- Windows 11 build 26236 rolls out the controversial account manager in the Start menu.
- The preview also includes a new sign-in animation to provide your account credentials successfully.
- In addition, this build introduces various improvements to Windows Recall and generative AI settings.
Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 11 build 26236 in the Canary Channel of the Windows Insider Program with various improvements for existing features and fixes.
According to the official changes, build 26236 for Windows 11 rolls out the new account manager on the Start menu. This manager replaces the profile menu with a new design that gives you a preview of your Microsoft 365 benefits and alerts you of any missing information and other actions you have to take to maintain your account security.
In addition, you will be able to see at a glance your cloud storage usage and which services are active and expiring soon.
As a result of these changes, some of the options from the profile menu are now in different places. For example, you must click the three dots menu at the top right of the account manager menu to access the “Sign out” and “Switch user” options. Also, this menu no longer lists the other users configured on the computer.
If you want to lock your account, you will now find the option in the Power menu on the right side of the Start menu.
The issue with this feature is that even if you’re not interested in using a Microsoft 365 subscription when opening the account manager, you will get a banner promoting the service that many people may consider a form of advertisement.
In addition, this preview includes some fixes related to the Taskbar and audio on Windows 11.
AI hidden changes on build 26236
Aside from the new features and changes that were officially announced, Windows 11 build 26236 also includes several changes that Microsoft didn’t mention.
For example, when you log in to your account, the sign-in page will show a new animation that uses a combination of Windows Hello, logo, and checkmark to let you know your login was successful. I uploaded a short video showing the new animation on my X profile.
As part of the Windows Recall improvements, it’s been discovered that the screenray feature now allows you to “search the web” when selecting text from the snapshot.
In addition, on Settings > Privacy & Security, you will now find a new “Generative AI” page that will allow you to control whether users and apps on the device can use generative AI.
Windows 11 build 26226 install
To download and install the Windows 11 build 26236, 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 15 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 21 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].