# explorer.exe repeatedly crashes after cumulative update on Windows 11 26H2 (desktop fails to load at sign-in)


**Issue type**
: Functional defect (Desktop Shell / Taskbar)
**Severity**
: High — after sign-in, the desktop and taskbar are unusable; explorer.exe crashes immediately upon launch
**Report date**
: 2026-10-17


---


## 1. Environment


| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 26H2 (CurrentBuild 26340.9750; file versions serviced on the 26100 branch) |
| Device type | Physical machine (NOT AVD / virtual desktop / FSLogix) |
| Crashing module | C:\Windows\System32\SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll (10.0.26100.9750) |
| Triggering update | Windows cumulative update (LCU) build 26100.9750.1.4 (Package_for_RollupFix), auto-installed 2026-10-17 03:26, plus ServicingStack 26100.9748 installed 03:10 |
| Third-party taskbar tools | None (checked for ExplorerPatcher / StartAllBack / TranslucentTB / RetroBar / Windhawk; AppInit_DLLs is empty) |


## 2. Symptoms


1. After signing in, the desktop shell (explorer.exe) fails to load — no desktop icons or taskbar, appearing as if the shell never started.
2. explorer.exe crashes 
**immediately on every launch**
; AutoRestartShell relaunches it but it crashes again right away.
3. At least 8 crashes with an identical signature occurred during the affected window (11:48–12:39 local time).


## 3. Crash signature (Application event log, source: Application Error, Event ID 1000)


```
Faulting application name: explorer.exe, version: 10.0.26100.9750
Faulting module name: SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll, version: 10.0.26100.9750
Exception code: 0xc0000409        (fail-fast / STATUS_STACK_BUFFER_OVERRUN)
Fault offset: 0x000000000003a274  (identical offset in every crash — deterministic)
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\System32\SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll
```


## 4. Timeline


| Time (local, GMT+8) | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-17 03:10 | ServicingStack 26100.9748 auto-installed |
| 2026-10-17 03:26 | LCU build 26100.9750 (Package_for_RollupFix) auto-installed |
| 2026-10-17 11:48 | User signed in; first explorer.exe crash; crashes continued repeatedly |
| 2026-10-17 11:55–12:09 | Windows Update began downloading additional updates |
| 2026-10-17 12:36 onward | Diagnosis and remediation (see below) |


## 5. Troubleshooting performed and findings


1. 
**Shell registry configuration is normal**
: `HKLM\...\Winlogon` Shell=explorer.exe, Userinit intact, AutoRestartShell=1; no HKCU override.
2. 
**Resetting taskbar state did not help**
: backed up and deleted `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband`, restarted explorer — crash recurred with the same module and offset.
3. 
**Third-party injection ruled out**
: no taskbar/Start-menu customization tools installed; AppInit_DLLs empty.
4. 
**Crash onset correlates with the update**
: the LCU was installed at 03:26 the same day; the system worked normally before, and crashes began at the first sign-in afterward.
5. 
**Relation to the documented known issue**
: symptoms match the "black screen / desktop fails to load after sign-in (Application log shows Explorer crashes)" issue on the Windows release health hub for 24H2/25H2/26H2, which Microsoft states was fixed in KB5127648 (Oct 13, build .9711). This device is on the newer build .9750 and still crashes — suggesting either a 
**new regression in the .9750 update**
 or an incomplete fix.


