- Windows 11 build 26300.8289 is now available in the Experimental experience of the Insider Program with some significant improvements and fixes.
- This preview overhauls the Windows Update system, print driver changes, and the Start menu improvements.
- Microsoft is also rolling out Windows 11 build 26220.8283 in the Beta experience with virtually the same changes.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26300.8289) for version 26H2 via the Experimental experience in the Windows Insider Program. This preview introduces improvements to existing features and a small set of fixes.
In addition, the company is rolling out the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26220.8283) to the Beta experience, with similar changes and fixes available in the Dev Channel.
According to the company, Windows 11 build 26300.8289 includes changes to the Windows Update mechanism to enhance security and improve user control over updates.
Also, the company is adding changes for the print drivers, improving the Start menu, and more.
Although these changes are part of development for version 26H2, the operating system may still 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 26300.8289
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental Channel:
Windows Update changes
Microsoft is rolling out a set of improvements designed to improve security while giving users far more control over how updates are handled on Windows 11, directly addressing long-standing feedback about unexpected interruptions and a lack of flexibility.
The update experience now starts at setup. During the out-of-box experience, users can skip installing updates immediately, allowing them to reach the desktop faster and decide later when to apply the latest features and security fixes.
Once inside the system, update management becomes significantly more flexible. You can now pause updates using a calendar interface for up to 35 days and extend that pause as many times as needed, effectively removing previous limits. At the same time, Microsoft is reducing disruptions by aligning driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly quality update, which means most updates are bundled into a single, more predictable restart instead of multiple reboots throughout the month.
Power management is also becoming more consistent. The Restart and Shut down options will always be available independently from update actions, ensuring the system does exactly what you choose. Separate options to update and restart, or update and shut down, remain visible, giving you clear, intentional control over when updates are applied. After restarting, the system will also attempt to restore previously opened apps faster to help you get back to work.
Microsoft is also improving transparency within Windows Update. Updates are now grouped under a single “Available updates” section, and driver updates include clearer category labels, such as display, audio, or battery. This makes it easier to understand what’s being installed and make informed decisions before proceeding.
Behind the scenes, the company is also focusing on reliability and security. System updates will download in the background and install during coordinated restart windows, while new recovery mechanisms automatically attempt to resolve update failures, increasing success rates, especially on devices with limited connectivity.
Print driver improvements
The Internet Protocol Print driver (prnms012) now includes new hardware IDs (HWIDs) to prepare for upcoming changes in how the operating system prioritizes and selects printer drivers.
Other changes
The company has also released several other improvements for the operating system:
- Start menu: Improved detection of clicks at the leftmost edge of the taskbar so the Start menu opens reliably when taskbar icons are left‑aligned.
- Other: Removed an unexpected error that appeared when opening Group Policy Editor in recent Insider flights, and updated Times New Roman to improve support for combining diacritical marks across Greek and Cyrillic Unicode ranges, with a request for feedback if any positioning issues are observed.
As part of the known issues, the company notes that the Feature Flags page may include incorrectly marked features as current. Changing the state and applying changes will still work as expected despite the incorrect status being shown.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 26220.8283
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Beta Channel:
Print drivers improvements
Also, in the Beta Channel, the Internet Protocol Print driver (prnms012) now includes new hardware IDs (HWIDs) to prepare for upcoming changes in how the operating system prioritizes and selects printer drivers.
Other changes
Microsoft is also rolling out the same improvements for the operating system in the Beta Channel:
- Start menu: Improved detection of clicks at the leftmost edge of the taskbar so the Start menu opens reliably when taskbar icons are left‑aligned.
- Other: Removed an unexpected error that appeared when opening Group Policy Editor in recent Insider flights, and updated Times New Roman to improve support for combining diacritical marks across Greek and Cyrillic Unicode ranges, with a request for feedback if any positioning issues are observed.
Download Windows 11 update 26300.8289
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.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft is now labeling preview builds with the new names (Experimental, Beta, and Release Preview), even though users may still not have transitioned to the Experimental experience. Users in the Beta Channel have not yet begun moving to the new Beta experience.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 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.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].
