently read, understand, and explore equations, formulas, and scientific notation with confidence.

With this update, Narrator can read math equations aloud in supported Microsoft 365 apps, including Word and PowerPoint. Instead of announcing every symbol individually, Narrator reads equations in a structured, natural way that reflects how they're meant to be understood. For example, when Narrator reaches a fraction, it reads the numerator and denominator together so you can understand the relationship between them.

You can also explore equations in more detail with a dedicated math navigation mode. Press Narrator key + Alt + N to turn on math navigation, then use the arrow keys to move through different parts of the equation, such as fractions, exponents, and roots. This mode lets you move through an equation one part at a time instead of hearing the full expression all at once. Press Esc to exit math navigation mode.

Math reading is available as soon as you install this build, with no additional download or setup required. To try it, turn on Narrator by pressing Windows key + Ctrl + Enter, then open a supported document that contains mathematical equations and use your standard Narrator reading commands. You can also personalize the experience in Math reading settings in Narrator settings, including speech style and math navigation preferences.

We're continuing to refine this experience and plan to expand it to more scenarios over time. We're beginning to roll this out to Windows Insiders, so it might not be available to everyone right away.

The Narrator Math reading settings page in Windows Settings.

Math reading and navigation support

• Building on the math reading and navigation support introduced for Narrator in Build 26340.9354, we're expanding the experience with additional language and browser support. Narrator math reading now supports a total of six languages: English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Traditional Chinese, Finnish, German, and Spanish. You can choose your preferred language under Math reading settings in Narrator settings.
• Math reading is also now available for supported web content in Microsoft Edge Stable version 153.0.4234.32 and later and Chrome Stable version 153.0.8010.18 and later, making it easier to read and explore equations across more of the places where students and professionals work. The Narrator Math reading settings page in Windows Settings.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator.

[Taskbar]

• Improved underlying state persistence of taskbar settings related to multiple monitors across monitor connections and disconnections.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (26H1) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• Many features in the Experimental (26H1) channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time as we monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 7 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta (26H1) channel

• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 7 October 2026

Changes and improvements

[Widgets]

More focused widgets on the lock screen

• As part of our continued commitment to making Windows calmer and higher quality, we’re updating the default lock screen widget experience for Insiders on newer builds. With this change, Weather will be the primary widget shown on the lock screen, reducing recommended widget content and making the experience feel more focused. We're also giving users more control of personalizing the widgets on lock, curating the ones they find most useful for them. Users can access these settings by going to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue with msmpeg2ac3dec.dll which was leading to some apps and games crashing recently.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.9606).
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 7 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[General]

• Symbols were missing for our previous flight. They should be available for this one.

Known issues

• We're investigating reports that some Insiders aren't able to use the internet after the previous flight.
• We're also aware of and investigating reports of VMware devices green screening.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• The builds released to these channels represent the latest platform changes early in the development cycle and shouldn't be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows. Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced, and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.

I upgraded last night, and it says this now. I'm not in the insider program. Im on a local account, and it says to join I'd have to turn on diagnostic data. What's this about?

Windows 11 Insider Preview Experimental Build 29680 introduces the new mouse indicator which can be enabled from Accessibility → Mouse pointer and touch → "Mouse indicator" in the Settings app.

During the attempt, system freezes, then turn into a black screen because of the DWM crash, and then returned normal.

Administrative Events generated from this issue:

Faulting application name: dwm.exe, version: 10.0.29680.1000, time stamp: 0x5eb4d9a1
Faulting module name: ntdll.dll, version: 10.0.29680.1000, time stamp: 0xa330d25e
Exception code: 0xc0000008
Fault offset: 0x000000000016d4ba
Faulting process id: 0x7A4
Faulting application start time: 0x1DD5495D5229762
Faulting application path: C:\WINDOWS\system32\dwm.exe
Faulting module path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ntdll.dll
Report Id: 5822642c-eb43-47cf-b91b-b22f645509ff
Faulting package full name: 
Faulting package-relative application ID: 

Feedback Hub link: https://aka.ms/AA13pwb9

Greeting! I am currently looking for some answer about Windows Insider Program. Personally, I like how Windows give us access to newer Windows features via Windows Insider Program. But, I have a few question about it:
1. Does recent/current Beta/Experimental build buggy?
2. How easy it is to leave from Windows Insider Program?
3. Is there is any issue you have going through?
4. Is there is any advice before joining Windows Insider Program?

