- Microsoft makes the Windows 11 build 26002 available in the Canary Channel.
- This flight introduces a new Energy Saver feature and a refresh option for Wi-Fi networks.
- It allows the user to change the power button action from the Settings app instead of the Control Panel.
- The update also rolls out several improvements for the Taskbar and Settings app.
Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 11 build 26002 for users of the Windows Insider Program for devices enrolled in the Canary Channel, with new features and several changes and improvements for existing features.
According to the official changes, Windows 11 build 26002 introduces a new Energy Saver feature that extends and enhances the battery saver, rolls out various changes for the Quick Settings flyouts, and improves the Settings app. In addition, this flight includes a few known issues that everyone should know before installing.
Windows 11 build 26002 changes
These new features and changes are rolling out with build 26002 for Windows 11.
Energy Saver
The new Energy Saver feature is available on the “Power & battery” settings page, and the company defines it as a quick way to extend battery life and reduce energy use by trading off some system performance. Similar to the “Battery saver” feature, you can configure it to run automatically whenever the device reaches a certain battery percentage.
In addition, the Quick Settings flyout will now include an option to turn the feature on or off quickly. Furthermore, while Energy Saver is turned on, the feature will continue working to save energy while the laptop or desktop computer is plugged in for those aiming to conserve energy all the time.
The “Power & battery” settings page also includes a new “Power & sleep button controls” setting to change the power button action while the device is plugged in or running on battery. (These settings have been around for a long time but were available through the Control Panel.)
Taskbar
As part of the Taskbar changes, Windows 11 build 26002 rolls out performance improvements for the Quick Settings flyout. If you have a single VPN connection configured on the device, a new option will allow you to turn it on and off with a single click. If you have multiple VPN connections, the system now adds changes to the list to reduce the time needed to start a connection.
Also, the development team is adding a new “Refresh” button to quickly rescan the wireless networks from the Quick Settings flyout quickly.
Settings app
Starting with build 26002, Windows 11 rolls out account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts on the Settings homepage. This feature displays notifications across the Start menu and Settings. Also, it’s possible to manage these new options from Settings > Privacy & security > General.
This flight also removes the colored backplates from app icons in Settings > Apps > Installed apps and Settings > System > Notifications.
Finally, as part of the known issues, Microsoft keeps noting that some popular games may not work correctly, and the restart button may go missing from the “Windows Update” settings as the device is ready to apply build 26002.
Install build 26002
To download and install the Windows 11 build 26002, enroll your device in the Canary 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 clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
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. Email him at [email protected].