Microsoft Releases New Windows 11 Preview Builds
Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for the Beta and Experimental channels. Updates include improved cross-device recovery experiences and the ability to reinstall the system from the cloud.
Microsoft released new preview builds for Windows 11 on September 8, 2023, to the Beta and Experimental channels for Windows Insider program participants.
The Beta channel receives updates in versions Build 26620.9343 (26H2) and Build 28020.2904 (26H1). The Experimental channel gets Build 26340.9354 (26H2), Build 28120.2912 (26H1), and Build 29661.1000 (future platform).
Key features include an enhanced "Resume" experience for transferring web pages from a phone to a PC. If the corresponding mobile browser isn't installed, users can now open the page in their default browser or install the required browser. The Narrator accessibility tool now supports reading and navigating complex mathematical formulas, improving usability for visually impaired users in STEM fields. Additionally, the Magnifier tool supports independent scaling for each display, enhancing the experience on multi-monitor setups.
The Beta channel update also brings a modernized Autoplay experience and an improved Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). WinRE can now utilize saved Wi-Fi passwords and introduces a new "Cloud rebuild" feature. This allows for system reinstallation by downloading necessary files and drivers directly from Windows Update, which can be beneficial if the system fails to boot.
Experimental channel builds also include general improvements and fixes, such as enhancements to the "Device information" card in Settings and taskbar preview animations. Microsoft is also addressing known issues, including problems with custom mouse cursors and desktop background saving.