Windows 11 Release Preview Update Brings Touchpad Controls and File Explorer Fixes

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Release Preview builds for Insider testers, bringing a broad collection of fixes, reliability improvements, and usability enhancements across the operating system. The update applies to both Windows 11 version 24H2 and the upcoming 25H2 release.

The latest builds expand on recently introduced features such as Bluetooth improvements and voice enhancements, as well as Point-in-Time Restore and Screen Tint. This release focuses heavily on reliability, touchpad customization, File Explorer stability, networking, and Start menu responsiveness.

According to the official builds 26100.8728 and 26200.8728 release notes, Microsoft is rolling out a wide range of fixes and improvements across Windows 11.

WSL and Display Reliability Improvements

Microsoft has improved Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) when used in mirrored networking mode alongside VPN connections. This should help users who rely on WSL for development work while connected to corporate or personal VPN services.

The company also addressed several graphics and display-related issues. Rendering reliability has improved when scrolling through certain applications that span multiple monitors, while color profiles should now apply more consistently and remain active after configuration.

Clearer Location Settings

Windows now provides a more intuitive experience when location services are disabled.

When users turn off Location Services under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location, related options such as Default Location and Allow Location Override become unavailable and appear grayed out. Microsoft says this change helps prevent confusion because those settings have no effect when location services are disabled.

Touchpad Customization Arrives

Users with compatible pressable touchpads can now adjust the size of the bottom-right right-click area. The new setting can be found under the Touchpad section in the Settings app.

Some devices may also display a Custom option if the manufacturer provides additional touchpad controls.

Better Japanese Handwriting Recognition

Microsoft has improved Japanese handwriting recognition by enhancing support for English character recognition during handwriting input.

The change should make mixed-language handwriting more accurate for users who frequently switch between Japanese and English text.

File Explorer and Shell Stability Improvements

Microsoft says File Explorer Home navigation should behave more reliably during OneDrive synchronization. The company also improved explorer.exe stability when switching between multiple virtual desktops.

• Improved app launch reliability when shell extensions are installed
• Better explorer.exe stability across various scenarios
• Reduced occurrences of blank gray taskbar icons
• Improved reliability of acrylic blur effects in Start, Settings, and the lock screen

Login and Lock Screen Improvements

The update also improves reliability when organizations use third-party credential providers for authentication.

Microsoft says login and lock screen experiences should now work more consistently in these environments.

Secure Boot and Enterprise Networking Enhancements

Beyond the gradual rollout features, Microsoft is also shipping several improvements to all users receiving the update.

Windows quality updates now include additional high-confidence device targeting data for Secure Boot. This allows more eligible devices to automatically receive updated Secure Boot certificates once they demonstrate sufficient successful update history.

Enterprise networking receives multiple reliability fixes as well.

• Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers
• Connectivity for member servers communicating with older domain controllers
• Connections to shared network resources
• Reliability of the NetUseAdd function
• Null session, or unauthenticated, network connections

These changes primarily benefit business and enterprise environments.

Start Menu and Taskbar Fixes

The Start menu now updates more accurately when applications are installed or removed. Users should no longer need to sign out or restart Windows before newly installed apps appear correctly.

This improvement is particularly noticeable for applications that create folders containing multiple shortcuts.

Taskbar notification badges have also been refined. Notification counts and badge indicators should now update more reliably across supported applications.

These improvements are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel through builds 26100.8728 and 26200.8728. As with most Release Preview updates, some features are rolling out gradually and may not appear immediately on every device.