- Windows 11 builds 28020.3382 and 28120.3393 expand Search with inline controls, Phone Link actions, richer results, and new filters.
- Build 28020.3382 adds secure drive sanitization to Cloud rebuild and simplifies the Search home experience.
- Build 28120.3393 improves File Explorer, refreshes Gaming Task View in XBOX mode, and warns about the April 2027 DPAPI retirement.
- Both builds introduce a modernized AutoPlay experience with dark mode and temporarily roll back the new loading animations.
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 28020.3382 and 28120.3393 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, these updates introduce several improvements, including a redesigned Windows Search with inline controls, phone actions through Phone Link, richer results, and better filtering. The updates also bring a modernized AutoPlay experience with dark mode, improved Cloud rebuild options with secure drive sanitization, and a refreshed Gaming Task View in XBOX mode.
Build 28120.3393 also improves File Explorer navigation, file previews, and file size displays, while introducing a warning that prompt-based Data Protection API (DPAPI) operations will be retired in April 2027. Other changes include a cleaner security key PIN screen and a temporary rollback of the new loading animations while Microsoft addresses a bug.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28020.3382 and 28120.3393
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Windows Search gets inline actions and phone controls
Windows 11 build 28120.3393 expands the new Windows Search experience with several useful additions that let you find information and perform actions without opening other apps or Settings. You can now adjust volume, screen brightness, and cursor size directly through inline sliders, while suggested actions make additional controls easier to discover.
Search also gains phone integration through Phone Link, allowing you to make calls, send text messages, and control features such as “Do Not Disturb” on a connected phone. Android support is available now, with iPhone support planned for early next year.
The experience also delivers richer results, including file previews and details such as modification dates, locations, and authors, alongside web answers for weather, stocks, and general facts. You can also discover apps and games from the Microsoft Store, filter results by Files & Folders, Settings, and Actions, and provide feedback using thumbs-up or thumbs-down controls. You can even remove recent items from the initial Search view before typing.
Microsoft notes that the new Search experience currently opens at the bottom center of the screen, with improvements underway to support different taskbar positions and searches launched from the Start menu.
On build 28020.3382, Search home gets a simplified design that reduces visual clutter and makes recent searches easier to access. Results also show clearer source indicators, including apps, settings, files, web results, and Store suggestions.
In addition, a new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets you control whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.
Cloud rebuild gains secure drive sanitization
Windows 11 build 28020.3382 improves Cloud rebuild with an important option for securely preparing a computer before handing it to someone else. When you start a rebuild through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), you can now choose Remove files to keep using the PC or Remove & sanitize files before recycling, returning, or reassigning it.
The sanitization option uses the storage hardware’s erase capability to securely erase data before reinstalling Windows.
Network administrators also gain the ability to configure and initiate Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP, using either the currently installed build or a specific target build.
AutoPlay gets a modern design and dark mode
Both 26H1 builds introduce a refreshed AutoPlay experience for devices connected to your device, including phones, cameras, and removable drives. The dialog now better matches the Windows 11 design, supports dark mode, and retains the familiar actions for choosing what happens when you connect a device.
The updated experience also responds better to text scaling and display settings, while its notifications are now docked in Notification Center for easier access.
XBOX mode gets a redesigned Gaming Task View
Windows 11 build 28120.3393 introduces a refreshed Gaming Task View experience in XBOX mode. The update adds a new navigation bar with quick access to “Exit to Desktop” and “Power Options,” making it easier to navigate these settings using the gaming controller.
File Explorer gets faster navigation and usability improvements
Build 28120.3393 delivers several File Explorer improvements, starting with faster, more responsive Home page launches. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling, making it easier to browse files in its carousel.
Microsoft is also improving file information and navigation. The “Details” view now displays file sizes using appropriate units, such as KB, MB, and GB, instead of showing everything in KB. You can also middle-click folders in the Address Bar and Home page to open them in new tabs.
Additionally, the update improves thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane and reorganizes file properties to make information easier to find. It also fixes an issue that cleared the Address Bar contents when entering edit mode by clicking near its right end.
DPAPI warns about an upcoming retirement
Build 28120.3393 adds a warning before prompt-based protect and unprotect operations using the Data Protection API (DPAPI). The notification explains that this prompt-based experience will be retired in April 2027.
Microsoft advises users and developers to stop creating new prompt-protected data, switch to supported non-interactive protection methods, and decrypt or migrate existing prompt-protected data before the retirement date. Other DPAPI operations that don’t use the prompt-based experience are unaffected.
Security key sign-in gets a cleaner PIN screen
The Experimental build 28120.3393 also updates the security key PIN entry experience by removing the “Other user” icon. The change simplifies the sign-in interface and clarifies the PIN entry screen.
Rolls back the new loading animation
Both builds temporarily roll back the new solid, donut-style loading spinners across several important Windows experiences, including Boot, Logon, Restart, Shutdown, and Update.
Microsoft says it’s addressing a bug and expects to resume the rollout soon.
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 appropriate 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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