Latest Windows 11 Beta 26H1 build out with smarter Search & modernized AutoPlay experience

Among the five new builds released today, the Build 28020.3382 is out for Windows 11 Insider in the Beta channel running version 26H1. This build improves Search, updates Cloud rebuild, and modernizes AutoPlay.

Windows 11 Search and AutoPlay get redesigned

Microsoft is simplifying the Search home page to reduce clutter and make recent searches easier to access. Search will also identify where results originate, including apps, settings, files, web results, and Microsoft Store suggestions.

Interestingly, users are getting more control over online suggestions. A new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search lets users choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is modernizing the AutoPlay dialog that appears when connecting devices. The refreshed interface uses WinUI, supports dark mode, and adapts better to text scaling and display settings. The familiar AutoPlay actions remain available. Notifications for the dialog will also appear in Notification Center, making them easier to find later.

Cloud rebuild gets a useful security upgrade

Cloud rebuild is also receiving two notable improvements. The recovery feature reinstalls Windows using a clean operating system image, helping restore a PC to a known-good state. Users can now choose between removing files and removing files while sanitizing drives. The latter option is intended for PCs being recycled, returned, or reassigned.

Microsoft says the sanitization process uses the storage hardware’s erase capabilities before reinstalling Windows. The operation is irreversible, so users should carefully select the correct option. IT administrators are also getting remote management capabilities through the Recovery Configuration Service Provider. They can configure and initiate Cloud rebuild remotely, using either the installed Windows build or a specified target build.

Microsoft is temporarily rolling back its newer solid spinner animations across boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update screens. The company says it is addressing a bug before resuming the rollout. Not to forget, the company has also dropped Beta channel Build 26220.9836 with individual app permissions for camera, microphone, and location. In addition, there are other improvements and changes related to Magnifier, File Explorer, and Narrator.

Besides the Beta build, Microsoft has also released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Build 28120.3393 (26H1), bringing improvements to Search, Xbox Mode, and AutoPlay. Meanwhile, Experimental Build 29698.1000 (Future Platforms) introduces privacy and File Explorer improvements.