Microsoft tested a broad set of Windows 11 features across eight preview builds during the second half of October 2026. The changes include long-requested customization options, more control over privacy settings, and smaller improvements for accessibility, Windows Hello, search, and gaming.
The most prominent change is a redesigned context menu in build 26220.9757. It adds customization options that let users simplify the right-click interface and choose which commands appear for files and folders. Additional app commands move into a new "App extensions" submenu, while a "Customize menu" option opens a dedicated page under Settings > Personalization. Under "File actions," users can select options such as "Send to," "Print," "Create shortcut," "Copy as path," and "Rotate image." "Send to" and "Print" are also new to the modern context menu design. Users can decide whether the "App extensions" submenu appears, choose which application extensions remain directly accessible, arrange primary commands vertically, and move "Properties" to the bottom. Windows 11 also lets users bring back the "Show more options" entry, and holding Shift while right-clicking still opens the traditional menu.
Build 26340.9767 in the Experimental channel for version 26H2 refreshes the Speed test feature with a native interface in Quick Settings. The feature uses the same backend service as before, but the test now runs within the desktop experience instead of opening Bing in Microsoft Edge. It can also be accessed from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or by right-clicking the network icon and choosing "Test internet speed."
For version 26H1, build 26220.9739 adds Start menu customization. Users can choose a "Small," "Large," or "Automatic" layout under Settings > Personalization > Start using the "Start menu size" option. Microsoft also renames the "Recommended" section to "Recent" in both the Start menu and its Settings page. Users can hide their name and profile picture from Start and independently show or hide the "Pinned," "Recent," and "All" sections through the redesigned Start settings page.
The same build introduces per-app permissions for camera, microphone, and location access in the Privacy & security section of Settings. Users can view and allow or deny access for individual desktop apps, and apps that have not previously accessed a resource will prompt for permission when they first request it. Existing permissions are preserved, so previously allowed apps keep access and denied apps remain blocked. Enterprise policies continue to work as designed, although Microsoft is exploring additional management capabilities. Most desktop apps appear with clear names, but some that rely on shared system components or browser-hosted experiences may appear under unexpected names, and apps with unverified publishers may appear as "Unsigned." Build 28020.3262 later updates the organization of Camera, Microphone, and Location privacy controls.
Quick Settings gains a "Mobile devices" flyout in build 26340.9767. For supported Android phones, users can check battery status, change the ringer, remotely play a sound to find the phone, and enable Do Not Disturb without leaving their workflow.
With XBOX mode enabled, builds 26340.9750 and 26220.9739 introduce an updated Task View interface. It adds a navigation bar with quick access to "Exit to Desktop" and "Power Options" while using a gaming controller.
Windows Hello receives an option in build 26340.9750 that automatically adjusts screen brightness to provide more light during face recognition. Called "Automatically adjust screen brightness during face recognition," it is available under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition.
Build 26220.9739 updates Magnifier with independent zoom levels for each monitor in Extend mode, preventing the magnified view from spilling across screens. Users can set different zoom percentages per display using keyboard shortcuts, Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, or by moving the Magnifier toolbar to the screen they want to adjust. Per-monitor zoom is enabled by default but can be turned off. The update also adds viewport locking, which keeps a monitor's magnified view in place while the pointer moves to another screen. The locked screen remains live and interactive, and users can lock or unlock an individual display with a shortcut or release all locks with Windows key + Esc. Build 28120.3302 adds a contrast theme toggle to Magnifier, with the dark theme applied by default, while preserving the original colors of photos, videos, and charts. Color inversion remains available as a separate feature.
Other changes include a Device Info Card on the Settings Home page in more markets, a new "Rebuild this PC" entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, and a simplified Search home interface with clearer source indicators. A new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets users choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local search results. Build 28020.3262 adds the Pointer Indicator accessibility feature, which can be toggled with Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + X, and an "Include Screen Reader audio" setting for Live Captions that is off by default. Microsoft is also testing a native interface in build 26340.9767 that allows Microsoft 365 subscribers to turn on recurring billing without opening account details in a web browser.
Sources: Windows Central.