Windows 11 rolls out more ads in Settings and improves File Explorer (preview)

Windows 11 build 22635.3858
Windows 11 build 22635.3858 / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • Microsoft pushes two new previews, including Windows 11 build 26244 and build 22635.3858 in the Canary and Beta Channels.
  • These previews roll out several changes for the Settings app, Windows Backup feature, File Explorer, and more. 

Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 build 26244 in the Canary Channel, as well as build 22635.3858 as the update KB5039327 in the Beta Channel as small updates with various improvements and change for existing features.

According to the company, Windows 11 build 26244 rolled out the new “Game Pass” card to promote its gaming service to users who actively play games on their computer and other changes for the Settings app. This build also improves the Windows Backup feature.

In the Beta Channel, build 22635.3858 (KB5039327) introduces changes that allow the File Explorer to show when a window has multiple tabs in the Alt + Tab and Task View interface. The Windows Share removes the search box, improves the “End Task” option, and updates the Run dialog to follow the text scaling settings.

Windows 11 build 26244 new changes

As part of the changes rolling out in the Canary Channel, build 26244 is rolling out:

Settings app

On the home page, if the system detects users actively playing games, they will soon see the new “Game Pass” ads to promote Microsoft’s gaming service.

In the Accounts section, if you’re signed in with a Microsoft account, then you will notice a new “Add now” button to add a recovery email to your account. If you’re using a local account, this option won’t appear.

Also, starting on Windows 11 build 26244, the system will redirect the “Fonts” page from the legacy Control Panel to the “Fonts” page in the modern Settings app.

Windows Backup

On Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup, if you choose to back up “Personalization” and “Other Windows” settings, the system will also back up your sound settings, and they will restore them through the recovery process.

This preview also ships with a few fixes and known issues for Windows Update, Taskbar Manager, and Voice Typing.

Windows 11 build 22635.3858 new changes

As part of the Beta Channel, Windows 11 22635.3858 (KB5039327) pushes the following changes.

File Explorer

When using the Alt + Tab and Task View experiences, the thumbnail for the File Explorer will now show if the window has multiple tabs similar to the thumbnail preview in the Taskbar.

Windows Share

The ability to share files remains the same, but the interface now removes the search box.

Taskbar

When terminating an app with the “End Task” option, you will no longer see a “Not Responding” message before ending the task since it’s redundant for the action.

Run command

The Run command is getting a small update, so it now follows the text calling when choosing the text size from the Settings app.

This update also fixes several issues with the File Explorer, including the OneDrive icon rendering problems. It also fixes issues with Voice Typing, Taskbar, graphics card idling, high processor usage, and more.

Furthermore, the company warns of some known issues with the Start menu, Text input, and Widgets.

Install builds

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in the Beta or Canary Channels through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].