Latest Windows 11 Beta Build Fixes Hypervisor and KMODE Crashes, Improves Start Menu & Settings

Microsoft is wrapping up the week with a bunch of new builds. Speaking of which, the company has released Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8690 with a few stability fixes. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Beta preview build.

Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.8690 fixes virtualization bug checks

Microsoft has confirmed that this build addresses a critical issue that caused some devices to experience system crashes after installing recent Insider flights. Affected users reported bugchecks referencing HYPERVISOR_ERROR (0x20001) and KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (0x1E) during system restarts, virtual machine operations, and while running certain gaming applications.

Microsoft says the latest update resolves these virtualization-related problems, which should improve overall system stability for users who rely on Hyper-V, virtual machines, or gaming workloads.

The company has also improved the reliability of the Windows 11 Start menu. Previously, some users experienced delays in the Start menu reflecting newly installed or removed applications, often requiring a sign-out or system restart before changes appeared correctly.

With Beta Build 26220.8690, app additions and removals should now be displayed more consistently without requiring users to restart their sessions. Last but not least, Microsoft has introduced additional reliability improvements to the Settings > Apps > Startup page. While the company did not provide specific technical details, the update is intended to improve the stability and responsiveness of startup app management. Not to forget, Microsoft has also released Build 28020.2308 for Insiders in the Windows 11 Beta (26H1) channel.