Windows 10 build 18894 (20H1) releases with new features

Windows 10 build 18894 is now available for testers with new search experience in File Explorer and other improvements.

Windows 10 build 18894
Windows 10 build 18894

Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 10 build 18894 for devices enrolled in the Fast ring of the Windows Insider Program. This is the eleventh preview releasing as part of the 20H1 development, and it delivers some new improvements and features.

Windows 10 build 18894, according to the company, introduces an updated version of File Explorer with several new features. In addition, this flight also addresses problems scrolling with the mouse wheel and touchpad, issues Windows Update, Start menu, and Narrator.

File Explorer

Starting with Windows 10 build 18894, the search box in File Explorer is now controlled by Windows Search. In addition, this change also means the search box in File Explorer will also integrate with OneDrive content online, just like when using search from the taskbar.

File Explorer search on Windows 10 build 18894
File Explorer search on Windows 10 build 18894

Also, the File Explorer experience has been updated, so when you click the search box (or press CTRL + E to set focus to it), you’ll see the drop-down list with your search history.

Narrator

Alongside the File Explorer changes, Windows 10 build 18894 also introduces Narrator improvements, including:

  • Narrator table reading: Narrator is now more efficient when reading tables. Only the deltas are read when navigating. Entering and exiting tables is also less verbose.
  • Narrator web page summary: There’s a new command in Narrator to give a webpage summary (Narrator + S).
  • Magnifier text cursor setting: Magnifier can now keep the text cursor in the center of the screen making it easier and smoother to type. Centered on the screen is on by default and can be changed in the Magnifier settings.

Alongside the new improvements, Microsoft is also announcing several known issues for Windows 10 build 18894 at the Windows Blog.

Download Windows 10 build 18894

Although there are no ISO files for Windows 10 build 18894, the update is available immediately through the Fast ring. This preview build will download and install automatically on your device, but you can always force the update from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.

Warning: This is a pre-release version of Windows 10, and it’s not recommended to install them on your primary machine. If you’re planning to test this build, make sure to create a backup of your files before proceeding.

You can also check out these resources:

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.