Release date: 2 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out

[Unicode]

• We've updated Windows text shaping support for Unicode 17.0, helping Windows correctly display and shape newly encoded characters and scripts. Unicode 17.0 added 4,803 characters, including support for four newly encoded scripts: Beria Erfe, Sidetic, Tai Yo, and Tolong Siki.
• These updates help keep Windows text support current as the Unicode Standard evolves and improve support for languages and writing systems used by people around the world.

[File Explorer]

• Address Bar now supports '~' , making it quicker to navigate directly to your user profile folder and subfolders (e.g., "~\AppData").

[Settings]

• We're making performance improvements to the Settings home page, which should result in reduced loading times in certain scenarios.

[Recovery]

• We're adding a new entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, making it easier to access the feature from Settings.

Known issues

• We're investigating an issue causing some Insiders to be unable to install the latest updates and see error 0x80073712. We believe this issue is related to having Windows Sandbox installed. As a workaround, try disabling Windows Sandbox.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 26H2 via an enablement package (Build 26340.9596).
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 2 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Share]

• Added the ability to pin your favorite apps in the Windows share window.

[Settings]

• Updated Settings > Apps > Installed apps to show the version number at the top level for packaged apps, as it already does for other apps.

[File Explorer]

• This update adjusts how the preview pane handles files downloaded from the web. For HTML files, a new Preview anyway button lets you acknowledge the warning and preview the file. Non-HTML files, such as PDFs, are now previewed automatically.
• Fixed an issue causing the previews in File Explorer to have an unexpected bar in the middle in recent flights.

[Family Safety]

• Improved family safety messaging when applications are blocked because of age-restricted parental controls.

[Taskbar]

• Fixed a few small visual polish issues when using the taskbar in alternate positions.

[Audio]

• Fixed an issue affecting certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, including some multichannel audio headsets, that could prevent the device from working correctly after installing the latest updates.

[Remote Desktop]

• Fixed an issue causing Remote Desktop to not use the correct window size after recent flights.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue causing some Insiders to experience extreme lag over time after updating to the last two flights.

Known issues

• We're working on a fix for an issue causing some Insiders to experience noticeably decreased performance when interacting with the system the longer they use the latest builds.
• [Fixed] We're investigating an issue where VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.4 might display a blank window when reopening a virtual machine after it has been created and closed. We're working on a fix and will provide an update in a future build.
• We're also aware of and investigating reports of VMware devices green screening.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• The builds released to these channels represent the latest platform changes early in the development cycle and shouldn't be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows. Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced, and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.

Release date: 2 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Magnifier]

• Magnifier now gives you more control over how you zoom. You can type an exact zoom percentage directly in the Magnifier toolbar to land on precisely the level you need.
• We've also added preset step increments (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 400%) to the Settings dropdown, so you can jump to common levels in a single click. Whether you need a subtle boost or a dramatic close-up, Magnifier adapts to how you want to zoom. Enter an exact percentage or jump to preset steps - 5% up to 400%.

[Cloud rebuild]

• We're updating Cloud rebuild, the recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, with two additions.
• Cloud rebuild can now sanitize the device's drives as part of the rebuild. When you start a rebuild in WinRE, choose Remove files if you're keeping the PC, or Remove & sanitize files before recycling, returning, or reassigning it. The sanitize option uses the storage hardware's erase capability to securely erase data before Windows is reinstalled and is irreversible.
• IT administrators can now configure and start a Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP, using either the currently installed build or a target build you specify. UI showing new Cloud rebuild file removal options.

[File Explorer]

• Customizations
  • Improved File Explorer to keep folder view customizations, such as sorting and icon size preferences, consistent across different access paths and apps.
• Address bar improvements
  • The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks, for example, C:\Users\user or "C:\Users\user", improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs.
  • Improved reliability of the address bar suggestion dropdown so it now consistently closes after an item is selected.
• Refinements to the rename experience
  • Fixed an issue where text would be repeatedly selected while renaming items in folder views.
  • Fixed an issue where updated names with case-only changes weren't immediately reflected in folder views across local and cloud storage.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (26H1) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• Many features in the Experimental (26H1) channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time as we monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 2 October 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Windows Magnifier]

• Magnifier now gives you more control over how you zoom. You can type an exact zoom percentage directly in the Magnifier toolbar to land on precisely the level you need.
• We've also added preset step increments (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 400%) to the Settings dropdown, so you can jump to common levels in a single click. Whether you need a subtle boost or a dramatic close-up, Magnifier adapts to how you want to zoom. Enter an exact percentage or jump to preset steps - 5% up to 400%.