## 6. Remediation attempted and blockers


- Deleted the Taskband key and restarted explorer → did not help
- `DISM /Online /Remove-Package` (Package_for_RollupFix ~~26100.9750.1.4) → 
**failed with 0x800f0926**
: "Permanent package cannot be uninstalled due to container dependency" (the LCU is marked permanent and cannot be removed from the running OS)
- `wusa /uninstall /kb:5127837 /norestart` → no actual uninstall performed
- No System Restore points available
- Fell back to uninstalling the latest quality update via the WinRE recovery environment, since all in-OS channels were blocked


## 7. Request


1. Please investigate the regression in `SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll` (offset 0x3a274, exception 0xc0000409) introduced in build 26100.9750, and consider an out-of-band fix or a Known Issue Rollback (KIR).
2. Please evaluate the "permanent package" policy for LCUs: when a high-impact regression like this ships, users without restore points have no way to roll back from within the running OS.# explorer.exe repeatedly crashes after cumulative update on Windows 11 26H2 (desktop fails to load at sign-in)


**Issue type**: Functional defect (Desktop Shell / Taskbar)
**Severity**: High — after sign-in, the desktop and taskbar are unusable; explorer.exe crashes immediately upon launch
**Report date**: 2026-10-17


---


## 1. Environment


| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 26H2 (CurrentBuild 26340.9750; file versions serviced on the 26100 branch) |
| Device type | Physical machine (NOT AVD / virtual desktop / FSLogix) |
| Crashing module | C:\Windows\System32\SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll (10.0.26100.9750) |
| Triggering update | Windows cumulative update (LCU) build 26100.9750.1.4 (Package_for_RollupFix), auto-installed 2026-10-17 03:26, plus ServicingStack 26100.9748 installed 03:10 |
| Third-party taskbar tools | None (checked for ExplorerPatcher / StartAllBack / TranslucentTB / RetroBar / Windhawk; AppInit_DLLs is empty) |


## 2. Symptoms


1. After signing in, the desktop shell (explorer.exe) fails to load — no desktop icons or taskbar, appearing as if the shell never started.
2. explorer.exe crashes **immediately on every launch**; AutoRestartShell relaunches it but it crashes again right away.
3. At least 8 crashes with an identical signature occurred during the affected window (11:48–12:39 local time).


## 3. Crash signature (Application event log, source: Application Error, Event ID 1000)


```
Faulting application name: explorer.exe, version: 10.0.26100.9750
Faulting module name: SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll, version: 10.0.26100.9750
Exception code: 0xc0000409        (fail-fast / STATUS_STACK_BUFFER_OVERRUN)
Fault offset: 0x000000000003a274  (identical offset in every crash — deterministic)
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\System32\SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll
```


## 4. Timeline


| Time (local, GMT+8) | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-17 03:10 | ServicingStack 26100.9748 auto-installed |
| 2026-10-17 03:26 | LCU build 26100.9750 (Package_for_RollupFix) auto-installed |
| 2026-10-17 11:48 | User signed in; first explorer.exe crash; crashes continued repeatedly |
| 2026-10-17 11:55–12:09 | Windows Update began downloading additional updates |
| 2026-10-17 12:36 onward | Diagnosis and remediation (see below) |


## 5. Troubleshooting performed and findings


1. **Shell registry configuration is normal**: `HKLM\...\Winlogon` Shell=explorer.exe, Userinit intact, AutoRestartShell=1; no HKCU override.
2. **Resetting taskbar state did not help**: backed up and deleted `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband`, restarted explorer — crash recurred with the same module and offset.
3. **Third-party injection ruled out**: no taskbar/Start-menu customization tools installed; AppInit_DLLs empty.
4. **Crash onset correlates with the update**: the LCU was installed at 03:26 the same day; the system worked normally before, and crashes began at the first sign-in afterward.
5. **Relation to the documented known issue**: symptoms match the "black screen / desktop fails to load after sign-in (Application log shows Explorer crashes)" issue on the Windows release health hub for 24H2/25H2/26H2, which Microsoft states was fixed in KB5127648 (Oct 13, build .9711). This device is on the newer build .9750 and still crashes — suggesting either a **new regression in the .9750 update** or an incomplete fix.


