Windows 11 26H1 Experimental Build Gets Better Wallpapers, WinRE Wi-Fi, and Emoji Improvements

Microsoft recently released KB5120998, which adds a new progress UI and improves Windows 11 security with Autopilot Device Preparation. Now, the company has another batch of changes specifically for Windows Insiders.

The new Experimental (26H1) Preview Build 28120.2824 focuses mostly on smaller usability and reliability improvements rather than major new features.

Windows 11 gets several wallpaper improvements

Microsoft has made several changes to backgrounds, including improved reliability when changing wallpapers.

Windows 11 can now also use DIB image files as desktop backgrounds. Microsoft has increased the resolution of background previews and improved how those previews appear on portrait monitors.

Desktop slideshows received several fixes as well. Slideshow transitions should work more smoothly on newly created accounts, while rapid wallpaper changes should cause fewer reliability problems.

Microsoft also fixed an issue affecting virtual desktops. Slideshow wallpapers should now continue working across multiple desktops instead of unexpectedly switching back to Picture mode.

Another fix addresses a bug that caused the desktop wallpaper to turn black after every reboot for some Windows Insiders.

Windows Recovery can reuse saved Wi-Fi profiles

Microsoft is also making Windows Recovery Environment more convenient on devices that need an internet connection.

WinRE can now reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already stored in Windows, including supported certificate-based Wi-Fi networks.

The change should simplify Quick Machine Recovery and cloud rebuild scenarios where Windows needs internet access to complete the recovery process.

Microsoft enables the feature by default, although IT administrators can disable it when necessary.

Microsoft temporarily removes the new Print Management experience

Microsoft is temporarily pulling its modernized Print Management experience from Windows Insider builds.

The existing Print Management tools will remain available, so the change does not remove the current printer management functionality from Windows 11.

File Explorer remembers Home section preferences

File Explorer Home also receives a small usability improvement.

Windows 11 will now remember whether individual sections on the Home page were expanded or collapsed.

This means users should no longer need to repeatedly collapse or reopen the same sections when returning to File Explorer.

Magnifier gets a Windows 11 visual refresh

Microsoft has refreshed the Magnifier toolbar to make it fit more closely with the rest of the Windows 11 interface.

The company updated several icons and adjusted spacing and padding throughout the toolbar.

The update only changes its appearance. Magnifier’s zoom controls, different views, keyboard shortcuts, Read Aloud functionality, and other accessibility features continue to work as before.

Windows 11 adds Emoji 17.0 support

Preview Build 28120.2824 also introduces support for Emoji 17.0.

New additions include the distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature emoji.

Microsoft has also adjusted the appearance of several existing emoji to improve consistency across platforms. Updated designs include the saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat.

Taskbar reliability also improves

Microsoft has addressed another reliability issue involving the Windows 11 taskbar.

The update improves how reliably the system tray area loads, which should reduce cases where tray icons fail to appear correctly.

Preview Build 28120.2824 may not deliver a major Windows 11 redesign, but its wide range of fixes improves reliability and usability across the operating system.