Build 26340.9843 for Windows 11 26H2 brings phone calls to Search, Quick Settings to Gaming Task View – Experimental

• Windows 11 build 26340.9843 expands Search with inline sliders, Phone Link actions, file previews, web answers, Microsoft Store results, and new filters.
• Gaming Task View in XBOX mode gains Quick Settings, while Settings adds Microsoft 365 Family storage details and subscription upgrades.
• Microsoft temporarily rolls back the new loading animations while working on a bug.
• The company is looking into a Task Manager issue that prevents CPU speed information from updating.

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26340.9843) for version 26H2 through the Experimental channel in the Windows Insider Program. In this release, the company improves existing features, adds new ones, and includes various fixes as part of the Windows K2 initiative.

According to the official notes, Windows 11 build 26340.9843 expands the new Windows Search experience with inline controls, Phone Link actions, richer results, additional filters, and feedback options.

The update also brings Quick Settings to Gaming Task View in XBOX mode, adds Microsoft 365 Family shared storage information and subscription upgrade options to Settings, and temporarily rolls back the new loading animations while Microsoft fixes a bug.

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Microsoft is also looking into an issue that prevents Task Manager from updating the displayed CPU speed.

What’s new on Windows 11 build 26340.9843 (Experimental)

These are the new features and improvements rolling out in the Experimental channel:

Windows Search gets inline actions and phone controls

Starting with build 26340.9843, Microsoft is expanding the new Windows Search experience with more ways to find information and perform tasks without leaving Search. The update introduces several useful improvements, including inline controls for adjusting volume, screen brightness, and cursor size through sliders, along with clearer action labels and additional suggestions.

Search can also interact with a connected phone through Phone Link. You can now make calls, send text messages, and control features such as “Do Not Disturb” directly from the interface. You can use these features with Android, while iPhone support is expected early next year.

The experience also delivers richer results, allowing you to preview files and see details such as their modification date, location, and author. Windows Search can also provide web answers for weather, stocks, and general facts, and discover apps and games from the Microsoft Store.

You can enable or disable Store results under Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

Finding specific content should also be easier with additional filters for “Files & Folders,” “Settings,” and “Actions,” along with the ability to scroll through more results. The company is also adding thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback controls and an option to remove items from the initial Search view.

One limitation remains. The new Windows 11 Search experience currently opens at the bottom center of the screen, but the company is working on adapting it to different taskbar positions and searches launched from the Start menu.

XBOX mode adds Quick Settings to Gaming Task View

Gaming Task View in XBOX mode is becoming more useful with Quick Settings added to its navigation bar. You can now access the full collection of Quick Settings available from the Taskbar without leaving the gaming experience.

It’s a welcome improvement that reduces the need to interrupt gameplay just to change a system setting.

Settings adds Microsoft 365 family storage details

Windows 11 is making it easier to check shared cloud storage included with Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions. The new view under Settings > Accounts > Cloud storage displays storage usage across family members. Microsoft says a more detailed breakdown for each member is coming soon.

Availability depends on when you purchased your subscription. Subscribers who purchased Microsoft 365 after October 8, 2026, can already check the new view. Those with subscriptions purchased before that date will receive it after their first subscription renewal on or after May 2, 2027.

Microsoft 365 subscriptions upgrade via Settings

Eligible Insiders can now explore Microsoft 365 subscription upgrade options and complete the upgrade directly from Windows Settings. Instead of being redirected to a browser, selecting Upgrade on the Microsoft 365 subscription card under Settings > Accounts opens an integrated experience.

It’s a small but welcome convenience that keeps subscription management inside Windows rather than sending you to another app or website.

Windows boot and shutdown animations temporarily revert

The Windows team is temporarily rolling back the new solid donut-style loading spinners in several key experiences while working on a bug. The change affects the animations displayed during Boot, Logon, Restart, Shutdown, and Update.

Microsoft expects to resume the rollout once it resolves the issue.

Finally, the company is looking into reports from Windows Insiders that Task Manager no longer updates the displayed CPU speed after installing recent preview builds. The company hasn’t provided a workaround or timeline for a fix.

Download Windows 11 update 26340.9843

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.

Alternatively, you can download the ISO files from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page. Specific preview builds are available for a limited time only.