Windows 11 Beta Build Adds New Loading Animations and Better Search

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8544 for Beta Channel testers. The update introduces redesigned loading animations, improved Windows Search behavior, and new Windows Ready Print controls aimed at modernizing printer setup.

Windows gets new spinner animations

One of the most visible changes in the update is the introduction of new solid donut-style loading spinners across Windows.

The refreshed animations now appear during several major system flows, including boot, logon, restart, shutdown, and Windows Update.

Microsoft is replacing older legacy spinner designs with a more unified visual style. As previously reported, legacy spinner animations are being phased out in favor of a cleaner and more modern Windows experience.

Status text will also appear more consistently during these flows. Messages such as “Restarting,” “Working on updates,” and “Welcome” should now display in a more standardized way across the operating system.

Windows Search now finds partial matches better

The update also improves Windows Search behavior, especially for files with long or compound names.

Windows can now better detect substring matches inside filenames and document content. This means users no longer need to type exact file names to locate documents.

Microsoft shared several examples:

• Typing “april” can now surface files like MeetingNotesApril
• Typing “status” can find ProjectStatusReport

The improvement should make Search feel more flexible, especially for users with large document libraries or complex naming structures.

Microsoft expands Windows Ready Print

Build 26220.8544 also expands Microsoft’s Windows Ready Print initiative.

New printer installations will now use IPP, or Internet Printing Protocol, by default whenever supported by the printer hardware.

Microsoft says the change should simplify printer setup while improving reliability and consistency across devices.

Microsoft also added a new toggle under Printers & scanners called “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print,” which lets Windows automatically install compatible printers using IPP-based setup.

The company has been steadily replacing printer drivers with a more secure and standards-based printing system in Windows 11.

The latest Beta build shows Microsoft continuing that transition while also refining core Windows experiences like Search and system visuals.

The update is currently available for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.