- Microsoft released Windows 11 builds 28020.2630 (Beta) and 28120.2387 (Experimental) for version 26H1.
- The builds introduce a unified Windows Update experience designed to reduce monthly restarts and improve new touchpad gesture controls.
- Build 28120.2387 improves battery management through an updated adaptive hibernate policy.
- Build 28020.2630 adds new Taskbar customization options, including the ability to move the Taskbar and use a smaller Taskbar size.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 28020.2630 and 28120.2387 for version 26H1 via the Beta and Experimental channels in the Windows Insider Program. These flights introduce improvements for existing features.
According to the official notes (Beta) and Experimental, Windows 11 builds 28020.2630 (Beta) and 28120.2387 (Experimental) introduce the certificate update for Insiders, changes for Windows Update, and touchpad improvements. In addition, both previews include similar fixes.
As part of the changes for build 28120.2387, there’s an updated version of the adaptive hiberate policy to improve battery life. Also, build 28020.2630 brings the ability to change the position and size of the Taskbar.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28120.2387 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Windows Update gets a cleaner monthly update experience
Microsoft is taking another step toward making system updates less disruptive by reducing the number of restarts users face each month. The company is introducing a unified update experience that coordinates driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly quality update, helping consolidate the process into a single monthly reboot instead of multiple interruptions.
The change is designed to make maintenance feel more predictable, while ensuring important updates still arrive without forcing users to restart their PCs repeatedly.
Microsoft is also expanding update pause controls, allowing users to extend update pauses as many times as needed, giving more flexibility when a restart or update installation does not fit into their schedule.
Adaptive hibernate improves battery life
The company is refining the adaptive hibernate policy to better balance responsiveness and battery life.
Computers will now stay in Modern Standby longer when the battery is above 80 percent, allowing for more instant-on resumes, while it will switch to hibernation sooner once the battery drops below 10 percent to help preserve the remaining charge.
Windows 11 adds more control over touchpad gestures
The company is giving laptop users more ways to fine-tune how their touchpad feels with new gesture controls arriving in Settings. The update adds options to adjust scroll and zoom speed, allowing users to set the baseline sensitivity for these common gestures.
The company is also introducing accelerated scrolling, which makes navigating long documents faster by increasing scroll speed when users repeatedly swipe. It’s a small change that can make a big difference when moving through large files, web pages, or reports.
The new gesture improvements should work across most applications, although WinUI 3 apps will require newer WinAppSDK versions to fully support the experience. Microsoft is currently bringing the required changes to WinAppSDK versions 1.8 and 2.0.
Windows Insider flight certificate update
In addition, Microsoft notes that this build renews the Windows Insider flight certificate, which is required for Insider devices to continue receiving preview builds. Since the current certificate expires on August 11, 2026, the company recommends installing this build (or a later one with the renewed certificate) before that date to avoid interruptions to future updates.
Other fixes
In addition, Windows 11 builds 28020.2630 and 28120.2387 also push several fixes and improvements.
- Storage: Fixed an issue where File History automatic backups to SMB network shares failed because Windows incorrectly displayed an “invalid credentials” error when connecting to the share.
- File Explorer: Addressed a problem affecting files stored on DFS mapped drives. If a PC started while disconnected from the network and later reconnected, Windows could incorrectly treat those files as coming from the internet. This could trigger File Explorer’s Preview pane warning that a file “could harm your computer” or add an unexpected Mark of the Web tag to files copied from the DFS location.
- Input: Fixed an issue causing the mouse cursor to repeatedly blink for some Insiders after installing recent preview builds. Microsoft also improved the reliability of voice typing settings, helping preserve preferences for automatic punctuation and the voice typing launcher.
Microsoft is also warning Insiders about a known compatibility issue that could prevent PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS from launching after installing this build. To avoid potential stability problems, the company has placed a safeguard that blocks affected devices from running the game while the company works with the developer on a fix.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28020.2630 (Beta)
Windows 11 build 28020.2630 for version 26H1 in the Beta channel shares most of the improvements available in the Experimental channel, including the certificate update for Insiders, the changes for Windows Update, and the touchpad.
In addition, this build brings the fixes for storage and File Explorer as noted above.
The only difference is the change for the Taskbar, which now includes personalization with two new options, allowing you to move the Taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the screen from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
Taskbar tooltips, flyouts, and animations continue to work in these positions, while most customization options, including never combining taskbar icons, remain available.
Microsoft is also introducing a smaller Taskbar size option designed to free up more screen space, especially on smaller devices. The new setting reduces the Taskbar height and icon size while keeping elements like Start, Search, and the system tray properly scaled.
You can enable it from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size.
Some limitations remain. For example, touch gestures, the Search box, and Ask Copilot support for alternate Taskbar positions are still in development. Auto-hidden and touch-optimized taskbars are not supported yet, and the smaller taskbar option currently works only when the Taskbar is positioned at the top or bottom of the screen.
Download Windows 11 update previews
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.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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