- Windows 11 build 26340.9577 is rolling out through the Experimental channel for version 26H2 with several improvements.
- Start menu now shows more recent Phone Link activity through a scrollable side pane.
- Narrator expands math reading to six languages and supports web content in Edge and Chrome.
- Settings and fixes include Energy Recommendations in Quick Settings, Temporary Files refinements, USB audio fixes, and improved Taskbar settings across monitor connections.
Microsoft is releasing the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26340.9577) for version 26H2 through the Experimental experience in the Windows Insider Program. This release includes several smaller improvements across the operating system, as part of the Windows K2 initiative.
According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 26340.9577 introduces an updated Start menu that lets the Phone Link companion display more recent phone activity through a scrollable side pane. Settings also gets updates, including easier access to Energy Recommendations from Quick Settings and minor visual refinements to the Temporary Files section.
Narrator receives broader math-reading support, expanding to six languages and adding support for mathematical content in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Microsoft also fixes an issue affecting some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices and improves how Taskbar settings are preserved when you connect or disconnect multiple monitors.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 26340.9577 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Start menu with More phone activity
The Phone companion in the Start menu is becoming more useful by showing more of your recent mobile activity. A new scrollable side pane lets you browse additional activity without leaving the Start menu, giving you a quicker way to see more of what’s happening on your phone.
Energy recommendations come to Quick Settings
Windows 11 is making its “Energy Recommendations” easier to find by bringing them directly into Quick Settings. Users can now discover suggested actions to reduce energy consumption and improve device sustainability without digging through Settings.
Microsoft is also making small visual refinements to the Temporary Files section under Settings > System > Storage, giving the page a cleaner, updated design.
Narrator expands math reading support
Windows Narrator is expanding its math-reading capabilities with support for more languages and browsers. The feature now supports six languages, including English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Traditional Chinese, Finnish, German, and Spanish. You can select the preferred language from the Math reading settings in Narrator.
The company is also bringing math reading to supported web content in Microsoft Edge Stable 153.0.4234.32 and later and Chrome Stable 153.0.8010.18 and later. This makes it easier for students and professionals to read and navigate mathematical expressions across more of the web.
Other fixes
Windows 11 build 26340.9577 also introduces some smaller fixes and improvements:
- USB audio: Fixed an issue affecting certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, including some multichannel audio headsets, that could stop working correctly after installing the latest updates.
- Multiple monitors: Improved how Taskbar settings are preserved when you connect or disconnect monitors.
Feature flags for build 26340.9577
Here’s a complete list of the flags you can use to enable experimental features in Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags:
- Camera Roll Backup
- Cross Device Resume Improvement
- Drag and Drop bundle fixes
- Emoji 17.0
- Enhanced start menu customization
- Improved Context Menu
- Indexer based Search in File Explorer
- Magnifier Contrast Theme Setting
- Modernized AutoPlay Experience
- Refined Windows Search
- Short Query File Search support
Download Windows 11 update 26340.9577
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.
What new feature in Windows 11 build 26340.9577 interests you most?
Voting closes: October 2, 2026 1:00 pm
Alternatively, you can 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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