Windows 11 26H1 Release Preview Improves File Explorer and Bluetooth

Windows 11 26H1 Insider Release Preview Build 28000.2597 is now available with improvements for Windows Update, Widgets, accessibility, File Explorer, Bluetooth, and Phone Link.

Microsoft will deliver the changes gradually, so features may appear at different times depending on the device.

Windows Update Gets a New Pause End Date Option

The update introduces a new calendar-based option for pausing Windows updates.

Users can now choose a specific end date for pausing updates for up to 35 days, extend the pause period by selecting a new end date, and restart a previous pause through the same calendar control.

This approach provides more flexibility compared to selecting from fixed pause intervals.

Widgets No Longer Open Automatically on Hover

Microsoft has changed how the Widgets panel behaves in Windows 11.

Widgets will no longer open when users hover over the taskbar icon. Instead, the panel will open directly to the dashboard when launched for the first time.

Notifications and taskbar badges now remain minimized by default, while dashboard icons display the number of active alerts. Alert badges clear automatically after users view them, and the panel now offers improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality.

Accessibility Adds Full-Screen Tint Options

Build 28000.2597 introduces new full-screen tint settings designed to reduce eye strain and improve text readability.

Magnifier also receives additional controls, allowing users to manually enter a specific zoom percentage instead of relying only on preset values.

Microsoft has also added options for adjusting Magnifier zoom increments directly from the Magnifier interface.

File Explorer Gains Hover Actions and Performance Improvements

File Explorer now displays quick actions when users hover over files in Home on work and school accounts, allowing them to open the file location or ask Copilot directly. Microsoft has also improved File Explorer launch speed and disk image mounting performance.

Additional fixes and improvements include better handling of file paths containing quotation marks, improved support for paths with double backslashes, enhanced address bar suggestions, a fix for duplicate OneDrive files appearing in Favorites, and more reliable file renaming. Some of these features were already available in KB5095093.

Bluetooth Improves AirPods and Beats Support

The update improves Bluetooth headset microphone controls by keeping the mute status synchronized between Windows and connected headsets. Microsoft has also enhanced compatibility with Apple AirPods and Beats Studio Pro devices.

Further improvements include more stable Bluetooth audio, more reliable voice calls, better LE Audio performance, faster device reconnection after hibernation, more reliable Bluetooth device removal, and improved stability within Bluetooth settings.

Phone Link Changes Call Audio Behavior

Microsoft has adjusted how Phone Link handles calls between a connected phone and Windows PC.

During outgoing calls, audio now remains on the phone while the call rings, transferring to the PC only when the user answers the call from the computer.

Incoming phone calls will also stop ringing on the PC when Windows Do Not Disturb mode is enabled.

Other Windows 11 Insider Builds Available

Users who want to test features at an earlier development stage can install Windows 11 Insider Beta 26H1 Preview Build 28020.2539.

Microsoft has also released a Windows 11 25H2 Release Preview update that includes improvements for File Explorer, Windows Search, and Voice Access. The same build also improves Windows Hello and overall system reliability.