Microsoft has released two new preview builds for Windows 11, version 26H1, targeting users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program's Beta and Experimental channels. The updates, identified as build 28020.2818 for the Beta channel and build 28120.2824 for the Experimental channel, bring a series of incremental refinements to the operating system's interface and underlying recovery tools.
Among the notable changes is an update to the Windows Recovery Environment, which now features networking capabilities that allow the system to automatically utilize eligible Wi-Fi profiles previously saved in Windows 11. This addition aims to streamline the recovery process for users who need to connect to known networks during troubleshooting scenarios.
Personalization options have also received attention in these builds. Users can now utilize DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and benefit from improvements to the background settings page. Additionally, the system now supports slideshow configurations across multiple displays, providing more flexibility for users with multi-monitor setups.
File Explorer has been updated to preserve the state of its home page sections, meaning that expanded or collapsed categories will remain in their chosen state between sessions. Other interface adjustments include refined spacing and padding for the Magnifier tool, updated icons, and the inclusion of Emoji 17.0 support.
The company has temporarily removed the modernized Print Management experience to allow for further refinement based on user feedback. While the updated interface is currently unavailable, the standard Print Management tools remain fully functional for all users. Microsoft intends to reintroduce the modernized version in a future build once additional improvements are implemented.
While both channels share the majority of these updates, the Experimental channel build 28120.2824 includes an exclusive change regarding the first launch reliability of the new WinUI-based Run dialog. Both builds also incorporate general reliability improvements to the Taskbar to ensure a more stable user experience.