- Windows 11 Insider builds 28120.3302 and 28020.3292 for version 26H1 arrive in the Experimental and Beta channels, respectively.
- The Experimental build adds Start menu size controls, per-app camera, microphone, and location permissions, and easier access to Cloud Rebuild.
- Magnifier gains a glare-reducing contrast theme, independent zoom levels for multiple displays, and viewport locking.
- Both builds add Unicode 17.0 support, while Microsoft warns that Recall may be missing or fail to launch on some Copilot+ PCs after a clean installation.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 28120.3302 and 28020.3292 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, both releases add support for Unicode 17.0, improving how Windows displays and shapes newly encoded characters and scripts, including four new writing systems. Microsoft also warns that Recall may be missing or fail to launch on some Copilot+ PCs after a clean installation of either build.
The Experimental build adds several improvements, including more Start menu customization options, individual camera, microphone, and location permissions for desktop apps, and easier access to Cloud Rebuild in Settings.
It also improves File Explorer thumbnails and adds new Magnifier features, including a contrast theme to reduce glare, independent zoom levels for multiple displays, and the ability to lock a magnified view while working across screens.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28120.3302 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Start menu gets more customization options
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.
Build 26220.8925 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.
Other changes include the option to hide the account name and profile picture in Start, and a redesigned Settings page with new customization controls.
Windows 11 adds per-app privacy controls
Windows 11 now lets you allow or deny camera, microphone, and location access for individual desktop apps, replacing the previous device-wide approach for traditional desktop applications.
You can review and manage permissions under Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, Microphone, or Location. Apps that haven’t accessed a resource before will prompt for permission the first time they try to use it.
Your existing permission choices remain unchanged, so previously allowed apps keep their access, while denied apps remain blocked. No action is required, and enterprise policies continue to work as before. Most apps appear with clear names, but those using shared system components or browser-hosted experiences might appear under unexpected names.
Some apps may also appear as Unsigned if the system cannot confirm their publisher, so only grant access to apps you recognize and trust.
Cloud Rebuild moves into Recovery settings
The new entry under Settings > System > Recovery gives you a more direct way to access Cloud Rebuild, making it easier to find when you need it.
File Explorer improves thumbnail clarity
File Explorer now displays sharper file thumbnails in the Recommended section of the Home page, making previews crisper and easier to recognize at a glance.
Magnifier adds a contrast theme and multi-monitor controls
Windows 11 is improving Magnifier with a new contrast theme toggle that reduces screen glare without changing the original colors of photos, videos, or charts.
The dark theme is enabled by default, and you can choose another option in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Color inversion remains available as a separate feature.
Magnifier also supports independent zoom levels for each monitor when your displays are set to “Extend” under Settings > System > Display. For example, you can magnify one screen to 300 percent while keeping another at 150 percent. This feature is enabled by default, but you can turn it off to restore the traditional behavior of one zoom level spanning all displays.
Another addition is viewport locking, which keeps a magnified view fixed on a particular screen while you move your pointer to another display. Use the “Ctrl + Windows key + K” shortcut to lock or unlock the view on the screen under your pointer, or use the “Windows key + Esc” shortcut to release all locks.
You can change the locking shortcut to “Ctrl + Alt + P” under Magnifier settings. You can also adjust each screen’s zoom using the “Windows key + Plus (+)” or “Windows key + Minus (-)” shortcut, “Ctrl + Alt” and the mouse wheel, the Magnifier settings, or the toolbar.
Unicode 17.0 support
The Experimental and Beta channels add support for Unicode 17.0, helping the operating system correctly display characters from more languages and writing systems. The update adds support for 4,803 characters, including four scripts, including Beria Erfe, Sidetic, Tai Yo, and Tolong Siki.
Recall may fail after a clean installation
Microsoft warns that Recall may be missing or fail to launch on some Copilot+ PCs after performing a clean installation of this build in the Experimental and Beta channels.
The company is working on a fix and says it will provide an update when it has more information.
Download Windows 11 update previews
To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in the Experimental or Beta channels through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the appropiate channel, 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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