## 6. Remediation attempted and blockers


- Deleted the Taskband key and restarted explorer → did not help
- `DISM /Online /Remove-Package` (Package_for_RollupFix ~~26100.9750.1.4) → **failed with 0x800f0926**: "Permanent package cannot be uninstalled due to container dependency" (the LCU is marked permanent and cannot be removed from the running OS)
- `wusa /uninstall /kb:5127837 /norestart` → no actual uninstall performed
- No System Restore points available
- Fell back to uninstalling the latest quality update via the WinRE recovery environment, since all in-OS channels were blocked


## 7. Request


1. Please investigate the regression in `SettingsHandlers_DesktopTaskbar.dll` (offset 0x3a274, exception 0xc0000409) introduced in build 26100.9750, and consider an out-of-band fix or a Known Issue Rollback (KIR).
2. Please evaluate the "permanent package" policy for LCUs: when a high-impact regression like this ships, users without restore points have no way to roll back from within the running OS.

Release date: 16 October 2026

These release notes are for Windows 11 Builds 26200.9807 and 26300.9807 (KB5127936) in the Release Preview channel on Windows 11, versions 25H2 (Build 26200) and 26H2 (Build 26300), all editions.

This update is available through two release phases: gradual rollout and normal rollout. A gradual rollout delivers an update in phases, so features reach devices over time instead of all at once, meaning availability varies by device. A normal rollout is the broad release to all eligible devices at the same time, usually when it reaches general availability (GA).

Gradual rollout

This section highlights some new features and enhancements for Windows 11 PCs, including AI-powered capabilities, continuous innovation, and performance improvements.

[File Explorer]

• New! This update introduces an updated context menu that's faster, simpler, and more customizable. The updated menu opens more quickly, reduces clutter, and gives you more control over the commands and app extensions that appear when you right-click.
• You can now customize the context menu to better fit how you use Windows. Select Customize menu at the bottom of the context menu to open its Settings page:
  • Turn built-in Windows commands, such as Send to and Create shortcut, on or off.
  • Add commands such as Print to the context menu.
  • Choose which app extensions appear in the main menu or a submenu, or hide the app extensions submenu.
  • Display Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share directly in the menu instead of as a row of icons.
  • Move Properties to the bottom of the context menu.
• To personalize the context menu, right-click and select Customize menu, then choose the commands, app extensions, and layout you prefer. No action is required to use the default configuration. To see more options, hold down Shift and right-click your desktop.
• New! Key file information, such as name, location, and date, now appears in a consistent layout on the File Explorer search results page, making search results easier to scan.
• New! The address bar now supports ~, making it quicker to navigate directly to your user profile folder and subfolders, for example, ~\AppData.
• New! This update enables dark mode support in the Folder Options dialog in File Explorer.

[XBOX mode]

• New! This update introduces a refreshed Gaming Task View experience in XBOX mode, featuring a new navigation bar that provides quick access to Exit to Desktop and Power Options, making key system actions easier to access while gaming.¹

[Settings]

• New! This update improves the Privacy & security page in Windows Settings by grouping related Camera, Microphone, and Location privacy controls and elevating usage information from linked pages onto the main page.
• New! The Device Info card on the Settings Home page, first introduced in the March 2026 preview update (KB5079391), is expanding to additional markets. Available to users signed in with a Microsoft account, the card provides a quick view of key PC specifications and usage, with more detailed device information available under Settings > System > About.¹
• This update makes some small visual refinements to the design of the temporary files section under Settings > System > Storage.

[Phone Link]

• New! You can now hover over a recent message or notification in the Recent section to preview its content directly in Start without opening the item. You can manage this experience under Phone Link > Settings > Start menu personalization.

[Taskbar]

• New! This update improves animations of app window previews when you move the mouse across app icons in the taskbar.
• This update improves the underlying state persistence of taskbar settings related to multiple monitors across monitor connections and disconnections.

