Windows 11 Experimental Build Improves File Explorer and Widgets

Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 introduces faster File Explorer performance, improved desktop background persistence, expanded widget animations, and several taskbar, search, and input fixes.

File Explorer Gets Faster and More Responsive

Microsoft has improved File Explorer performance in several areas.

File deletion should now complete faster in some scenarios involving large and heavily fragmented files. The change may reduce delays when removing files that occupy fragmented sections of a storage drive.

File Explorer Home should also load faster and respond more smoothly. Microsoft has also added touch scrolling support to the Recommended section, making it easier to navigate suggested files on touchscreen devices.

These changes arrive as Microsoft continues working on broader File Explorer performance improvements, including plans to make searches across This PC faster and more relevant.

Desktop Backgrounds Should Persist More Reliably

The build improves how Windows 11 saves and applies desktop background settings.

Background selections should now persist more reliably, including when users switch between multiple virtual desktops. This should address cases where Windows unexpectedly changes or resets a selected wallpaper.

Microsoft has also made minor visual improvements to the Background page in the Settings app.

Widgets Receive More Animated Taskbar Icons

Windows 11 now supports animated taskbar icons from more widget providers.

Supported providers can deliver animations that update more dynamically as widget information changes. These animations can display changing weather conditions, alerts, sports updates, or other live information directly through the Widgets taskbar icon.

The availability and behavior of these animations will depend on individual widget providers.

Windows Update Installation Error Fixed

Microsoft has fixed an issue that caused some Windows Insider builds to fail during installation with error code 0xc0000409.

Insiders affected by the error should now have a more reliable upgrade experience when installing newer preview builds.

Redesigned Run Dialog Gets Better Command Completion

The redesigned Run dialog now offers another way to access command suggestions.

Pressing F4 expands the available command completion suggestions, helping users find and select previously entered commands more quickly.

The feature builds on Microsoft’s ongoing work to modernize the Run interface while retaining its keyboard-focused controls.

Taskbar and Notification Center Fixes

The update fixes minor visual problems that could appear when using alternate taskbar positions.

Microsoft has also corrected an issue that caused Notification Center to open in the wrong location when users positioned the taskbar at the top of the screen.

These fixes target experimental taskbar positioning options that may not appear on every Insider device.

Windows Search Box Is Slightly Taller

Microsoft has increased the height of the Windows Search box by four pixels.

The small adjustment should improve visual alignment and provide slightly more space for text and search elements. It does not introduce any major changes to how Windows Search functions.

Mouse Cursor and Voice Typing Improvements

The build fixes an issue that caused the mouse cursor to blink repeatedly.

Windows 11 should also remember the selected mouse cursor size more reliably after restarts, sign-ins, or settings changes.

Voice typing settings now persist more consistently as well. This includes preferences for automatic punctuation and the voice typing launcher.

Microsoft Continues Testing Windows 11 Improvements

Microsoft has also released Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.8925 with improvements for touchpads, the Start menu, File Explorer, Narrator, braille displays, and account controls.

The company is also developing major File Explorer search improvements designed to make searches across This PC faster and more accurate.

Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 focuses primarily on performance refinements, settings reliability, and fixes for experimental interface features. As an Insider preview, some changes may remain limited to selected users while Microsoft evaluates feedback.