IT Home, November 7: On November 6, Microsoft posted a blog inviting members of the Windows Insider Program in the Beta and Experimental channels to test the preview update for Windows 11.
Beta Channel (26H2): Build 26320.9876;
Experimental Channel: Build 26340.9882;
Beta Channel (26H1): Build 28020.3445;
Experimental Channel (26H1): Build 28120.3454;
Experimental (Future Platforms) channel: Build 29704.1000.
IT之家 reports the following progress on Windows 11 improvements:
1. Improved Windows Hello login experience:
The Experimental channel brings improvements to Windows Hello login, making login and unlock behavior more consistent and providing clearer guidance.
Users do not need to wait for facial or fingerprint recognition to complete before entering their PIN—they can immediately try whichever login method is available first. However, in certain scenarios, such as after a device restart, users must enter their PIN first before biometric authentication resumes normally.
2. Experimental (Future Platforms) version:
Over the next few weeks, Insiders on the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel will notice that Microsoft will release an additional weekly build between the regular weekly preview releases.
These intermediate builds are for the latest cumulative update (LCU) only and do not include any new features or workloads; they are primarily used for testing backend flighting and update services. Therefore, Microsoft does not release weekly release notes or blog posts for these updates, but tracks them in Flight Hub.
Version breakdown
Win11 Beta Build 26320.9876
This update is delivered via the eKB package and will upgrade your system to Windows 11 version 26H2, with the build number increased to 26320. This update includes improvements to Windows Search, live subtitles, Game Mode, Windows Hello, System Settings, and File Explorer.
Windows Search introduces a new experience built on WinUI 3, featuring a cleaner interface design and improved search speed and resource efficiency. The new version enables users to perform actions directly from search results, such as enabling dark mode, turning on Bluetooth, adjusting screen brightness, muting devices, and arranging windows. Additionally, the search functionality will enhance its ability to recognize spelling errors and synonyms. Microsoft states that these improvements will continue to be refined over the coming weeks. Initially, this feature supports English only.
The live subtitle feature has been updated. Previously, live subtitles primarily transcribed system audio, with users able to optionally add microphone audio. After the update, users can now independently select system audio, microphone audio, or both for transcription, allowing greater control over subtitle sources based on their specific use case.
In terms of gaming, the Gaming Task View navigation bar in Xbox mode will include a quick settings entry, allowing users to access the full quick settings functionality identical to the Windows taskbar without exiting Xbox mode.
Regarding login experience, the web login feature now supports Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined devices. Previously, this feature supported only Microsoft Entra joined devices. Users can log in using passwordless credentials such as FIDO2 security keys, phone passkeys, or Temporary Access Passes (TAP) from the Windows lock screen. After login, Windows obtains a Kerberos ticket, ensuring continued access to local file shares and internal websites.
Windows Hello facial recognition now includes an automatic screen brightness adjustment feature. In low-light environments, the system can temporarily increase screen brightness to assist users with facial recognition login. Users can enable the “Automatically adjust screen brightness during facial recognition” option by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
In terms of input experience, Microsoft is updating the prompt dialog for enabling Sticky Keys and Filter Keys, allowing users to directly select "Don't show this again" in the dialog to reduce unnecessary operational interruptions.
In terms of system settings, Windows 11 now displays the usage of shared cloud storage space within Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions. Users can view this information under Settings > Accounts > Cloud Storage. Currently, Microsoft does not provide detailed breakdowns of individual family members' usage.
The availability of this feature is tied to the subscription purchase date: subscriptions purchased after October 8, 2026, can access the related information immediately; subscriptions purchased before that date will only gain access after their first renewal on or after May 2, 2027.
In File Explorer, the address bar now supports using ~ to quickly access the user profile folder and its subdirectories; for example, entering ~AppData will directly navigate to the corresponding location.
