What's new in the Windows 11 Insider builds for 18 September 2026
- Windows 11, version 26H2
- Build 26340.9212
- Build 26300.9032
Maya Reyes3 min readQuick answer
The latest Windows 11 Insider preview builds introduce a redesigned File Explorer context menu, support for Emoji 17.0, and automatic Wi-Fi profile reuse in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). These updates also include modern toolbar updates for Magnifier, phone notifications in the Start menu, and the removal of the WMIC command-line tool.
Microsoft continues testing new features and quality updates across preview channels for Windows 11, version 26H2. Recent builds, including Experimental Preview Build 26340.9212 and Build 26300.9032, bring user interface refinements, system app improvements, and targeted bug fixes aimed at improving daily OS reliability. These releases affect enrolled participants testing pre-release software ahead of public availability.
Understanding what is included in these flight updates helps you decide whether to update your test device or remain on a stable build. From context menu customization in File Explorer to enhanced recovery networking and power management tweaks, these builds cover key core areas of Windows 11.
Highlights
- Redesigned File Explorer context menu: Microsoft introduced an updated context menu in File Explorer designed to feel faster and cleaner, reducing top-level clutter and adding a Settings experience for menu customization.
- Support for Emoji 17.0: The emoji panel (Windows key + Period) now features Emoji 17.0 additions such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature, along with visual adjustments to existing emoji like saluting face and goose.
- WinRE Wi-Fi profile reuse: The Windows Recovery Environment can automatically reuse saved Wi-Fi profiles from the main Windows OS—including certificate-based networks—allowing machines to connect during recovery workflows without entering passwords manually.
- Modernized Magnifier toolbar: Magnifier features an updated toolbar with refreshed icons aligned with Windows 11 design guidelines, along with adjusted padding and layout spacing.
- Phone Link previews in Start: Users can hover over recent messages or notifications within the Start menu's Recent section to preview content directly without opening the phone companion app.
- Automatic search scope expansion: Windows Search can automatically expand its indexing scope based on activity signals such as recent files and frequently accessed folders under Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
- Adaptive hibernate policy tweaks: Updates to power policy increase instant-on resumes from Modern Standby, reducing hibernation above 80% battery and triggering hibernation sooner when battery falls below 10%.
- Get Started app redesign: The Get Started app includes updated pages covering app installation, web site pinning, and personalized theme configuration.
- Camera Roll Backup entry points: New setup entry points on Settings > Home and Accounts enable automatic backup of phone photos and videos to OneDrive.
- WMIC command-line removal: Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) has been removed from these builds as part of its ongoing deprecation.
Known issues
Microsoft reports no known issues for this update.
Should you install it?
These Insider builds are intended for technical enthusiasts, developers, and early adopters who want to preview upcoming functionality and report feedback to Microsoft. If you rely on your computer for critical daily work or require guaranteed system stability, you should refrain from installing experimental preview builds and remain on retail servicing versions of Windows 11.
For active testing devices, these builds provide useful early access to user interface updates and networking enhancements. However, because features in early channels are delivered via Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology and may be modified, replaced, or removed in future flights, installation should be restricted to secondary hardware or virtual machines.
How to get it
Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System
To check for and install the latest preview builds on an enrolled device, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
- Navigate to the Windows Update section in the left sidebar.
- Click the Check for updates button to scan for available build flights.
- When Build 26340.9212 or Build 26300.9032 appears, select Download & install.
- Restart your computer when prompted to finish applying the update.
If your device is not enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, click Get started, connect your registered Microsoft account, and choose your preferred channel. Preview builds are delivered through Windows Update rather than standalone installers on the Microsoft Update Catalog. If an update fails to download or install, run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Settings to resolve common update service issues.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch Insider channels in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, select Choose your Insider settings, and select the channel you want. Note that moving away from Experimental (Future Platforms) requires a clean reinstallation of Windows 11.
Where do I customize the new File Explorer context menu?
The updated context menu experience includes a new Settings page within the menu interface that allows you to control which options appear when right-clicking.
Why was WMIC removed from Windows 11?
Microsoft removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) as part of its ongoing deprecation and retirement of the tool across Windows.
How do I turn on hidden Insider features manually?
Insiders in the Experimental channel can manage unreleased or controlled features by going to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags.
Checked against Microsoft's release notes on ; re-checked when a new build ships.
Covers Windows 11 update releases and the problems that follow them. Tracks Microsoft's release-health notes daily and flags known issues the same day they appear.
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