- Windows 11 builds 28120.3272 (Experimental) and 28020.3262 (Beta) roll out to Insiders testing version 26H1.
- Experimental build 28120.3272 improves Search, adds Pointer Indicator accessibility controls, refines Live Captions, and makes privacy settings easier to find.
- Both builds improve Family Safety messages for age-restricted apps and fix an msmpeg2ac3dec.dll issue that caused some apps and games to crash.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview builds 28120.3272 and 28020.3262 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, Windows 11 build 28120.3272 for version 26H1 (Experimental) introduces a small set of improvements and fixes. The Experimental build includes updates to Windows Search, a new Pointer Indicator accessibility feature, improved Live Captions controls, and a redesigned “Privacy & security” page in Settings.
Both builds improve Family Safety messaging when age-based parental controls block applications and fix an issue with the msmpeg2ac3dec.dll file that caused some apps and games to crash. These changes are rolling out gradually to Insiders, with additional Search, accessibility, and Settings improvements currently available in the Experimental channel.
What’s new on Windows 11 build 28120.3272 (Experimental)
These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:
Windows Search improvements
Windows 11 build 28120.3272 simplifies the Search home page to reduce visual clutter and make recent searches easier to access.
Search results also provide clearer source information, including apps, settings, files, web results, and Microsoft Store suggestions.
A new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets users control whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.
New Pointer Indicator
This preview also introduces a new accessibility feature called Pointer Indicator, designed to help users with low vision locate and track the mouse pointer more easily.
To enable it, open Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch and turn on “Pointer indicator.” Users can also toggle the feature on or off using the “Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + X” keyboard shortcut.
Live Captions changes
The update improves Live Captions with a new “Include Screen Reader audio” setting, which is disabled by default.
When turned off, Live Captions won’t transcribe audio from screen readers such as Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA, keeping captions focused on microphone and system audio.
Settings app improvements
The company also improved the “Privacy & security” page in Settings to make Camera, Microphone, and Location privacy controls easier to find. The page groups related settings and displays usage information that previously required opening additional pages.
Family Safety changes
Both Windows 11 builds 28120.3272 (Experimental) and 28020.3262 (Beta) improve Family Safety messaging when applications are blocked by age-based parental controls. The changes aim to make these restrictions clearer to users.
Other fixes
Windows 11 builds 28120.3272 and 28020.3262 also introduce some smaller fixes and improvements:
- Fixed an issue with msmpeg2ac3dec.dll that caused some apps and games to crash.
- Included a small set of general improvements and fixes to improve the overall experience for Windows Insiders.
Download Windows 11 update previews
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.
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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