When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has been diligently releasing several preview builds of Windows 11 throughout early May 2026. While these updates may not have introduced a plethora of new features, they have focused on refining existing functionalities to enhance user experience.
During the first half of May, notable updates included a revamped Run dialog with a contemporary design, enhancements to File Explorer, a refreshed Widgets experience aimed at minimizing distractions, and the reinstatement of the ability to reposition the Taskbar anywhere on the screen.
Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in May 2026
Here are the most significant updates from Microsoft since the last overview:
1. Taskbar position settings
With the release of build 26300.8493 in the Experimental channel, Microsoft has reintroduced the option to change the Taskbar’s location. Users can now position the Taskbar at the top, left, or right edges of the screen, rather than being confined to the bottom. This setting can be found under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, within the “Taskbar behaviors” section.
Interestingly, each position option provides a live view of the current desktop wallpaper. While most existing features remain functional, such as the ability to ungroup and label apps, some aspects, including touch gestures and the search box, are still being refined.
2. Modern Run dialog
Starting with build 26300.8346, Windows 11 has unveiled a modernized design for the Run dialog. This updated interface aligns more closely with Windows 11’s overall aesthetic, featuring semi-transparent and blurred elements, rounded corners, and support for both light and dark modes. Although it retains the core functionalities of its predecessor, the new design is slightly longer and limited to the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Share interface with suggestions
Microsoft is enhancing the Windows Share interface by incorporating app suggestions for Azure Active Directory users. Previously, suggestions were exclusive to Microsoft account holders, but this expansion allows AAD users to discover and install apps without relying on the Microsoft Store. Users can disable these suggestions in Settings > System > Nearby Sharing.
4. File Explorer improvements
Throughout May, several enhancements have been made to File Explorer, addressing issues such as the grey flash on load and unexpected scrolling on the Home page. Improvements have also been made to the “Favorites” section and thumbnail displays in the “Recommended” section. Additionally, the address bar now better supports paths with double backslashes and quotation marks, and the suggestion flyout should close more reliably after an item is selected.
5. Widgets changes
To create a less distracting experience, Microsoft has adjusted the default settings for Widgets. Starting with build 26300.8346, Widgets will no longer open on hover, and Taskbar badges will be disabled by default. Alerts will also be limited until the app is opened, promoting a quieter interaction.
6. Windows Search box with improved results
In an effort to enhance the search experience, the search interface from the Taskbar will now prioritize apps and files over web results, beginning with build 26300.8493. This adjustment ensures that users see relevant local results first, with web results appearing below them.
7. New spinner design for core experiences
The rollout of build 26300.8493 introduces a unified donut-style spinner animation for various core experiences, including boot, login, restart, shutdown, and Windows Update. This modern design replaces the previous dots indicator, providing a more consistent user experience.
8. Touchpad gesture controls
Beginning with build 26300.8376, new precision touchpad gestures have been introduced, allowing users to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. Features such as automatic scrolling and accelerated scrolling have been added to enhance usability, enabling smoother navigation through documents and web pages.
9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade
Microsoft is rolling out a new upgrade path for eligible K-12 organizations, allowing them to transition devices from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro Education at no additional cost. This initiative aims to facilitate the acquisition of more affordable devices that can later be integrated into managed school environments.
10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility
In build 28020.1921, the Task Manager has been updated to include enhancements related to devices utilizing Neural Processing Units (NPUs). New columns for “NPU” and “NPU Engine” have been added to the “Processes,” “Users,” and “Details” tabs, improving visibility into AI workloads.
11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard
The touch keyboard experience has been refined with an updated Voice Typing integration, replacing the full-screen overlay with a new Voice Typing button featuring animations directly on the dictation key.
12. Windows Update overhaul
Starting with build 28020.2134, significant changes to the Windows Update system have been introduced. Users can now skip updates during the initial setup process and pause updates indefinitely, albeit in 35-day blocks. The Power menu in the Start menu has also been updated to allow independent restarts or shutdowns, regardless of updates.
13. Shared Audio feature
On Windows 11 build 29591, the new “Shared Audio” feature enables two users to listen to the same audio stream from a single computer using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. This feature can be accessed through the Quick Settings flyout, allowing users to select two connected devices for shared audio playback.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s commitment to addressing user feedback and enhancing the overall experience of Windows 11. By focusing on refining existing features rather than solely pursuing new ones, the company aims to create a more seamless and user-friendly operating system.
