On August 31, 2026, Microsoft released new Insider Preview builds for Windows 11, specifically Builds 28020.2818 for the Beta channel and 28120.2824 for the Experimental channel, as part of version 26H1. A significant enhancement is the upgrade to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which now allows the automatic use of saved Wi-Fi profiles during cloud rebuilds, eliminating the need for IT admins to manually enter credentials. Additionally, the update includes support for Emoji 17.0, a refreshed Magnifier toolbar, and improvements to File Explorer Home, although the modernized Print Management tool has been temporarily removed for further refinement. The 26H1 track is specifically designed to support upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors, distinguishing it from previous versions

Windows 11 Insider Builds Aug 31: WinRE Wi-Fi Support, Emoji 17.0, and More

Microsoft released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds on August 31, 2026, pushing Build 28020.2818 to the Beta channel and Build 28120.2824 to the Experimental channel for version 26H1. The most notable addition is a major upgrade to the Windows Recovery Environment that now automatically reuses saved Wi-Fi profiles during cloud rebuilds, sparing IT admins from manually entering credentials at the recovery prompt. Beyond enterprise fixes, the update brings Emoji 17.0 support, a visual refresh for the Magnifier toolbar, and state preservation to File Explorer Home, while temporarily pulling the modernized Print Management tool for further refinement. The 26H1 track continues as a targeted platform release for upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 silicon, with ISOs for the concurrent 26H2 feature update also becoming available starting today.

Windows 11 Insider Builds Aug 31: WinRE Wi-Fi Support, Emoji 17.0, and More @ NT Compatible