Windows 11 Release Preview Builds Add Point-in-Time Restore and Screen Tint

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Builds 26100.8728 and 26200.8728 to the Release Preview Channel, introducing a wide range of new features and improvements ahead of broader availability.

Build 26100.8728 is available for Windows 11 version 24H2, while Build 26200.8728 targets Windows 11 version 25H2. As with many Release Preview updates, Microsoft is gradually rolling out these features, meaning they may not appear immediately for all users.

Windows Gains Point-in-Time Restore

One of the biggest additions in these builds is a new Point-in-Time Restore feature for Windows.

The feature allows users to roll back their PC to a recent automatic restore point. Unlike traditional restore options, Microsoft says the experience can restore apps, settings, and even personal files, helping users recover from problems more quickly.

According to Microsoft, the goal is to reduce downtime and make troubleshooting easier when software issues or system changes cause unexpected problems.

Windows Update Gets a New Calendar Experience

Microsoft is also updating the Windows Update page with a redesigned pause updates experience.

Users can now select a specific end date directly from a calendar interface when pausing updates. Windows updates can be paused for up to 35 days, and users can extend the pause period by choosing a different end date if needed.

Widgets Become Less Distracting

Widgets are receiving a quieter and more focused experience designed to reduce interruptions.

Widgets no longer open automatically when users hover over the taskbar icon. Notification badges and taskbar alerts are also minimized by default.

Microsoft has updated Widget badges so they use colors that match the current Windows accent color, creating a more consistent visual experience, as seen in Build 26300.8493.

Microsoft also says Widgets receive several reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality improvements in these builds.

New Screen Tint Accessibility Feature Arrives

Windows 11 now includes a new Screen tint feature that applies a customizable color overlay across the entire display.

The feature is designed to reduce eye strain, improve readability, and make the screen more comfortable for users who experience visual sensitivity.

Users can select from multiple preset tint colors, create custom tint settings, and adjust intensity levels to suit their preferences. Screen tint can also activate automatically through Accessibility settings.

Magnifier Gets Better Zoom Controls

Users can now enter an exact zoom percentage directly from the Magnifier interface instead of repeatedly adjusting zoom levels.

Additional zoom increment controls are available from the Magnifier window, allowing users to change zoom behavior without opening the main Settings app.

File Explorer Adds Copilot Actions and Reliability Improvements

On the Home page, users can now access quick actions by hovering over files. Available actions include Open file location and Ask Copilot.

Microsoft has also expanded support for work and school accounts that use Entra ID. However, the Copilot quick action remains unavailable in the European Economic Area.

The File Explorer address bar now accepts paths that contain double backslashes and paths enclosed in quotation marks. This improves compatibility when users paste file paths from scripts, documents, or command-line tools.

Several reliability fixes are also included:

• Address bar suggestion dropdowns now close correctly after selecting an item.
• OneDrive files should no longer appear duplicated in File Explorer Home Favorites.
• Text selection during file renaming behaves correctly.
• Case-only file name changes now appear immediately.
• Rename fixes apply to both local and cloud-backed files.

Rolling Out to Release Preview Users

The new features are currently rolling out gradually to Release Preview Channel users on both Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.

Users looking for additional experimental features may also want to check out Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Beta Channel releases, which continue to test upcoming functionality before it reaches Release Preview.