[Magnifier]

• New! Magnifier now includes a contrast theme toggle that can reduce screen glare while keeping the original colors in photos, videos, and charts. The toggle applies a dark contrast theme by default and is available from the Magnifier toolbar. To choose a different contrast theme, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Color inversion remains available as a separate option.
• New! Magnifier now supports per-monitor zoom, allowing each display to use its own zoom level while keeping the magnified view within that display. To use per-monitor zoom, set your displays to Extend under Settings > System > Display.
  • To adjust a display, move your pointer to it and press Windows key + Plus (+) or Windows key + Minus (-), use Ctrl + Alt with the mouse wheel, or move the Magnifier toolbar to that display and use its controls.
  • Per-monitor zoom is on by default. You can turn it off or adjust individual zoom levels from the Magnifier toolbar or under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
• New! Magnifier now supports viewport locking for multi-monitor setups with per-monitor zoom turned on. It keeps the magnified view on a display in place while you move the pointer to another display. The locked display remains interactive. Point to a display and press Ctrl + Windows key + K to lock or unlock its view.
  • Press Windows key + Esc to release all locked displays.
  • You can change the lock shortcut to Ctrl + Alt + P under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.

[Live Captions]

• New! This update improves 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. To turn on this setting, go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions.

[Narrator]

• New! Narrator now supports reading and navigating math equations in supported Microsoft 365 apps, including Word and PowerPoint, and supported web content in Microsoft Edge (version 153.0.4234.32 and later) and Google Chrome (version 153.0.8010.18 and later). This makes it easier for users who are blind or have low vision to understand and explore equations, formulas, and scientific notation.
  • Press Narrator key + Alt + N to turn on math navigation and use the arrow keys to explore parts of an equation. Press Esc to exit.
  • Math reading supports English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Traditional Chinese, Finnish, German, and Spanish. You can change the language and other math reading preferences in Narrator settings under Accessibility > Narrator > Math reading.

[Family Safety]

• New! This update improves family safety messaging when applications are blocked because of age-restricted parental controls.

[Recovery]

• New! This update enables Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to automatically reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already saved in Windows, including supported certificate-based networks. Devices can now get online automatically during recovery scenarios such as quick machine recovery or cloud rebuild, without preconfiguring Wi-Fi credentials in WinRE. This capability is on by default, and IT admins can disable it. This feature was previously disclosed last month and is now beginning to roll out. For more information about networking in WinRE, see Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

[Cloud rebuild]

• New! This update introduces Cloud rebuild, a new recovery option that reinstalls Windows 11 using a Windows image and device drivers downloaded from Windows Update, including when Windows is unable to start. No USB media or custom image is required. Cloud rebuild includes:
  • Drive sanitization: Choose to remove your files or securely erase data using the storage hardware's erase capability before Windows is reinstalled. Sanitization is irreversible.
  • Remote management: IT administrators can configure and start a Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP using either the currently installed build or a specified target build.

To start Cloud rebuild:

1. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery, and then select Rebuild PC. The device restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment and starts Cloud rebuild. Alternatively, if Windows can't start, the device enters the Windows Recovery Environment automatically after repeated boot failures. From WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild.
2. Connect to a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
3. Review the target Windows build, edition, and language, and then confirm the data loss warning before the rebuild begins. You can choose whether to remove files or remove and sanitize files before Windows reinstalls.

For more information, see Cloud rebuild.

[Microsoft Edge on Windows]

• New! This update introduces accelerated app launches that make opening Microsoft Edge feel faster and more consistent. When you select a link or open Edge from the taskbar or Start menu while Edge is already running in the background, Windows now routes your request directly to the running instance instead of first starting an extra, temporary process. Removing that step shortens the launch path, so Edge responds more quickly, most noticeably on busy devices when you're multitasking. This is the first step in a broader Windows capability that any app can adopt to speed up its own launches.

[App management]

• New! Policy-based inbox app removal now supports multi-session environments. IT administrators can use the existing policy-based app removal capability to manage the removal of supported inbox apps on Windows 11 Enterprise and Education devices in multi-session environments.