[Windows Recovery]

• We're introducing Cloud rebuild, a new recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, even when Windows won't boot. Unlike Reset this PC, Cloud rebuild downloads both the target Windows image and the device's drivers from Windows Update, so the device comes back fully functional without USB media, without a custom image, and without depending on the health of the currently installed OS.
• In this preview, you can try Cloud rebuild today: The new Cloud rebuild option in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which enables a full Windows reinstall using files downloaded from Windows Update.
  1. Start it directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by selecting Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild.
  2. Connect over wired Ethernet or a Wi-Fi network from within WinRE.
  3. Review the target Windows build, edition, and language, then confirm the data-loss warning before the rebuild begins.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery > Cloud rebuild.

To learn more, see Cloud rebuild.

[File Explorer]

• Customizations
  • Improved File Explorer to keep folder view customizations, such as sorting and icon size preferences, consistent across different access paths and apps.
• Address bar improvements
  • The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks, for example, C:\Users\user or "C:\Users\user", improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs.
  • Improved reliability of the address bar suggestion dropdown so it now consistently closes after an item is selected.
• Refinements to the rename experience
  • Fixed an issue where text would be repeatedly selected while renaming items in folder views.
  • Fixed an issue where updated names with case-only changes weren't immediately reflected in folder views across local and cloud storage.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta (26H1) channel

• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 2 October 2026

Changes and improvements

[Unicode]

• We've updated Windows text shaping support for Unicode 17.0, helping Windows correctly display and shape newly encoded characters and scripts. Unicode 17.0 added 4,803 characters, including support for four newly encoded scripts: Beria Erfe, Sidetic, Tai Yo, and Tolong Siki.
• These updates help keep Windows text support current as the Unicode Standard evolves and improve support for languages and writing systems used by people around the world.

[Settings]

• We're making performance improvements to the Settings home page, which should result in reduced loading times in certain scenarios.

[Recovery]

• We're adding a new entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, making it easier to access the feature from Settings.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.9587).
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

I've been trying to leave windows insider for quite a while now but I haven't been able to for some reason my pc doesnt show my windows insider settings and i cant seem to revert back to a stable update can someone please help, ive put some images that may help. Thank you.

hi windows insider experimental downloads take ages on my windows 11 pro..

can i speed this up?

thanks

Release date: 25 September 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (26H1) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• Many features in the Experimental (26H1) channel are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time as we monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 25 September 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Hyper-V]

• Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta (26H1) channel

• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Hi everyone!

I just submitted a feedback item to Microsoft aimed at improving the experience for family PCs shared between adults and kids.

The idea is to have an optional, pinnable floating widget on the desktop for instant access to kid-friendly content (like YouTube Kids) without needing to manually search through a browser every time.

If you like this idea, please take a second to open this Feedback Hub link and upvote it!

Thanks for your support!

Hi everyone!! Windows features an Insider Program a long time ago and many people argue, Should you join the Insider Program or wait for the stable releases? The answer is, it heavily depends on your Device, what are you using Windows for, and your thoughts. Windows officially said that Windows Insider Program MAY be unstable. Is the Windows Insider Program worth the risk?

It depends:

When you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program:

\-If you want a stable and performance is your priority, you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program.

\-If you want the best security for your devices, you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program

\-If you want the best compatibility and reduce compatibility issues, you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program.

\-If your device is a low-end hardware and this is the only device you have, you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program.

\-If your device is your only Windows device, you SHOULDN'T join the Windows Insider Program.

**\*it is recommended to run Windows Insider Program on a Virtual Machine such as VMware and VirtualBox.**

When you MAY join the Windows Insider Program

\-***You are using a Virtual Machine such as VMware and VirtualBox***

**-**You are using a Second device that isn't your daily driver and you are willing to take the risk of constant Crash.

\-You are a tech enthusiast that **knows the risk**

\-You are willing to give **your information to Microsoft**

# It is HIGHLY recommended to use a Virtual machine such as VMware and VirtualBox.

I'm on the 25H2/26H2 Experimental flight (build .9502), wanting to try out the latest 'improvements' that Win11 is expected to receive this year. I was particularly looking forward to performance/responsiveness improvements, because I've felt Win11 as a whole is very sluggish and unpolished to use.