Experimental Preview Build 26340.9882
This version is based on Windows 11 26H2 and delivered via an enablement package (eKB). This update primarily improves the Windows Hello login experience, live captions, Narrator support for Braille math formulas, and account settings, while also fixing and addressing several known issues.
The Windows Hello login experience has been updated. After the update, users can directly enter their PIN to log in or unlock their device without waiting for facial recognition or fingerprint authentication to complete; the system will prioritize the first successful verification method. However, in certain specific scenarios after a restart, users will still need to enter their PIN first before being able to use biometric authentication normally.
Microsoft has also added login logs for Windows Hello targeted at IT administrators. Administrators can view relevant records in Event Viewer under "Windows Logs" > "Security," where Event ID 4628 logs the user-configured Windows Hello authentication method and the actual login method used, including PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint, or cases where Windows Hello was not used; Event ID 4629 logs failed Windows Hello login attempts. Both event types use the existing Audit Logon audit policy.
Additionally, under the path “Application and Service Logs” > “Microsoft” > “Windows” > “HelloForBusiness” > “Operational,” Event IDs 5010 and 7010 log each Windows Hello sign-in and unlock attempt along with the corresponding results, helping administrators troubleshoot authentication issues.
The live captioning feature has been updated. Previously, this feature primarily transcribed system audio, with users able to optionally add microphone audio. Now, users can independently select system audio, microphone audio, or both for transcription in the live captioning settings. For example, during in-person conversations, you can capture only microphone audio to avoid interference from system playback; when watching videos or attending online meetings, you can choose to transcribe audio played through your computer.
Narrator now supports mathematical formulas on refreshable braille displays. Previously, Narrator already had the ability to read and navigate mathematical formulas; this update extends that experience to refreshable braille displays.
When a narrator reads supported mathematical formulas in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Edge, or Google Chrome, the corresponding mathematical content also appears on connected braille devices, allowing users to explore the formulas tactually while listening to the narrator’s spoken output.
Users can also independently select the braille output format for mathematical formulas without changing the default braille output table. Currently supported formats include Nemeth (default), UEB, CMU, Vietnamese, Swedish, LaTeX, and ASCIIMath, and users can adjust speech language, voice behavior, and navigation preferences in the Narrator Math settings.
Windows settings have also been updated, allowing users to more easily view the benefits and services provided by their Microsoft account, with relevant access points integrated into the system settings.
In terms of input experience, Microsoft is updating the dialog boxes that prompt users to enable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys. Users can now select "Don't show this again" directly in the dialog box to prevent recurring pop-ups from interrupting their workflow.
Microsoft has also confirmed that it is investigating reports from some Windows Insider users regarding an issue with CPU speed display in Task Manager. Some users have found that, after installing recent preview updates, the CPU speed in Task Manager no longer updates automatically.
Beta (26H1) Preview Build 28020.3445
This update primarily brings improvements to Windows Search, Magnifier, and File Explorer.
Windows Search introduces a new experience built on WinUI 3, featuring a cleaner interface design and improved search speed and resource efficiency. The new version allows users to perform actions directly from search results, enabling them to enable dark mode, toggle Bluetooth, adjust screen brightness, mute devices, and arrange windows through Windows Search.
Additionally, Windows Search has improved its ability to recognize misspellings and synonyms, and Microsoft will continue refining these features over the coming weeks. Currently, this new experience is available in English only.
The magnifier feature has received several upgrades. First, the new version supports setting independent zoom levels for each monitor. Previously, the magnifier used a uniform zoom view across multiple monitors, meaning adjusting the zoom level on one monitor could affect others. After the update, each monitor can now be set to an independent zoom level—for example, setting the primary monitor to 300% while keeping another monitor at 150%.
This feature requires users to set multiple monitors to "Extend" mode, rather than "Duplicate" mode, in "Settings" > "System" > "Display." Users can move the mouse pointer to the target monitor and press Win + Plus or Win + Minus to adjust the scaling ratio, or hold Ctrl + Alt and scroll the mouse wheel. Additionally, users can directly set the scaling percentage for each monitor in "Settings" > "Accessibility" > "Magnifier," or drag the Magnifier toolbar to the target monitor for adjustment.