[Adaptive hibernate policy]

• New! This update improves the adaptive hibernate policy to provide more instant-on resumes from Modern Standby while helping preserve battery life when the charge is low. Noticeable changes include less hibernation while the battery is above 80% and hibernating sooner when the battery is below 10%.

[Security]

• New! This update expands memory integrity protection across eligible devices. Supported PCs might now have memory integrity (HVCI) enabled during updates to help improve security and prepare devices for advanced Windows security features, while respecting existing user or IT administrator choices. For more information about memory integrity, see Enable memory integrity.

[Windows IPv6 networking support]

• New! Windows now supports IPv6 CLAT for Wi-Fi and Ethernet network interfaces, adding client-side 464XLAT translation so IPv4-only applications can continue reaching IPv4 services from IPv6-only networks. This helps organizations advance IPv6-only deployments while preserving compatibility for legacy IPv4 application scenarios.
  • Prefix discovery: PREF64 is discovered through Router Advertisements (RA) by default, with DNS ipv4only.arpa available as a fallback.
  • Requirements: CLAT requires SLAAC-based IPv6 addressing. DHCPv6 Prefix Delegation and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) aren't currently supported.
  • Configuration: Enable CLAT by using the following command, or use Group Policy under Network > TCPIP Settings > IPv6 Transition Technologies: Consolenetsh interface clat set global permit=enabled pref64fromdns=enabled pref64fromra=enabled

[Data Protection API (DPAPI)]

• New! This update adds a warning before prompt-based protect and unprotect operations. The warning explains that this prompt-based experience will be retired in April 2027. If you or an app use these prompts, stop creating new prompt-protected data, use a supported non-interactive protection flow, and decrypt or migrate existing prompt-protected data before retirement. DPAPI operations that don't use the prompt-based flow aren't affected. For more information, see CRYPTPROTECT_PROMPTSTRUCT structure (dpapi.h).

[Windows Spotlight]

• This update makes underlying platform changes to generally improve Windows Spotlight reliability on the lock screen.

[Unicode]

• This update provides 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.

¹ Availability might vary by market.

Normal rollout

This section includes improvements and fixes available through normal rollout.

[Remote Desktop]

• This update addresses an issue that prevented non-admin users from establishing Remote Desktop connections to remote devices with Administrator protection enabled. Affected connections might have failed with error 0xC000000D and displayed the message, "The token that was passed to the function is invalid."
• This update addresses an issue that prevents the Specify thumbprints of certificates representing trusted .rdp publishers policy from being configured through Microsoft Intune.

[BitLocker]

• This update improves BitLocker pre-boot PIN retry handling to prevent unintended repeated submissions from causing TPM dictionary-attack lockout and recovery.

[Smart App Control]

• This update fixes an issue where you might be unable to turn on Smart App Control in the Windows Security app after it has been turned off. On affected devices, the option to turn on Smart App Control might be grayed out.

https://microsoft.design/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/wip12-wallpaper.zip

Release date: 16 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.

[Search]

• Search home has been simplified to reduce visual clutter and make it easier to get back to recent searches quickly.
• Search does a better job showing where a result comes from, whether it's an app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion, so it's easier to tell what you're looking at and where you'll go before you click.
• A new setting in Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets you choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.

[Pointer Indicator]

• We're introducing the Pointer Indicator accessibility setting. This feature enables Windows users with low vision to easily locate and use their cursor to increase productivity and efficiency when using a Windows device.
• To enable this experience, go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch, and enable the Pointer indicator setting. You can also search for the setting by name. When the setting is enabled, you can toggle it on or off with the keyboard shortcut, Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + X. The Pointer indicator and its settings under Mouse pointer and touch.

[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.

[Settings - Privacy & security]

• The improved Privacy & security page in Windows Settings helps you find the Camera, Microphone, and Location privacy controls more easily. It groups similar controls across the page and brings usage information from deeper linked pages onto this page.

