Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Build Improves Privacy and File Explorer

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental (Future Platforms) Preview Build 29698.1000, introducing individual privacy controls for desktop applications, alongside taskbar and File Explorer improvements.

The update allows users to manage camera, microphone, and location permissions separately for traditional desktop apps instead of relying on a single device-wide setting.

Windows 11 now supports individual privacy permissions for desktop apps

The biggest change in Build 29698.1000 gives users more control over which desktop applications can access sensitive device resources.

Previously, Windows relied on broader settings to manage these permissions for traditional desktop applications. The new controls allow users to grant or restrict access to the camera, microphone, and location services for individual apps.

Users can also review which applications request access to these resources, making it easier to manage privacy without disabling permissions for every desktop application.

Taskbar and File Explorer receive fixes

Microsoft has addressed an issue affecting taskbar settings when users connect or disconnect multiple monitors. The fix improves how Windows preserves taskbar preferences across different display configurations.

File Explorer also receives a fix for incorrect text in the confirmation dialog that appears when users permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin.

The build includes additional stability improvements.

Microsoft rolls back new Windows 11 loading animations

Microsoft has temporarily removed the new solid donut-style loading animations after discovering a bug.

The rollback affects loading animations during boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and Windows Update.

Microsoft plans to restore the updated animations after resolving the issue, although it has not announced a specific timeline.

Fortnite Battle Royale matchmaking issue remains

Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue that may cause Fortnite Battle Royale to freeze during matchmaking.

The company is investigating the problem and has not announced a fix.

Microsoft also releases new Windows 11 Beta and Experimental builds

Alongside Build 29698.1000, Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental (26H1) and Windows 11 Beta 26H1, introducing improvements to Search, AutoPlay, and other Windows features.

The company has also released a new Beta build for Windows 11 25H2, which introduces similar individual privacy permissions for camera, microphone, and location access.

Build 29698.1000 is available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel. Microsoft has not confirmed when these changes will reach stable Windows 11 releases.