Microsoft is testing Windows 11 26H1 with Insider Preview Build 28000, which offers many of the useful features we’ve seen in the Dev, Beta and Stable versions of previous builds. Even though the version contains some additions, it is not one of the usual Windows feature updates (via PCWorld).
For example, there is a more uniform dark mode for File Explorer. All dialogs in the interface, including copy, move, replace, error, and progress bar dialogs, are now fully theme-compliant.
Minor feature changes, big foundations for Windows on Arm
The Explorer home pane gets new hover options, including “Open file location” or “Ask Copilot,” depending on which region the user is in. There’s a redesigned Settings search feature that provides better recommendations when searching in Windows Settings.
Windows 11 26H1 makes it easier to drag and share files in File Explorer (and other apps), features an updated mobile settings page in the Settings app to manage connected smartphones, and an improved full-screen Xbox experience that delivers a more immersive, console-like experience.
Finally, Windows Studio Effects now supports external USB webcams; You can enable the feature in the Settings section.
Although these are minor changes, the main purpose of Windows 11 26H1 is to prepare the operating system for a new generation of Windows-on-Arm devices powered by the Snapdragon X2 and X2 Elite chipsets (initially exclusive to these chips). It is based on a new Windows platform codenamed “Bromine”.
The first PCs with Windows 11 26H1 will be available in spring (a few months from now). However, other PCs based on Intel or AMD chips will stick with Windows 11 25H2 for now and may receive the next major consumer update in fall 2026. Going forward, Microsoft will do all feature development on 25H2.
