Windows 11 Release Preview 26H1 Update Improves USB Reliability and Battery Life

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 Insider Release Preview update for devices running Windows 11 26H1. The update introduces a wide range of quality improvements across Storage, USB connectivity, battery efficiency, File Explorer, Microsoft Store, and system reliability.

Most of the new features are rolling out gradually, which means they may not appear immediately for all users.

Storage Settings Become More User-Friendly

Users can now specify storage sizes in gigabytes when creating a Dev Drive instead of entering values only in megabytes. The same improvement is available when resizing volumes through Storage settings, making disk management easier and more intuitive.

Microsoft has also reduced unnecessary User Account Control prompts. Storage settings will now display a UAC prompt only when users choose to view temporary files.

USB4 and USB3 Reliability Improvements

Displays connected through USB4 docks and hubs should now wake more reliably after a PC resumes from standby. Microsoft says users with external monitors connected through docking stations should notice more consistent behavior.

The USB3 stack also gains additional recovery mechanisms designed to handle unexpected hardware faults and other error conditions more effectively.

Better Battery Life and Power Management

Microsoft addressed multiple power-related issues that could negatively affect battery life.

The company fixed problems where applications could keep the sensor hub powered on unnecessarily, resulting in excess battery drain. Improvements were also made to HID (Human Interface Device) power management.

According to Microsoft, Windows now handles failed HID devices more efficiently and better prevents unnecessary power usage from applications attempting HID transfers while the system is in standby mode.

Touch Keyboard and Input Improvements

The touch keyboard should now work more reliably on the Windows sign-in screen.

Microsoft specifically addressed scenarios involving password entry and password changes. The company also improved explorer.exe reliability when closing the input switcher.

Clipboard history has received performance optimizations as well. Users should notice faster opening times and smoother navigation through previously copied content.

Font, Task Scheduler, and Shortcut Fixes

This update includes several smaller but useful improvements throughout Windows.

The Times New Roman font family has been updated to improve rendering of combining diacritical marks used in Greek and Cyrillic languages.

Task Scheduler now remembers column width adjustments in the task list view across sessions, eliminating the need to repeatedly customize layouts.

Microsoft also improved reliability for desktop application shortcuts, helping them load more consistently.

Microsoft Store Downloads Get Faster

Downloads should now perform better while using available bandwidth more efficiently. Microsoft has also improved error reporting when downloads fail because of Windows Update Group Policy settings.

These changes should make troubleshooting Store download issues easier for administrators and enterprise users.

Additional Reliability Improvements Across Windows

Microsoft introduced numerous reliability fixes throughout the operating system.

Key improvements include:

• Better reliability on sign-in and lock screens
• Improved File Explorer stability
• More reliable touch gestures on touchscreen devices
• Better stability when changing themes in Settings
• General platform reliability improvements

Enterprise and Security Improvements

Alongside the gradual rollout features, Microsoft also included several changes in the normal rollout portion of the update.

Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers have been improved, helping member servers communicate more reliably with older domain controller deployments created before 2025.

Microsoft also enhanced BitLocker testing reliability by ensuring the required files are available during the BitLocker Drive Encryption USB BIOS Logo Test process.

Bluetooth and Voice Typing Improvements

While Storage, USB, and reliability fixes make up the bulk of the update, Microsoft says the release also includes additional improvements for Bluetooth and Voice Typing.

These changes further expand the update’s focus on usability, connectivity, and overall system reliability as Microsoft continues preparing Windows 11 26H1 for broader availability.