- Builds 28120.3181 and 28020.3112 are rolling out to the Beta and Experimental channels for Windows 11 version 26H1 with a small set of improvements, fixes, and features.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 28120.3181 and 28020.3172 for version 26H1 via the Beta and Experimental channels in the Windows Insider Program. These flights introduce a small set of improvements, fixes, and features.
According to the official notes (Beta) and Experimental, Windows 11 build 28120.3181 for version 26H1 (Experimental) introduces a redesigned Windows Search experience built with WinUI 3, along with new inline actions that let users change settings and perform tasks directly from Search. Search also gets better at understanding typos and synonyms.
The build expands Windows Narrator’s math reading and navigation capabilities, making equations easier to read and explore for users who are blind or have low vision. Math support now covers six languages and extends to supported content in Microsoft Edge and Chrome.
Windows 11 build 28020.3172 is also rolling out in the Beta channel as part of the 26H1 development. This update contains a small set of general improvements and fixes, without introducing any notable new features.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28120.3181 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Windows Search gets AI integration
Also in the Beta channel, Windows Search is getting a new WinUI 3 experience that promises faster, more efficient results with a cleaner design that makes information easier to scan. The bigger change is inline actions, which let you perform tasks directly from Search, including turning on dark mode or Bluetooth, adjusting screen brightness, muting the device, or arranging windows.
Search is also getting better at understanding what you mean, with improved matching for typos and synonyms. Microsoft will continue fine-tuning these improvements over the coming weeks.
The initial release supports English only, and you’ll need to restart your device after installing the build before the New Windows Search Experience feature flag appears.
Narrator gets expanded math reading support
Windows Narrator is getting a more natural way to read and explore math equations, making it easier for users who are blind or have low vision to work with formulas, scientific notation, and other STEM content.
In supported Microsoft 365 apps such as Word and PowerPoint, the feature can read equations as structured expressions instead of announcing each symbol individually. For example, it reads fractions with the numerator and denominator together.
A new math navigation mode also lets users explore an equation one part at a time.
Press “Narrator key + Alt + N,” then use the arrow keys to move through fractions, exponents, roots, and other elements.
Press “Esc” to exit the mode. Math reading works immediately after installing the build, with no additional download or setup required. Turn on Narrator with the “Windows key + Ctrl + Enter” keyboard shortcut, then open a supported document containing an equation. Math reading settings also let users customize the speech style and navigation preferences.
Microsoft is expanding the feature to six languages, including English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Traditional Chinese, Finnish, German, and Spanish.
Math reading also now works with supported web content in Microsoft Edge Stable 153.0.4234.32 and later and Chrome Stable 153.0.8010.18 and later. The feature is rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders, so it may not be available to everyone immediately.
Other fixes
Windows 11 build 26340.9616 also introduces some smaller fixes and improvements:
- Taskbar: Improved how settings persist across multiple monitors when displays are connected or disconnected.
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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