- Windows 11 build 26300.8687 (Experimental) introduces changes to the Windows Update system to reduce the number of reboots per month.
- Microsoft is also improving File Explorer navigation, Taskbar, and setup, and Windows Search now supports better handling for typos.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26300.8687) for version 25H2 (but also expected for version 26H2) via the Experimental experience in the Windows Insider Program. This flight introduces improvements for existing features, as well as various fixes, as part of the Windows K2 initiative.
According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 26300.8687 improves Windows Update to reduce the number of monthly reboots. Windows Search now supports better handling for typos, and you’ll find changes for File Explorer, Taskbar, Windows setup, input, Remote Recovery Management, audio, settings, and more.
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 26300.8687 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Windows Update with fewer reboots
Microsoft is introducing a new unified update experience designed to reduce the number of monthly reboots.
The company is now coordinating driver, .NET, and firmware updates alongside the monthly quality update, aiming to consolidate servicing into a single monthly restart.
File Explorer improvements
File Explorer is gaining several usability and accessibility improvements in this build. For example, middle-click support now allows users to open folders in a new tab directly from the address bar and the Home page.
Screen reader feedback has also been improved for the file conflict resolution dialog shown during copy and move operations. In addition, Microsoft has made further refinements to improve File Explorer responsiveness when using increased text scaling.
Windows Search new typo handling
Windows Search can now better handle typos, missing letters, extra characters, and partial app names. For example, searching for “utlook” will still return Outlook.
Microsoft is also improving Settings search results by showing more relevant matches higher in the list.
Other changes
In addition, this preview ships with a number of smaller improvements, including:
- Taskbar: This flight improves the reliability of the System Tray and fixes several visual issues, including a bug that could cause tooltips to overlap the Start button when using alternative Taskbar positions.
- Windows Setup: Microsoft is updating the setup experience with clearer information about parental controls, making it easier for families to understand and configure available safety features during installation.
- Input: The emoji panel now relies on GIPHY for GIF content after the retirement of Tenor integration. The build also fixes a bug that could cause incorrect mouse cursor movement on portrait-oriented secondary displays.
- Remote Recovery Management: Administrators can now take advantage of a new plug-in that extends WinRE remote management capabilities for MDM environments.
- Audio: Microsoft fixed an issue that prevented audio from working on some devices.
- Settings: This update resolves a reliability issue affecting the “Installed Apps” page in the Settings app.
- General reliability: The company addressed stability problems that could cause the operating system to freeze when using Search, Notepad, and certain other applications.
- Other: The “Run new task” dialog in Task Manager now properly follows the system’s dark mode setting.
Feature flags for build 26300.8687
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.
- Fewer update restarts.
- 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.
- Show Braille settings by default.
- Small Taskbar Feature.
- Touchpad Enhancements.
- Windows Search Box.
Download Windows 11 update 26300.8687
To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your Devices in the Experimental channel 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.
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.
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.
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