Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8772

Release date: 6 July 2026

Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out

[Recovery]

  • We're introducing Cloud rebuild, a new recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, even when Windows won't boot. Unlike Reset this PC, Cloud rebuild downloads both the target Windows image and the device's drivers from Windows Update, so the device comes back fully functional without USB media, without a custom image, and without depending on the health of the currently installed OS.
  • In this preview, you can try Cloud rebuild today:
    1. Start it directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by selecting Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild.
    2. Connect over wired Ethernet or a Wi-Fi network from within WinRE.
    3. Review the target Windows build, edition, and language, then confirm the data-loss warning before the rebuild begins.

The new Cloud rebuild option in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), enabling a full Windows reinstall using files downloaded from Windows Update

The new Cloud rebuild option in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), enabling a full Windows reinstall using files downloaded from Windows Update.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Recovery > Cloud rebuild.

To learn more, see https://aka.ms/CloudRebuild.

[Backup and restore on by default for commercial]

  • Starting in Windows 11, version 26H2, the backup policy of Windows settings backup and restore will be enabled by default on eligible Microsoft Entra joined or Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices. Windows settings backup is no longer something admins must configure first. It becomes a resilience baseline that automatically captures user settings and the Microsoft Store app list. So, when a device is reimaged or reset, users can return to a familiar setup without relying on prior configuration, improving recovery consistency, and reducing time to productivity.
  • Admins remain in full control: existing policies still apply, explicit configurations override the default, and restore remains opt-in and admin-managed. By making settings backup the default, this change establishes a more resilient, recoverable device experience, minimizing disruption and reducing setup friction.

[Account Control]

  • The Windows 11 Account Control flyout has a refreshed, modern design and a clear subscription badge to make the user's account status instantly visible. This helps users easily identify their plan, discover benefits, and explore upgrades.

UI showing the refreshed Account Control flyout with subscription badges, account benefits, and storage details UI showing the refreshed Account Control flyout with subscription badges, account benefits, and storage details.

Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Settings > Start Menu.

  • We are increasing the height of the search box by 4 pixels.

[Settings]

  • The Bluetooth quick settings page is now navigable using gamepad input.

[Taskbar]

  • Fixed issue where the search icon might be invisible when using the taskbar in a vertical position.

[Run]

  • Improved how keyboard focus is announced for screen readers when using the new Run design.

[Fonts]

  • Improved Mongolian Baiti shaping and rendering behavior to ensure accurate and consistent text output, increasing text fidelity for Mongolian script.

[Other]

  • If you were having issues with Outlook not responding to the close button last week, that should be addressed now.
  • Improved resource usage over time of title bar tooltips.

Reminders for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel

  • Updates are based on Windows 11, version 26H2 via an enablement package (Build 26300.8772).

  • Many features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology, starting with a subset of Insiders and ramping up over time. We monitor feedback to see how they land before pushing them out to everyone in this channel.

  • For Windows Insiders who want to be the first to try new features, see the available list of features to toggle on at the Feature flags page under Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.

  • The desktop watermark shown at the lower right corner of the desktop is normal for Windows Insider pre-release builds.

  • Features and experiences included in these builds might never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features might change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they're ready.

  • Some features in active development we preview with Windows Insiders might not be fully localized, and localization will happen over time as features are finalized. As you see issues with localization in your language, please report those issues to us via Feedback Hub.

  • Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

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