Builds 29576 and 28200.1873 for Windows 11 26H1 and Feature Platforms with new features

Windows 11 builds 29576 and 28200.1873 roll out in the Experimental experience for version 26H1 and Feature Platforms.
This update introduces new Sound and Storage settings, brings Point-in-time restore, and improves the Task Manager.
In the Feature Platforms experience, Windows 11 is getting Xbox mode, Voice Typing UI changes, storage improvements, and more.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11 build 29576 for version 27H2 (Feature Platforms) and Windows 11 build 28200.1873 for version 26H1 in the Canary channel, delivering another incremental update with new features and fixes.

According to the official changelog, “Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (29576)” introduces improvements to the “Sound” settings. It brings the Point-in-time restore feature to this channel and rolls out improvements to the Task Manager.

As part of build 28200.1873 (Experimental experience for version 26H1), the company is rolling out the Xbox mode feature, with changes to Voice Typing, Storage settings improvements, and more.

Windows 11 build 29576

In the Experimental experience for Feature Platforms, the company is rolling out:

Sound settings changes

Microsoft is refining the audio experience in the latest Windows 11 preview build, with a series of improvements focused on simplifying access to advanced sound settings and improving visibility in the Settings app.

On the “Sound” settings page, the volume slider has been redesigned. When audio is actively playing, the interface now clearly reflects that activity by displaying playback status alongside the slider, making it easier to understand output behavior at a glance.

For users with compatible hardware, Windows 11 now exposes a new hardware acceleration option directly in the device’s “Properties” under the “Advanced” section. This removes the need for deeper system navigation and brings performance-related controls closer to where they are needed.

Microsoft has also streamlined access to legacy audio features. Exclusive mode controls, which previously required opening the Control Panel, are now available directly within each audio device’s “Advanced properties” page. This makes it easier for users who rely on low-latency or application-exclusive audio routing.

Another notable improvement is the integration of adaptive communication sound behavior. The setting that automatically lowers system volume during calls or communication activity is now available directly in Settings, eliminating the need to access the classic Control Panel interface.

Finally, the operating system now ensures consistency in audio device configuration. The option to set a device as the default communication output will always appear in “Properties,” even if the device is already set as default. Instead of disappearing, the option will now be shown in a disabled state, improving clarity and reducing confusion.

Point-in-time restore

Point-in-time restore is a new recovery feature in the operating system designed to quickly return your device to a previous working state. It helps reduce downtime and makes troubleshooting easier when something goes wrong.

Point-in-time Restore from WinRE

With this option, you can roll back your system to an earlier point in time, restoring your apps, settings, and user files to how they were at that moment. This can be especially useful during system outages, failed updates, or unexpected issues. You can access it from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) under the “Troubleshoot” menu.

Task Manager changes

In Task Manager, Microsoft is introducing new improvements that give users deeper visibility into system performance and security-related activity.

For devices with an NPU, Task Manager now includes optional NPU and NPU Engine columns across the “Processes,” “Users,” and “Details” pages. The Details page also adds “NPU Dedicated Memory” and “NPU Shared Memory” columns, helping you better understand how AI workloads use system resources. If your GPU includes neural engines, these will now appear on the Performance page for a more complete view of AI processing activity.

Microsoft is also adding a new “Isolation” column in the “Processes” and “Details” pages. This makes it easier to see which apps are running inside an “AppContainer,” improving transparency around app isolation.

Once these updates are available, you can enable the new columns by right-clicking any column header in Task Manager and selecting them from the menu.

Windows 11 build 28200.1873

As part of the Windows 11 build 28200.1873, Microsoft rolls out general improvements and fixes to improve the overall experience.

Xbox mode new feature

Xbox mode is now rolling out to regular PCs running Windows 11, bringing a console-style experience to laptops, desktops, and tablets.

The feature has been designed around the Xbox app interface, and this full-screen mode prioritizes your games while reducing background activity and distractions. It’s built for a more relaxed, controller-first experience, letting you jump in and play without the usual desktop clutter.

You can enable Xbox mode from Settings > Gaming > Xbox mode by turning on the “Enable Xbox mode” toggle switch.

Voice Typing UI changes

Voice Typing with the touch keyboard is being updated to feel more streamlined and intuitive.

The full-screen overlay has been removed and replaced with subtle voice-typing animations displayed directly on the dictation key. This creates a more compact experience and helps reduce visual distractions while you type by voice.

Keyboard for Voice Typing / Image: Microsoft

Storage improvements

Storage management on Windows 11 is getting two key improvements aimed at performance and usability.

First, navigating to storage details on large drives is now faster. This applies when going to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes, where performance has been improved for smoother loading and interaction.

Second, the “Storage” page in Settings has been updated to reduce unnecessary prompts. Instead of showing a User Account Control (UAC) prompt immediately when opening the page, the system will now only request elevation when you choose to view temporary files. This makes the experience less interruptive while still protecting sensitive actions.

Network fixes

An issue has been fixed where Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage was showing unusually large or unrealistic values in recent Insider builds.

Other

Performance has been improved when launching startup apps after boot. This applies to apps listed under Settings > Apps > Startup, helping them open more quickly when your device starts.

Other details

It’s important to clarify that Windows 11 26H1 is not a feature update for existing devices. The software giant has explicitly confirmed that version 26H1 is not an upgrade path for computers running Windows 11 25H2 or any earlier release.

This release is designed exclusively for new ARM64 hardware and will ship only on next-generation computers, starting with devices powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus, Elite, and Extreme processors. Systems based on Intel or AMD platforms will never receive Windows 11 26H1 through Windows Update or any other supported upgrade channel.

Preview build download

To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your devices in the Experimental experience 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.