The individual display scaling feature is enabled by default. If users prefer the previous behavior where all displays share the same zoom level, they can disable this feature in the Magnifier toolbar or Accessibility settings.
The magnifier has also added a view lock feature. When users move their mouse between different monitors, the magnified view typically follows the cursor, which can sometimes prevent users from continuously viewing the content they are referencing.
Now, users can move their mouse pointer to the display they want to lock, then press Ctrl + Win + K to lock the current zoomed view of that display. While locked, the screen content remains live and interactive, allowing users to continue viewing, clicking, or copying content. Press the same shortcut key again to unlock, or press Win + Esc to unlock all displays at once.
Users can also change the view lock shortcut to Ctrl + Alt + P in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
Additionally, the magnifier has added a contrast theme toggle to help users reduce screen glare. Users can enable this feature directly from the magnifier toolbar and select their preferred contrast theme in the accessibility settings. The dark theme is enabled by default.
Unlike the traditional color inversion feature, the new contrast theme only adjusts interface colors without altering the original colors of photos, videos, and charts. The original color inversion feature is still available, allowing users to choose whichever option suits their needs.
Regarding File Explorer, Microsoft has further enhanced the preview pane feature. Now, PDF files and non-HTML files downloaded from the internet can automatically display preview content in the File Explorer preview pane.
Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28120.3454
This update primarily improves the Windows Hello facial recognition and security key login experience.
Windows Hello facial recognition now includes an automatic screen brightness adjustment feature. In low-light environments, the system temporarily increases screen brightness to assist users with facial recognition login.
Users can go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Login Options” > “Facial Recognition (Windows Hello)” and enable the “Automatically adjust screen brightness during facial recognition” option. Once enabled, Windows Hello will temporarily increase screen brightness during recognition based on ambient light conditions.
The security key login experience has also been refined. Microsoft updated the security key PIN entry interface by removing the previous "Other users" icon, resulting in a cleaner login interface.
Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29704.1000
This update focuses on enhancing privacy permission management for traditional desktop applications, allowing users to independently control access to the camera, microphone, and location for different apps, while also fixing issues with Windows Update and audio playback.
The biggest change in this update is that Windows 11 now supports individual management of camera, microphone, and location permissions for traditional desktop applications (Win32 apps).
Previously, access to these resources by traditional desktop applications was primarily managed through system-wide settings, making it difficult for users to set permissions individually for each application. After the update, users can view the permission status of each desktop application and grant or deny access on a per-app basis according to their needs.
Users can go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security,” then navigate to the “Camera,” “Microphone,” or “Location” pages to view and manage access permissions for each desktop application.
For applications that have not previously accessed the relevant resources, Windows will display a permission prompt to the user upon their first request. Applications that have already been granted permission will retain access, and those previously denied access will not automatically receive permission. Microsoft emphasizes that this update will not reset existing settings, and users do not need to take any additional action.
In terms of enterprise management, existing enterprise policies will continue to operate as originally designed, and Microsoft is exploring additional management capabilities.
Microsoft also warns that some desktop applications may not appear under the names users are familiar with. For example, programs that rely on shared system components, browser-hosted application experiences, or similar technologies may appear under different names in the permissions list.
If Windows cannot verify the publisher information of an application, some applications may also be labeled as "unsigned." Microsoft recommends that users grant permissions only to applications they know and trust.
Regarding Windows Update, Microsoft has fixed an error some Insider users encountered when upgrading to the latest preview build. Previously, certain devices displayed error code 0x80070057 - 0x20003, indicating that the installer failed during the INSTALL_UPDATES operation in the SAFE_OS phase.
Regarding audio, Microsoft fixed an issue where audio output over HDMI and DisplayPort might not work properly on certain AMD graphics devices after installing recent preview updates.