Microsoft has released five new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, featuring a major redesign of Windows Search powered by WinUI 3, allowing users to execute tasks directly from the search interface. This update aims to transform search into an action launcher, reducing clutter and improving performance, as well as introducing inline actions like switching modes or arranging windows. Other updates include enhancements to the Battery Status widget, improved accessibility features for the Narrator, and the default activation of IAKerb to reduce reliance on NTLM authentication. While the search overhaul is significant, not all builds contain noteworthy changes, with some primarily offering routine fixes and maintenance updates

Windows 11 October 2026 Insiders: WinUI 3 Search Overhaul with Inline Actions Ships

Microsoft pushed five new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds to the Beta and Experimental channels today, headlined by a full Windows Search redesign built on WinUI 3. The new search can now run tasks for you, switching dark mode, muting your mic, or snapping windows into place, instead of just surfacing links. Other highlights include a unified Battery Status widget, IAKerb now enabled by default to cut reliance on NTLM, and expanded Narrator math reading across six languages. Not every build delivers, though, with the 26H1 Beta and Future Platforms flights offering only routine fixes and open issues under investigation.

Windows 11 October 2026 Insiders: WinUI 3 Search Overhaul with Inline Actions Ships @ NT Compatible