Windows 11 Beta 26H1 Update Adds GIPHY Support and Mobile Devices Enhancements

Microsoft has expanded its Windows 11 Insider testing program with another Beta release for users on the new 26H1 development branch. The latest update, Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 28020.2366, does not introduce major new features, but it delivers several quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and backend changes, including updates to mobile device management and the Windows emoji panel.

The release notes apply specifically to Windows Insiders enrolled in the Beta 26H1 channel. Microsoft says the update focuses on improving existing experiences while preparing the operating system for future releases.

Mobile Device Settings gain new management options

One of the more noticeable changes in Build 28020.2366 is an update to the Mobile Devices section within the Settings app.

Users can now add and manage supported mobile devices by navigating to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. The page serves as a central hub for managing several phone-related features available in Windows 11.

Among the available options are using a smartphone as a connected camera, managing access to a mobile device’s files in File Explorer, and configuring supported phone integration features.

The improvements continue Microsoft’s effort to strengthen the connection between Windows PCs and mobile devices through built-in management tools.

Windows Recovery Environment gets new MDM capabilities

Microsoft has also added a new remote recovery management plug-in.

According to the company, the plug-in extends Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) management capabilities for Mobile Device Management (MDM) providers. While this change primarily targets enterprise environments and IT administrators, it lays the groundwork for improved remote recovery management on managed Windows devices.

Emoji panel now switches from Tenor to GIPHY

Another visible change affects the Windows emoji panel.

Microsoft has replaced Tenor with GIPHY as the GIF provider for the emoji picker, which users can open with the Windows key + Period (.) keyboard shortcut.

The company says the change follows the deprecation of the Tenor API. By moving to GIPHY, Microsoft aims to provide a smoother experience when browsing and sharing animated GIFs directly from Windows.

The new Beta build arrives alongside two additional Insider releases. Microsoft also published Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8758 and Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8754, giving testers across multiple Insider channels a fresh set of updates to evaluate.