- Windows 11 build 26300.8697 (Experimental) officially switches development version from 25H2 to 26H2.
- Microsoft is also improving File Explorer navigation, Taskbar, Start menu, and more.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26300.8697) 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 26300.8697 changes the version number from 25H2 to version 26H2, meaning that moving forward, previews in this channel will belong to the next version of the operating system expected to be released before the end of the year.
With today’s build, Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 26H2,
the company noted in the announcements.
In addition to the versioning update, Microsoft is also using this flight to address several quality and reliability issues across the operating system. File Explorer receives visual improvements that make the “Copy” dialog more consistent in Dark mode, including refinements to the launch animation and expanded progress view.
The company has also improved Start menu reliability, ensuring newly installed or removed apps appear correctly without requiring users to sign out or restart the device.
On the Taskbar, Microsoft fixed an issue affecting the new, smaller Taskbar option that could cause the system tray area to become truncated or pushed off-screen. The Settings app also receives reliability improvements, specifically for the “Startup” settings page.
Finally, the update resolves a virtualization-related bug that could trigger HYPERVISOR_ERROR (0x20001) and KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (0x1E) blue screen errors on some devices. According to Microsoft, the problem could occur after installing recent preview builds during system restarts, virtual machine activities, or while running certain games.
Feature flags for build 26300.8697
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.
- 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.
- Group of win32k changes including touchpad things.
- Improved Magnifier quick settings access.
- Magnifier Simplification.
- Short Query File Search support for 2-character queries in WSB.
- Show Braille settings by default.
- Small Taskbar Feature.
Download Windows 11 update 26300.8697
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 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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