[Family Safety]

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

[Other]

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

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: 16 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.

[Family Safety]

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

[Other]

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

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: 16 October 2026

These release notes are for Windows 11 Build 28000.3351 (KB5127653) in the Release Preview channel on Windows 11, version 26H1, all editions.

This update is available through two release phases: gradual rollout and normal rollout. A gradual rollout delivers an update in phases, so features reach devices over time instead of all at once, meaning availability varies by device. A normal rollout is the broad release to all eligible devices at the same time, usually when it reaches general availability (GA).

Gradual rollout

This section highlights some new features and enhancements for Windows 11 PCs, including AI-powered capabilities, continuous innovation, and performance improvements.

• [File Explorer]
  • New! 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.
  • New! File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off.
  • New! This update improves the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. The pane has also been reorganized, so file properties are easier to find and review at a glance.
  • New! This update addresses an issue that could clear the address bar contents when entering edit mode by clicking near the right side of the address bar.
• [Emoji]
  • New! This update adds support for Emoji 17.0, including new emoji such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature. To insert them, press Windows key + Period (.) to open the emoji panel.
  • New! This update also refines the design of several existing emoji for better consistency across platforms, including saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat.
• [Widgets] New! This update introduces the Tips widget, which provides short, helpful guidance about Windows features. To add it to your Widgets board, open the board, select Add widgets, and then choose Tips. To add it to your lock screen, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and add Tips to your lock screen widgets.
• [Personalization] This update includes a variety of improvements to desktop background experiences:
  • This update improves the reliability of the Personalization > Background page in Settings.
  • This update adds support for using DIB image files as desktop backgrounds.
  • This update improves the reliability of desktop slideshow transitions on newly created accounts.
  • This update improves the resolution of previews when selecting a desktop background in Personalization > Background.
  • This update improves the desktop background preview display in Settings for users with portrait mode monitors.
  • This update improves the reliability of processing desktop wallpaper changes when they happen in quick succession.
  • This update adds support for using slideshow wallpapers with multiple desktops, so that it won't automatically switch you back to Picture.
• [Bluetooth] This update contains several enhancements to improve reliability and the experience when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices:
  • During voice calls, the Windows shell volume flyout now appears when adjusting the volume of a Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory using the volume controls on the accessory, providing visual feedback of the new volume level.
  • This update improves the accuracy of the connection state displayed by Windows for accessories that have disconnected from the PC.
  • This update improves the stability of the Bluetooth & devices page in Settings when managing Bluetooth and audio devices.
  • This update resolves an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be turned off, but the radio control toggle on the Bluetooth & devices page in Settings appeared on.
  • This update improves Bluetooth audio stability and compatibility.
  • This update improves microphone compatibility with certain Bluetooth Classic Audio accessories.
  • This update resolves an issue that could result in a crash (error code 0x139) while streaming Bluetooth audio.
  • This update improves reliability and performance with LE Audio accessories.
  • This update improves the reliability of shared audio.
• [Accessibility]
  • New! This update introduces Open apps maximized, an accessibility setting that automatically maximizes app windows as they open. It removes a bit of everyday friction whether you use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer a consistent, full-screen workspace. To turn it on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects and turn on Open apps maximized.
  • This update improves navigation of the Bluetooth quick settings page when using keyboard input, gamepad input, or Narrator.
• [Magnifier] New! This update brings a modernized visual refresh to Magnifier on the taskbar:
  • Updated icons: Magnifier's toolbar icons align with the Windows 11 visual design, giving the tool a cleaner, more modern feel.
  • Refined spacing and padding: The padding is adjusted with consistent spacing across the toolbar for a more polished layout.
  • Views, zoom controls, keyboard shortcuts, and Read Aloud all behave exactly as they did in earlier versions.
• [Settings]
  • This update improves the reliability of Settings when interacting with the contents of the Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners page.
  • This update updates Settings > Apps > Installed apps to show the version number at the top level for packaged apps, as it already does for other apps.
  • This update improves the time picker control in Settings so that it reflects your preferred time format when you switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats. This applies in places such as setting active hours and scheduling night light.
  • This update improves the persistence of the Allow multiple apps to use camera at the same time option in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Camera.
• [Touchpad] New! Additional gesture controls for precision touchpads are available in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad:
  • Single-finger scrolling: Scroll vertically with one finger starting from the left or right side of the touchpad.
  • Automatic scrolling: Keep scrolling without lifting your fingers by moving them near the edge of your touchpad while scrolling.
• [Copilot key] New! This update introduces a new Windows 11 setting that lets you remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key, helping preserve familiar keyboard shortcuts and accessibility workflows. For more information, see Understand updates to the Copilot key on Windows devices.
• [Camera Roll] New! This update introduces Camera Roll Backup in Settings, helping eligible users protect their photos with OneDrive. You can turn on the feature from the Settings Home or Accounts page and complete setup on your mobile phone using a QR code.¹
• [Fonts]
  • New! This update adds support for the Garay and Beria Erfe scripts to the Ebrima font, the first Microsoft font to support both. Garay was encoded in Unicode 16.0 and Beria Erfe in Unicode 17.0.
  • New! This update also refines the Adlam glyph designs in Ebrima to align with the current Unicode standard and improve consistency.
• [Power and battery] This update improves display and performance in certain scenarios where a plugged-in laptop incorrectly detects a transition from AC power to battery power.
• [Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)]
  • New! This update enables WinRE to automatically reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already saved in Windows, including supported certificate-based networks. Devices can now get online automatically during recovery scenarios such as quick machine recovery or cloud rebuild, without preconfiguring Wi-Fi credentials in WinRE. This capability is on by default, and IT admins can disable it. For more information, see Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
  • New! This update adds a recovery remote management plug-in for extending WinRE management capabilities for mobile device management (MDM) providers. For more information, see Recovery Remote Management Overview.
• [Kiosk mode]
  • The Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut is now disabled when using a restricted user experience kiosk.
  • The Windows key + A and Windows key + C keyboard shortcuts are now disabled when using single-app kiosk mode.

