Microsoft has unveiled its latest Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds, 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at refining user experience and functionality. The 26H2 build notably incorporates automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer, alongside in-app purchase capabilities for elevated WinUI 3 applications within the Microsoft Store.
The 26H1 build mirrors these advancements while addressing a bug that rendered the mouse cursor invisible in certain applications. However, it comes with a caveat: a known compatibility issue may hinder the launch of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for some users.
Modernized AutoPlay Experience
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The AutoPlay dialog has received a significant overhaul, now built with WinUI for a more cohesive look and feel across Windows. This updated interface supports dark mode and enhances responsiveness to text scaling and display settings. Notifications for AutoPlay are conveniently docked in the notification center, ensuring easy access when devices like phones or cameras are connected.
Image: Microsoft The new AutoPlay experience, shown in dark mode.
Accessibility Enhancements
A Simpler Way to Open Apps Maximized
- A new accessibility setting, Open apps maximized, has been introduced, allowing app windows to open in a maximized state automatically. This feature is designed to streamline the user experience, particularly for those utilizing screen readers or magnification tools.
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To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects and enable Open apps maximized. This adjustment aims to provide a more consistent and full-screen workspace.
Image: Microsoft UI showing the new Open apps maximized accessibility setting in Settings.
Feedback: Users are encouraged to share their experiences via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Visual effects.
Managing Permissions for Desktop Apps
- Windows Insiders can now manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, moving away from a single device-wide setting. This update enhances user control over privacy by allowing granular access management on an app-by-app basis.
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Users can review permissions by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, Microphone, or Location. Apps requesting access for the first time will prompt for permission, ensuring transparency in access requests.
Image: Microsoft UI showing the new privacy controls for individual desktop apps in Settings.
What’s Changing
- Users can allow or deny access for each desktop app individually.
- Existing permission decisions remain intact, with no required actions or resets.
File Explorer and Microsoft Store Updates
- The preview pane in File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files downloaded from the web, enhancing file management efficiency.
- The Microsoft Store update facilitates in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps requiring elevation, empowering developers to leverage Microsoft’s integrated commerce platform.
Bug Fixes
- Addressed an issue causing taskbar animations to intermittently function.
- Resolved the visibility issue of the mouse cursor in certain applications.
- Fixed a bug that left Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Flags appearing empty despite available flags.
- Updated Settings > Apps > Installed apps to display version numbers for packaged apps, aligning with existing functionalities for other applications.
Known Issues
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
- A known compatibility issue may prevent Windows Insiders from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS after installing this build. Microsoft is collaborating with the game developer to resolve this, with further details to be shared as they become available.
For those interested in the complete release notes and update history for builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), further information can be accessed through the official channels.
