Build 26300.8553 for Windows 11 26H2 adds resizable Start menu and system tweaks

Windows 11 build 26300.8553 (Experimental) introduces Small, Large, and Automatic Start menu layouts with more customization controls.
Windows Search now supports substring matching to find files using partial words inside file names or content.
Microsoft improved the Taskbar for alternative positions, adding visual fixes and new touch swipe support.
Build 26220.8544 (Beta) adds Windows Ready Print controls and new modern “donut” loading spinners across system experiences.

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26300.8553) for version 26H2 via the Experimental experience in the Windows Insider Program. This flight introduces new features and improvements for existing features, as well as various fixes as part of the Windows K2 initiative.

According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 26300.8553 includes a new, more customizable Start menu, with an option to change its size.

Also, this preview rolls out new changes to Windows Search and fixes for the Taskbar.

In addition, the company is rolling out the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26220.8544) to the Beta experience, with visual improvements and changes for Windows Search and Windows Ready Print.

Although these changes are part of development for version 26H2, the operating system will continue to report version 25H2 in Settings for now. Microsoft will update the version number closer to the official release.

What’s new on Windows 11 build 26300.8553 (Experimental)

These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental Channel:

Start menu resize option

Microsoft is adding new size options for the Start menu on Windows 11, allowing users to choose between “Small,” “Large,” and “Automatic” layouts. The new settings make it easier to customize how much content appears on screen.

Start menu new settings / Image: Mauro Huculak

Build 26300.8553 also renames the “Recommended” section to “Recent” across the Start menu and Settings app. In addition, users can now independently show or hide the “Pinned,” “Recent,” and “All” sections.

Start menu smaller layout / Image: Mauro Huculak

Other changes include the option to hide the account name and profile picture in Start, and a redesigned Settings page with new customization controls.

Start menu hide name and picture / Image: Mauro Huculak

Windows Search changes

Windows Search now supports substring matching, making it easier to find files with compound names or text content. For example, users can now type parts of a word, such as “april” or “status,” to locate files such as “MeetingNotesApril” or “ProjectStatusReport.”

This improvement is available in builds 26300.8553 and 26220.8544.

Taskbar improvements

Microsoft is also improving the taskbar experience when using alternate Taskbar positions. This update fixes several visual issues and adds support for touch swipe gestures to reveal the Taskbar in those layouts.

Known issues

As part of the known issues, Microsoft warns that the Reset this PC feature may get stuck during the reset process in build 26300.8553.

What’s new on Windows 11 build 26220.8544 (Beta)

These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Beta channel:

Windows Ready Print adds new install toggle

On build 26220.8544 for the Beta channel, the development team is adding a new Windows Ready Print setting to control how new printers are installed on the system.

The new option appears under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. When enabled, the operating system installs compatible printers by default, using the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) standard to improve reliability and simplify setup.

If the setting is turned off, the system can use other available installation methods instead.

The feature is part of Microsoft’s modern printing platform initiative, now branded as Windows Ready Print, which aims to deliver a more consistent and streamlined printing experience while moving away from legacy third-party printer drivers.

Consistent new spinners across core experiences

Windows 11 build 26220.8544 is also rolling out a unified “donut” style spinner design across key Windows 11 system flows, including Boot, Logon, Restart, Shutdown, and Windows Update. The change replaces legacy loading indicators with a modern, consistent visual language aligned with the current Windows 11 design language.

Old (left) and new (right) loading spinner / Image: Mauro Huculak

Alongside the new spinner style, users will see updated status text such as “Restarting,” “Working on updates,” and “Welcome,” depending on the system state. The goal is to improve visual consistency across core experiences and enhance perceived reliability during system transitions.

Feature flags for build 26300.8553

Here’s a complete list of the flags you can use to enable experimental features on Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Features flags:

Alternate taskbar positions.
Consistent solid (donut) spinners across key Windows scenarios.
Faster reopening of restartable apps.
Fluid Dictation Language Expansion in Voice Access.
Fluid Dictation Language Expansion in Voice Typing.
Free upgrade path to Windows 11 Pro Education for K-12.
Improved Magnifier quick settings access.
Magnifier Simplification.
New Windows Insider Program experience.
Pause updates on your schedule.
Screen Tint.
Show Braille settings by default.
Smaller Taskbar.
Touchpad Enhancements.
Windows Search Box.

Download Windows 11 update 26300.8553

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your Devices in the Experimental or Beta 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.

Do you plan to use the new resizable Start menu on Windows 11?

Yes, I want the Large layout

Yes, I prefer the Small layout

I’ll stick with the Automatic option

No, I’m happy with the current Start menu

Voting closes: June 5, 2026 1:00 pm

Alternatively, you can also download the ISO files from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page. Specific preview builds are available for a limited time only.