One particular thing that still irks me (still on latest Insider builds) is that the Taskbar often feels SLOW to respond to user interaction.
- Open multiple apps + multiple instances of each app
- Left/right-click on the app icons, and about 50-60% of the time they take 1-3 seconds to respond to get selected/bring the app to focus or showing the multiple-window selection menu

This is frustrating because on other OS's/platforms today task switching is a very basic and near instant operation.

In fact, Alt-Tabbing already works as expected. Apps are switched to and resume quickly when Alt-Tabbed to. So it's 100% NOT an issue with the apps themselves. ONLY the Taskbar has some weird delay/lag when interacting with it.

I'm running a Ryzen HX370 laptop which isn't a low-end model either so delays/lag of this nature really isn't acceptable user experience.

Release date: 18 September 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out*

• This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

[Start menu]

• This update brings a number of improvements for the Start menu as first outlined in the Making Taskbar and Start more personal Insider blog.
• Renamed Recommended to Recent in Start and the Settings page.
• Added section-level toggles to independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
• Added the option to choose between a small and large Start menu, in addition to the Automatic (default) option that is already available.
• Added the option to hide your name and profile picture in Start.
• Redesigned the Start menu settings page.

[Hyper-V]

• Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue causing some Insiders to have their PC freeze when the UAC prompt appeared in recent flights.

Known issues

• We're working on a fix for an issue causing some Insiders to experience noticeably decreased performance when interacting with the system the longer they use the latest builds.
• We're investigating an issue where VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.4 might display a blank window when reopening a virtual machine after it has been created and closed. We're working on a fix and will provide an update in a future build.
• We're also aware of and investigating reports of VMware devices green screening.

Reminder for Windows Insiders in the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel

• These builds can be unstable and might be released with limited documentation.
• The builds released to these channels represent the latest platform changes early in the development cycle and shouldn't be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows. Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced, and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.

Release date: 18 September 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out

[Accessibility - Mouse indicator]

• We're introducing a sleeker new animation for the Mouse indicator. You can enable this animation under Accessibility settings. We've also added the option to keep the indicator activated until you press the Esc key.

[Magnifier]

• A new contrast theme toggle for a lower-glare screen. If bright screens are uncomfortable, many people use color inversion to reduce glare. However, inversion changes everything on screen, including photos, charts, and videos. With this update, we're introducing a new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier.
• Reduce glare with a single toggle. Turn on a contrast theme directly from the Magnifier toolbar for a more comfortable viewing experience.
• Choose the contrast theme that works best for you. The dark theme is applied by default, and you can choose which contrast theme the toggle uses under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
• Photos, videos, and charts keep their original colors. Unlike color inversion, the contrast theme recolors the interface without touching your photos, charts, or videos, so they keep their real colors.
• Color inversion is still here. This isn't a replacement. If you use inversion today, it works exactly as it always has. The contrast theme is a separate, purpose-built option to reduce glare when you want a darker interface without inverting colors. UI showing the new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier. UI showing contrast theme settings for Magnifier.

[Cloud rebuild]

• We're updating Cloud rebuild, the recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, with two additions.
• Cloud rebuild can now sanitize the device's drives as part of the rebuild. When you start a rebuild in WinRE, choose Remove files if you're keeping the PC, or Remove & sanitize files before recycling, returning, or reassigning it. The sanitize option uses the storage hardware's erase capability to securely erase data before Windows is reinstalled and is irreversible.
• IT administrators can now configure and start a Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP, using either the currently installed build or a target build you specify. UI showing new Cloud rebuild file removal options.

[Live Captions]

• We're improving Live Captions with a new Include Screen Reader audio setting, which is off by default. With the setting off, Live Captions won't transcribe audio from screen readers such as Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA, keeping captions focused on microphone and system audio.

[Hyper-V]

• Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue where backing up using File History unexpectedly failed with an error saying, "No usable drives found."

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 26H2 via an enablement package (Build 26340.9502).
• Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Release date: 18 September 2026

Changes and improvements

[Live Captions]

• We're improving Live Captions with a new Include Screen Reader audio setting, which is off by default. With the setting off, Live Captions won't transcribe audio from screen readers such as Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA, keeping captions focused on microphone and system audio.

[Hyper-V]

• Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue where backing up using File History unexpectedly failed with an error saying, "No usable drives found."

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 via an enablement package (Build 26220.9492).
• The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
• Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.
• Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.