In this article, we will talk about the latest Preview Build for Windows 11 26H2 in the Dev Channel, which is the Build 26300.9032.
Windows 11, version 26H2 represents Microsoft’s yearly second half major update as part of their standard annual Windows 11 update cadence. As Windows 11, version 26H2 shares the same servicing branch as Windows 11, version 25H2, the update is implemented through an enablement package (eKB). This means your device will be updated to the next version through a single restart – providing a familiar, fast, and reliable update experience.
Devices already enrolled in the Experimental channel will begin seeing their versioning updated to version 26H2 under Settings > System > About (and winver). If you are in the Beta channel and would like to switch to the Experimental, you can easily do so under Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Remember, you can easily switch back to Beta at any time, without having to do a full Windows reinstall.
Not currently enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and wanting to preview version 26H2? Register for WIP selecting the Dev channel, while it’s transitioning to Experimental. Once the transition is complete, the new channel name to preview version 26H2 will appear as Experimental.
New Certificate Renewal
- This build includes the renewed Windows Insider flight certificate. Windows Insider Preview builds use flight certificates that are renewed periodically to help ensure Insider devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. The current flight certificate expires on August 11, 2026, so please update your device to this build or a later one containing the renewed flight certificate before that date.
- For more information, see aka.ms/WIPCertExpiry.
New Search Indexing Toggle
- Windows Search can now automatically expand its indexing scope based on your activity, using signals like recent files and frequently accessed locations. This helps ensure that relevant files across your device are discoverable without requiring manual indexing configuration.
- To manage this feature, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
New Start Menu Phone Notifications Hover
- Get more from your latest activities: Hover over a recent message or notification in the Recent section to preview its content directly in Start. There’s no need to pick up your phone or open the item to see what’s new.
- Whether you’re checking a message or deciding if a notification needs attention, these updates make it easier to stay informed and keep your focus.
New Settings App Search
Microsoft has improved search in the Settings app to help you discover and navigate to settings more quickly. Search now surfaces results from more areas within Settings, with improved ranking to help relevant settings appear higher in results.
New File Explorer Feature
File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off.
File Explorer Fixes
- We’ve addressed an issue that caused the address bar contents to be cleared when entering edit mode by clicking near the right end of the bar.
- We’ve improved the reliability of File Explorer when dragging files to a disconnected network drive.
- This update addresses an issue where files stored on a DFS mapped drive could be incorrectly treated as originating from the internet after the device started while disconnected from the network and later reconnected. This could cause File Explorer’s Preview pane to display the message, “The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer,” or cause files copied from the DFS drive to receive an unexpected Mark of the Web.
New Print UI
New Adaptive Hibernate Policy
Updates to the adaptive hibernate policy increase instances of instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and increase battery preservation at the low end of the battery. Noticeable changes include less hibernation while the battery is above 80% and hibernating sooner when the battery is below 10%.
Start Menu Fix
Fixed an issue causing the Start menu to crash for some Insiders recently when dragging apps.
Taskbar Fix
Fixed a recent issue where, when the taskbar was in an overflow state, hovering over the preview thumbnail for an app window in the overflow area would immediately dismiss it.
Windows Spotlight Improvement
Made some underlying changes to help improve reliability for Windows Spotlight on the lock screen.
Storage Fix
This update fixes an issue that affects File History automatic backups to network shares using Server Message Block (SMB). Backups didn’t work because Windows showed a false “invalid credentials” error when connecting to SMB shares.
For more information about this Build, you can check this article from the Microsoft Blog.
For a more in-depth presentation of the New Build, you can watch the video below from the youtube channel.
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