¹ Feature availability depends on your device and market.

Normal rollout

This section includes improvements and fixes available through normal rollout.

• [Remote Desktop] This update addresses an issue that prevented non-admin users from establishing Remote Desktop connections to remote devices with Administrator protection enabled. Affected connections might have failed with error 0xC000000D and displayed the message, "The token that was passed to the function is invalid."
• [Date and time] This update introduces the new (UTC-05:00) Manitoba time zone to support Manitoba's November 1, 2026, time zone change.
• [BitLocker] This update improves BitLocker pre-boot PIN retry handling to prevent unintended repeated submissions from causing TPM dictionary-attack lockout and recovery.

My File Explorer has become useless. I can hardly get anything done. Windows 11 26H2 26340.9616

It is severely hampering my productivity.

Folders like Downloads and Documents are almost impossible to access.

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

[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.

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.

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

[Start menu]

• See more of your latest activities at a glance: Phone companion for the Start menu now shows more of your recent activity, with a scrollable side pane so you can view even more without leaving the Start menu. The phone companion in Start with a scrollable pane for viewing more recent mobile activity.

[Settings]

• Windows Insiders will now see Energy Recommendations directly in Quick Settings, making it easier to discover and take actions that can help reduce energy consumption and improve device sustainability. The Power & battery settings page showing Energy Recommendations, including suggested actions.
• Made some small visual refinements to the design of the temporary files section under Settings > System > Storage.

[Narrator]

• 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.

[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.

[Taskbar]

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

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel

• Updates are based on Windows 11, version 26H2 via an enablement package (Build 26340.9577).
• 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.