Windows 11 gets more control over desktop app permissions with the new Beta build

Microsoft has wrapped up this week with five new builds for Windows 11 Insiders across five different channels. As for the Beta channel, the company has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9836. The latest Beta build introduces a useful privacy change, allowing users manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop apps. It also fixes personalization issues and brings several smaller improvements across Windows.

Windows 11 gets more control over desktop app permissions

Previously, traditional desktop applications relied on a single device-wide setting for certain permissions. With Beta Build 26220.9836, Windows Insiders can allow or deny camera, microphone, and location access for each desktop app individually.

Users can manage these permissions through Settings under Privacy & security. Apps that have not accessed a resource before will request permission when they first need it. Interestingly, existing permission decisions remain unchanged. Apps previously allowed or denied access will keep their current permissions, so users do not need to reset anything.

Microsoft also warns that some apps may appear under unexpected names. Others might show as “Unsigned” when Windows cannot verify their publisher information.

File Explorer and accessibility get smaller improvements

The latest Beta build also sharpens thumbnails in File Explorer’s Recommended section on the Home page. Microsoft says the images should now appear crisper and easier to read.

Meanwhile, users experiencing mouse personalization problems or wallpapers resetting after reboot should see those issues resolved. Microsoft has also added a toggle for the Windows key + Plus shortcut that launches Magnifier.

The shortcut remains enabled by default. Users can disable it through Settings if Magnifier starts accidentally or conflicts with another application. Narrator is also getting support for reading mathematical content in eight additional languages. These include Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Russian, Swedish, and Vietnamese.

Microsoft has also simplified the security key PIN entry experience by removing the “other user” icon. However, the company is temporarily rolling back its newer solid spinner animations across boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update screens while it fixes a bug.

Microsoft has been busy with Windows 11 Insider updates, releasing more than just the Beta build. The company also rolled out Experimental Build 28120.3393 (26H1), with improvements to Search, Xbox Mode, and AutoPlay, alongside Experimental Build 29698.1000 (Future Platforms), which focuses on privacy and File Explorer enhancements.